For young babies, a firm mattress is important to prevent SIDS or suffocation. However, once a child is a year old, the danger of SIDS lessens, and your toddler will outgrow his crib and transition to a bigger bed. When this happens, he might need a new mattress, which doesn't necessarily have to be as firm as a crib mattress. Function A toddler mattress should be comfortable enough to help your child sleep. If she has had difficulty sleeping well on a crib mattress, a slightly softer mattress may help her sleep better. Types You can buy a mattress that's specifically designed for a toddler bed, bigger than a crib but smaller than a twin. However, many cribs also transition into toddler beds, in which case you can continue using a crib-sized mattress. In addition, some crib mattress have a "dual firmness" feature, in which one side is firmer for a baby's use, while the other side is slightly softer and more comfortable for a toddler. Time Frame You should wait until your baby is at least a year old to switch to a toddler mattress.
Most parents wait until their child tries to climb out of the crib, at which point the crib is no longer safe, which for most children happens when they are older than 18 months. You can also wait until your child begins potty training, at which point you will want him to be able to get out of bed to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Considerations The best toddler mattress should ventilate well and meet all safety standards, including flammability. In addition, it's best if the mattress is waterproof, since most toddler mattresses will suffer occasional diaper leaks or potty training accidents. SizeIf you are using a convertible crib mattress, it should be at least 27-1/4 inches wide, 51-5/8 inches long and 6 inches thick. When you put it in the toddler bed, there should be no gaps around the edges; you shouldn't be able to fit more than two fingers between the mattress and the bed. Toddler mattresses vary in size, so test the mattress in the bed to make sure they fit each other before you buy.
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 springToddlers & PreschoolersSleepSleep BasicsMoving from Crib to Bed Here's how to make a smooth transition. Facebook Pinterest Twitter Google Plus Text EmailMattresses influence your child’s sleep, and parents know their children needs quality sleep. Without the proper sleep, kids may experience problem at school and home, for example, poor memory, trouble focusing, difficulty paying attention, etc.Consider Firmness : The best sleeping pad for a child will give the best possible support developing bodies.
Notwithstanding sleeping pad type or size, kids require firm support. Firm kids sleeping cushions guarantee a child's spine and bones grow develop properly.Discount Mattresses & Beds for Sale inaustraliaToddler beds only fit a crib mattress- it is very firm. As they age, a firm twin mattress is a great option.Have you ever wondered if your children are getting enough sleep? With the hustle and bustle of life, it’s difficult for parents to make sure that their kids are catching enough ZZZs. Although it may be hard, ensuring that your little ones have a decent amount of shut-eye time is very important. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, adequate sleep is linked with improved attention, behavior, learning, mental well-being, and physical health. Insufficient sleep increases risks for obesity, diabetes, accidents, depression, and in teens, self-harm including suicide attempts. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has released a recommendation of sleep guidelines for kids by age, based on a review of scientific evidence on sleep duration and health.
For infants aged 4-12 months (younger babies aren’t included because they have a wide range of normal sleep patterns), doctors suggest that they should be sleeping 12-16 hours including naps. Children between one and two should be sleeping 11-14 hours, and kids that are three to five should be sleeping 10-13 hours nightly. Little ones between the ages of six to twelve should be getting 9-12 hours of sleep, while teens aged thirteen to eighteen should be in bed for a minimum of 8-10 hours. This chart outlines the new sleep guidelines for kids by age simply: When you first had your baby, choosing a crib mattress was probably fairly easy, as most of them have a standard size and firmness level. However, by the age of two to three, most children should be moving from their crib to a standard bed. Most parents stick to one of three sizes of mattresses: twin, twin XL, full, and full XL but deciding on what type of mattress can be a different story. When you first feel a mattress, it usually feels firm or plush.
If the top-cushioning layer is thicker, a mattress is usually considered plusher. This has no bearing on support, and most times, a mattress’ firmness is a personal preference. Go to the mattress store and try several mattresses out. A mattress that feels comfortable for you will most likely suit your child. Firm: Firm mattresses offer a stable, floating feeling. Younger kids transitioning from a crib mattress often enjoy a firmer mattress. Also, kids that sleep on their stomach usually prefer a firm sleeping surface so that they can keep their spine in proper alignment and prevent their back from bowing in too much. Plush: Plush mattresses offer a pillow-top feel that kids can sink into. Older kids typically like the thick cushioning of this comfort level. If your little one is a side-sleeper or likes to sleep on their back, a plush mattress could be for them. There are several different types of mattresses and they all use different technologies to support your kid while they sleep.
Depending on your child’s needs, a certain mattress type can help them get adequate snooze time. Denver Mattress offers custom fittings, where an experienced professional will figure out which type of mattress will put your kid in neutral spine alignment, relaxing the muscles, and allowing a better night’s rest. Schedule an appointment at your local store to find the best mattress for your little one. Innerspring: This type of long-lasting support is the best value. Using tempered steel that locks in the shape of the coil to increase longevity and comfort, traditional interlaced innersprings are the most widely used and trusted support units in mattresses. Offering in-line body support, these mattresses offer years of durability at an affordable price. Our favorites for kids are the Doctor’s Choice® Firm and the Doctor’s Choice® Plush. Individual Coil: Sometimes referred to as marshal or pocketed coils, individually wrapped coils are just that – coils that are wrapped inside their own individual pockets.
Offering true body conforming comfort and unprecedented motion separation, this support type is one step up from an innerspring mattress. Our top pick for children is the Buena Vista Plush Mattress. Shop individual coil mattresses here. Memory Foam: Known by many brand names, Viscoelastic memory foam is a unique formulation of polyurethane foam that offers amazing body conforming properties. Usually used in the comfort layers of a mattress, memory foam can conform to every curve of the body to give your child a supportive yet comfortable night’s sleep. This type of mattress is also hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, fungus, and bacteria, so if your kid struggles with allergies, memory foam is a good option. A best seller for kids is the Green Choice® Bliss. Shop memory foam mattresses here. Latex: Direct from the Hevea Brasiliensis, or rubber tree, latex is one of the most amazing components used in mattresses today. After being formed into a comfort layer using either the Talalay or Dunlop process, latex produces a weightless feel and is one of the most durable comfort layers used in bedding.
Our choice for kids is the Breckenridge® HeveaPUR® Euro Top. Crib Mattress: These mattresses are pretty standard, and are usually pretty firm. Crib mattresses are typically used for kids under the age of three. Our go-to for crib mattresses is the Madison Crib Mattress. Besides the type of mattress, the right bed can also help your child want to hit the hay. There are so many adorable beds out there, and it can be fun to shop with your little one for something that catches their fancy. Transitional beds help parents get the most bang for their buck. Transitioning from a crib, to a toddler bed with rails, and eventually a full bed, transitional beds will grow with your child, avoiding drastic changes that induce stress. One of our favorites is the Jameson 3-in-1 Crib, with matching furniture available. Getting your child to go to bed can be rough, so getting them a bed that they feel safe and comfortable in is important. Many kids beds come as playhouses, serving a dual purpose for sleep and fun.
The Gigi Fort Bed is the perfect place to let your little one rest, and as a bonus, the retreat’s walls act as guardrails, ensuring your kid won’t fall out of bed. A great space saver, a daybed is ideal for your kid to get the recommended sleep. If your child likes to have sleepovers, a pullout trundle is the best way to get extra hideaway sleep space. The Loft Daybed is one of our top picks and will accommodate your toddler as well as your teen. A smart combination of comfort and utility, a storage bed allows for compact organization of books, trophies, and the like. If your little one is having trouble sleeping, store a flashlight, monster spray (water in a spray bottle), or a comforting item on the bookcase near their head. The Bristol Valley Captain’s Bed is charming, rustic, and functional. Finding the best mattress and bed combo is a great start, but for anyone who has kids, it can still be hard to get them to go to sleep. Try some of these helpful hints to get your child to rest, ensuring that they get the recommended sleep for their age group.