10 Tips For Choosing The Best Mattress For Kids In 2020

Is it time for your kid to sleep on their own?

If your little one is old enough to get their bed, your priority is to get a kids’ mattress. This is easy when it’s your second child since you most likely have their older sibling’s old mattress. Otherwise, you’ll feel confused about how to start.

Don’t panic yet.

With this guide, you’ll learn tips on how to get the best mattress for kids. 

1. Get the Correct Size

Most children will shift from their crib mattress to a bed when they turn 2-3. In some cases, you might go for a toddler bed without using a crib mattress. But if you want it to last for a long time, focus on getting a kids’ twin mattress or a full-sized bed.

A regular twin mattress is a level above the crib mattress. These are ideal when you want to save space. They work best when you have multiple children sharing a room. A full-sized bed is best if you’re giving a big room for your child.

2. Check the Materials

Did you know that 8.8 million children in the United States have skin allergies? If your child has this condition, they’re likely sensitive if your mattress uses synthetic materials. At worst, they get respiratory problems and other life-threatening health conditions.

To prevent allergies, pick organic mattresses made from natural materials. Some of these include silk, cotton, wool, and bamboo. Read the manufacturer’s label to check for chemicals.

3. Pick the Right Support Type

Having stood the test of time since this article was originally written, the most popular and rated best beds 2022 are memory foam and innerspring coils. The latter is the most common since they have a network of coils that allows pressure points to sink in. At the same time, they give support to prevent your spine from bowing.

Memory foam is more expensive but they give more features. They adhere to your child’s body shape while lasting much longer. They’re hypoallergenic and feature gel infusions to keep them cool as the night progresses.

4. Pick the Comfort Level

All child mattresses have comfort levels ranging from extra firm and firm to plush and ultra-plush. If your child is a back and side sleeper, firm mattresses are the best. A medium-firm mattress is great when they sleep on their stomach.
When looking at the comfort level you may also want to consider the cooling that certain mattress materials can provide, especially in a warmer climate like Australia, where you might want to look for more breathable designs. Click here for some helpful guidance in choosing a mattress, that considers mattress design and fabrics for your child's heat regulation as well as their ideal sleep position and overall mattress comfort.

5. Get a Robust Design

It’s accepted that children are notorious for getting into accidents. The worst part is they love jumping on their bed. That’s why when picking a mattress, ensure it withstands your children’s antics without breaking.

To ensure the longevity of your mattress, get a mattress protector. It applies regardless of your mattress choice. This prevents stains from becoming permanent since they’re easier to remove.

6. Think About the Foundation

The good news is that a simple platform bed works best when used in a children’s room. That way, you won’t use box springs and save more money. Most high-quality mattresses will come with box springs, meaning you can buy the two as a set.

When picking your box spring, pick ones with the same size as your regular mattress. It must fit snugly inside the bed frame. Check out this mattress size guide to learn more. 

7. Focus on Key Features

An important feature you’ll often overlook is the mattress edge support. You’re likely to sleep at the edge of your child’s bed from time to time. If you squeeze into the bed next to them, basic foam mattresses might collapse at the edge, making it difficult to stay on.

If you’re looking to get more edge support, pick innerspring beds with thicker coils. Using mattress parlance, the metal is thicker the lower their gauge. An alternative is to get a foam mattress using 4-5 pounds per cubic foot foam density.

8. Think About Growth Spurts

Is your child turning into a teen? If so, buying a mattress for them is trickier since your goal is to get one that grows with them. It’s especially important when your family has tall genes.

Always anticipate the growth spurts and think about how tall your teen will be a few years after buying the mattress. For example, a twin XL-sized mattress is 5” longer compared to both twin-sized and full-sized mattresses.

The ideal firmness also changes for teen beds. Most will prefer medium firmness but talk to them to ensure they have no major sleep problems. 

9. Stay Simple

When looking for a kid’s mattress, their sleep posture will change throughout the night. Also, most children are slender and lightweight, meaning bigger special concerns aren’t an issue. That’s why if you have a limited budget, pick a basic firm or medium-firm mattress.

If you’re concerned about their safety, remember to pick how the mattress bounces. Avoid ones that bounce a lot since it poses safety risks. Your child might accidentally bounce off the bed and get hurt.

10. Get a Waterproof and Washable Mattress

A child’s mattress must be waterproof because of the nature of children. Even when you have a growing kid, the problems they had as babies won’t go away overnight. It means they’re likely to spill liquids even when they aren’t using their bed to sleep.

That’s why it’s best if you have a waterproof mattress. If your budget won’t allow it, the least you can do is to get a waterproof cover. That way, your mattress can last longer, especially when you get waterproof mattress pads to go with it.

It’s also important for a mattress to be washable. It’s because dust mites often congregate in these, making it a problem for children with skin allergies. 

Get the Best Mattress for Kids

These are things you must consider when getting the best mattress for kids. Use these to ensure your child’s sleep is comfortable and safe.

But why stop here? Taking care of your kids doesn’t end with the right mattress — this is only the beginning! If you want more family and housing tips, feel free to go over more of our guides right here, today!