Mattresses come in all shapes and forms. Many people have specific preferences of mattresses based on their particular physique, lifestyle and sleeping patterns.
When it comes to a child’s mattress, different factors need to be considered when choosing it. It is incredibly important to choose the right mattress to optimise their rest and make the most of their days.
Sleep and rest are vital for the development of children. The right amount and quality of sleep can improve the child’s attention span, increase their learning ability and memory and factor toward overall physical and mental health and development. Broken, disturbed or reduced sleep can result in a substantial drop in mental and physical health and has been shown to result in depression, obesity, and severe learning challenges.
The amount of sleep is determined by the child’s age. Infants will need between 12 to 16 hours, ages one to five will require 10 to 14. From age six to twelve is an average of 10 hours per day and from 12, all the way through to late teens is an average of 8 hours. So, if you are in the market to purchase your child’s mattress and have no idea where to start, we thought we would help you out with the key factors you will need to consider to purchase long-lasting mattresses for kids.
Consider the Size
As your child grows, so the mattress will need to grow with them. This will also mean that you will need to replace the mattress at least twice as they grow. The first mattress that you will buy will be the infant’s mattress.
Not only do you need to consider the size of the crib, but you will need to keep in mind that this has to be replaced after around two years. From then, you will need to look at a toddler’s mattress. Most toddlers will do well in a single to twin size bed, and these mattresses can last an average of eight years.
The third mattress that you can consider for your child, from the age of eight to ten is a more mature mattress that will need to last until they are eighteen and either leaving home or going off to college. This mattress, from the age of ten, will need to be an adult size mattress and capable of supporting adult weight as your child grows older.
Look at the Density
The rule of thumb is that the thicker the mattress, the better. A mattress will need to be firm to be able to provide the child with the support needed to get a good night’s rest. Not only are firmer mattresses better for the child’s body when asleep, but a firm mattress will also last longer. Once a mattress starts sagging, it is coming towards the end of its lifecycle.
It is important to test the density of the mattress before you simply buy it. Mattresses are an investment that should last a long time, and you do not want to waste money on one that will simply give way a year in.
Test the mattress in the store by pressing your hands on the outer edges of the mattress and determining how soft it is. If it bends too easily, you will probably find that the mattress will sag too quickly. Keep in mind that it cannot be too firm either. You still would like your child to be comfortable, so make sure it’s not rock solid.
Decide the Mattress Materials
There are numerous types of mattresses on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to do some research on each so that you know what factors into each one. You can choose between the following:
- Gel;
- Foam;
- Innerspring;
- Water Bed;
- Air Bed;
- Latex Mattresses.
In order to choose which is right for your child, you will need to keep in mind that your child will be a lot more active than an adult on the mattress. Children tend to jump and play on mattresses and be a bit rougher with their beds in general. This could possibly rule out the air and water beds and also shorten the lifespan of the inner springs.
You will also need to consider the high likelihood of your toddler and young child frequently wetting the bed. This will need to be easy to clean and should not impact the integrity of the mattress. There are a number of water-proof mattresses on the market that you can invest in, or alternatively, you can purchase a mattress protector to lengthen the lifespan.
The last thing that you need to consider is mattress off-gassing. You will notice if you purchase a foam mattress for the first time that it will emit a very particular smell. This is due to the synthetic materials and components used to make the mattress. It has been proven that the levels of gasses released are not high enough to be dangerous to you or your child, but it is something to consider when making your purchase.
Make Sure the Price is Right
A good mattress is an investment. They should last for 10 to 12 years if they are cared for properly. So, spending a bit more on a mattress could be the difference between having to replace it frequently. However, in saying that, when it comes to buying for a child, overspending can simply be a waste of money.
The rule of thumb should be that the older the child is, the more you should spend on the mattress. Keep in mind that toddlers will be rougher and create more mess on their mattresses, and the older they get, the longer the mattress will last. Mattresses for the younger child should be anything between £100 to £200. Once they start growing older, you can opt to spend more and can expect to pay from £300 and up to £600 for a high-end mattress.
Wrapping Up
Making sure your child gets a good night’s rest is key in the development of your child. It is important to make sure that you do your research before simply buying a mattress. Read the reviews and know all of the pros and cons of each type. It is also important to make sure that your child has a routine. Getting them to bed at a particular time and waking them up at the same time each morning will develop a good sleep habit that is vital for your child to grow up healthy and fit.