Watching your child grow and meet new milestones in their development is an exciting part of being a parent. One of these milestones is moving from their cot to their first bed — but how do you know which kids’ mattress is the right choice? There are a lot of variables to consider. If you’re not sure where to start, try our online Mattress Selector tool.
As always, it’s best to do your research first. After all, if your child is sleeping well throughout the night, so are you!
Firmness
Choosing the right firmness for your child should be at the top of your considerations. Not only will it help them get a better night’s sleep, it also provides the support they need as they grow. As well as keeping the spine and bones aligned, a supportive kids’ mattress will reduce rolling and fidgeting, allowing your child to sleep more soundly.
A surprising fact is that a toddler’s spine can grow as much as 1.5cm during the night, a result of the intervertebral discs in between their vertebrae filling up with water. With this in mind, a child’s mattress has to be soft enough for it to be comfortable, yet firm enough to prevent them from completely sinking into it.
Tip: A waterproof mattress cover over your toddler’s mattresses can protect it from stains and moisture, and enables you to do a quick clean when the inevitable accidents happen. This also helps to maintain the firmness and integrity of your investment for years to come.
Size
Toddler-sized beds can be very cute but in reality, the typical toddler mattress is about the same size as a cot mattress.
Bearing in mind how quickly children grow, it may be more economical to skip the toddler-size bed and move straight to a single-sized mattress for kids.
Quality
When it comes to quality, you should try to get the best mattress you can within your budget. High-quality mattresses can be a bit pricier; however, if you are planning to have another child in the future, a quality mattress is a sound investment. With a 10-year guarantee, a Sealy Posturepedic mattress may be passed down to younger siblings and family members without any loss of comfort or support.
Comfort
After a full day of activity, children need to get sufficient rest at night so they can start the new day re-energised. The best mattress for your child should also cushion their developing bodies and provide a soothing level of comfort to help with relaxation.
Another factor to keep in mind is the breathability of the fabric. Good air circulation will keep the body temperature well regulated. This will help encourage deep sleep cycles that are necessary for better health and development.
Key takeaways to consider when choosing a kids’ mattress:
- The best mattress for kids is a supportive mattresses for growing spines
- Buy the right size at the right time — perhaps skip the toddler option
- Choose the best quality within your budget — think longevity
- A comfortable mattress can help promote restorative sleep cycles
If you have any special concerns regarding things like allergies or individual physical needs, talk to a Sealy expert.
To learn more about making your child’s move to their new bed as smooth as possible, read more at our Sleep and Wellness Hub.
MATTRESS SELECTOR
Not sure what mattress is right for you?
Simply answer a few questions and we’ll recommend the right mattress based on your unique sleep profile. We will email you your customised results so you can take them in-store to a Sealy retailer near you.
Simply answer a few questions and we’ll recommend the right mattress based on your unique sleep profile. We will email you your customised results so you can take them in-store to a Sealy retailer near you.
