Making the shift from a crib to a bed is a big transition for any toddler and her parents. Once deciding your toddler is ready for this change, there are a few different mattress options to consider. There is no one mattress firmness that is best for a toddler. Each available option varies in firmness but is still a safe and comfortable option for your child. What you choose may depend on your child’s attitude towards change, available space and expense. There are generally two types of crib mattresses, foam and innerspring, each of which are suitable for both infants and toddlers, says Consumer Reports. Both are very firm, which is important as it prevents infants from sinking into them. Many parents choose to simply use their crib mattress on a toddler bed until their child is 2 to 3 years old and ready to move into a larger bed, as toddlers still find this firmness to be comfortable. A toddler bed looks like a regular bed except it is lower to the ground and comes with side rails.
Most crib mattresses fit toddler beds. Some cribs come with the option of purchasing a convertible mattress. These mattresses are extra firm for infants on one side, and softer on the other. According to Consumer Reports, the softer side for toddlers is made of standard foam or springy, viscoelastic memory foam. Convertible mattresses can be used either with a crib that converts into a toddler bed, or with a regular toddler bed. They are generally more expensive than regular crib mattresses. Some parents choose to simply buy their child a twin bed that he can grow into, putting rails on the side if necessary. When purchasing a regular mattress, look for a softer mattress with innersprings. Softer mattresses will conform to a toddler's body, which is much lighter than an adult's. Recommended Mattresses for Children How to Keep Toddlers from Running Away When in Public Signs of a High IQ in Toddlers How to Stop a Toddler From Falling Out of Bed What Should a One Year Old Eat?
The Effects of Chocolate on Toddlers How to Get a 14-Month-Old Toddler to Sleep at Night Shortness of Breath in Toddlers How to Clean a Crib MattressChoose the Correct Size Most children transition from a crib mattress to a big bed between the ages of 2 and 3. You may opt to use your crib mattress and go straight to a toddler bed, but if you're considering longevity, it's best to focus on a twin-sized children's mattress, a twin XL or a full-sized bed. A regular twin mattress is one step up from a crib mattress. These mattresses are ideal when you're looking to save space, and they work well if you have two or more children sharing a room. A twin XL mattress is slightly longer and is more likely to accommodate a teenager's growth spurts. A full-sized mattress is ideal for larger rooms and can sleep more than one child. This type of mattress is the same length as a standard twin-sized mattress, but it can usually accommodate a child well into adulthood. Children with allergies are often sensitive to synthetic mattresses.
Synthetic mattresses can sometimes cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and other health issues. To prevent a possible reaction, choose an organic mattress or one made of natural materials, including cotton, organic wool, silk, natural latex and even bamboo. If you are unsure of the composition, read the manufacturer's label and look for any chemicals. Select the Right Support Type The most popular types of mattress support systems include innerspring coils and memory foam. Innerspring open-coil mattresses are the most common. These mattresses feature a network of connected coils that allow pressure points to sink in but provide support to keep the spine from bowing. Innerspring pocket coils feature springs that work independently from one another. They are typically more expensive than standard innerspring coils, but they are fantastic at eliminating motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses are a good choice for children, because the weight of a child isn't enough to cause continuous stress to the coils, which can damage them and shorten the life of the mattress.
Memory foam mattresses contour to the shape of the body, are hypoallergenic and last much longer than coil spring mattresses. The more expensive designs feature gel infusions that keep you cooler throughout the night. Latex mattresses are perhaps the highest quality and can last up to 30 years. Latex mattresses provide excellent support, but the cost is usually not practical for a growing child. Pick the Level of Comfort All mattresses come in extra firm, firm, plush and ultra-plush. Ultra-plush mattresses are often referred to as pillow-top or box-top mattresses. Back and side sleepers generally appreciate a firm mattress, while a medium-firm mattress is perfect for stomach sleepers. Decide on a Durable Design Kids are notorious for accidents, and they love jumping on beds. Make sure to choose a kid's mattress that can withstand a little abuse. A mattress protector is always a good idea, regardless of the type of mattress you purchase, as it guards against stains and can be removed for cleaning.
A simple platform bed works well in a child's room. This type of foundation lets you avoid using a box spring, which saves you money. If you're considering a traditional bed frame, you also need to purchase a solid box spring. Most high-quality mattresses have matching box springs, so you can purchase the two together as a set. When choosing a box spring, select one that's the same size as your regular mattress and fits snugly inside your bed frame.The Best Mattresses For Kids: A Good Practice Guide When it’s time to make the move from toddler bed to big kid bed, do you buy a firm mattress or soft? Here are our tips to remove the stress from mattress shopping and help make your child’s transition comfy and cozy. As adults, we lie on every mattress, test which is most comfortable for us and make informed decisions based on what we feel, but buying a mattress for another person can be tricky, especially when that other person bounces from bed to bed in the mattress store, proclaiming them all jump-worthy.
So how do you choose the best mattress for your child? Here are some questions to consider as you make your selection: What material is inside the mattress? Many materials contain harmful chemicals, like polyvinyl chloride, which let off emissions that are known carcinogens. Organic mattresses, which are typically made from organic cotton, are growing in popularity and are increasingly easy to find. Will the mattress allow for your child to grow and still be comfortable? Though your child is small now, he or she will likely be sleeping on the mattress that you choose for 15-plus years, so you’ll want to choose one that’s large enough to comfortably sleep an adult. Should you buy new or gently used? It's always best to buy a new mattress. Used mattresses usually bring with them bacteria, mold, mites and bodily fluid residue. Does your child like the way it feels? Although it can be tricky to get your child to lie still long enough to get a sense of whether the mattress is truly comfortable, it’s helpful if they can tell you what they think about it.
Ask them non-leading questions like “How does this mattress feel to you?” and “Is this mattress hard or soft?” If your child wavers between a couple of mattresses, opt for the firmer of the two, since it will offer good support while your child’s bones are forming and growing. Should you splurge on a high-priced mattress? While it can be tempting to buy a more expensive mattress, it’s unlikely that your child needs it. But you shouldn’t skimp either, as inexpensive mattresses tend to need replacing sooner than those of higher quality. Aim for something in the middle. You won’t go wrong with a mid-priced mattress. Although it can seem daunting to buy a new mattress for your child, by asking yourself these questions, you can ensure that you’ve made a great choice to help your child transition into that big kid bed. More about your home 5 Home accessories to bring summer into your home Change the look of a room for free! Updating your kitchen for spring