4 Factors to Consider When Buying Mattresses for Kids

Research has shown that children generally need more sleep than adults, with experts saying the optimum amount is between 9-12 hours per night dependent on age.

Getting good quality sleep helps a child’s attention span, improves their mood and contributes significantly to their health and wellbeing.

Sleeping also aids physical development, with the body using the resting hours to repair itself from the rigours of daily life.

This is a particularly pertinent point for children, who usually spend most of their time on the go when they are awake.

With these points in mind, it is hugely important to ensure that children are provided with a good quality sleeping environment.

One of the most important aspects of this is the bed, so read on as we look at four factors to consider when buying mattresses for kids.

Pick the right type of mattress

If you’re planning on buying a mattress for a child it is vital to consider which type will best suit their needs and help them get a good night’s sleep.

According to "MattressInsider.com", you should look for mattresses that have a large number of coils....

Pocket sprung mattresses are one of the most popular, providing a durable and supportive base for kids to lie on at night.

Memory foam mattresses have also become increasingly popular in recent times, offering enhanced levels of comfort to help even the most restless child get a good night’s sleep.

However, it is important to note that memory foam is not suitable for toddlers, with experts recommending a firmer mattress is the way to go.

Latex mattresses are another viable alternative for kids, particularly those who prefer a cooler surface to sleep on.

If you want the best of all worlds, hybrid mattresses combine springs with latex or memory foam to offer perfect support for kids with sleep disorders.

Pay extra for more quality

The saying ‘you get what you pay for’ holds great resonance when it comes to trying to buy the best mattress for kids. Youngsters spend more than a third of each day in bed, highlighting the importance of ensuring they have a good quality mattress to sleep on.

Look for mattresses that have a large number of coils and thick padding, as these features generally point to the product being well-made.

While it can be tempting to try and save money when you’re buying a mattress, this may ultimately prove to be a false economy.

Cheaper mattresses generally have a much shorter lifespan than more expensive alternatives and are usually more uncomfortable to sleep on.

Paying extra for a mattress will pay dividends in the long run, giving children the quality of sleep they need each and every night.

Test the firmness

Another important aspect to consider when buying a mattress for children is the level of firmness and support it provides.

As with adults, most children will have a personal preference and it is important to include them in the process when you head off to the bed shop.

Take them along with you and make sure that they try out numerous different types of mattress to find one they feel comfortable on.

Generally speaking, medium-firm mattresses offer the best support for the spine, but this may not suit every single individual.

If a mattress is too firm it can disrupt a child’s sleep and that ultimately defeats the object what the product is there to do.

Testing out different levels of firmness will help to ensure that the child is happy with the mattress and give them a better chance of enjoying a good night’s sleep.

Allergies and bed-wetting

Some children have allergies that mean certain types of mattresses are simply not suitable for their sleeping needs.

Many manufacturers now make mattresses with anti-allergy features included, so check the specification to ensure it meets your child’s requirements.

Bed-wetting is also an issue worth thinking about, with many children going through phases where this happens.

Waterproof mattress protectors are a great investment, helping to keep the mattress dry if your child has an accident.

They also give your child confidence that should something happen they are not going to cause damage to something expensive, taking the stress out of going to bed.

Replacing a mattress can be pricy, so spend a little bit extra on a protector to give everyone a little extra peace of mind.

Buying mattresses for kids – the final word

Getting enough rest will help your child’s development, so make sure that you invest in a mattress that will provide optimum sleep conditions.

Once you’ve determined the type of mattress you want and how firm it should be, spend time searching for the best product you can afford.

Kids spend a lot of their time in bed – making it an enjoyable place to be will ensure that they get the quality of sleep they need. 

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