Shopping for Toddler Mattress
Choosing the right mattress is essential to a good night’s sleep. This is especially true for children as they can spend 10 to 14 hours a day sleeping. Your best bet is to pick a chemical-free mattress that’s safe, comfortable and supportive during the developing stage of your child.
Children need supportive and firm mattresses that keep their spine and bones aligned and reduce rolling and discomfort, thus encouraging sound sleep. A high-density latex foam mattress is best as the higher the density, the firmer the sleeping surface.
Determine the Right Size
If your little one is transitioning from a crib to a big bed, then you should choose a twin-size children’s mattress. It’s slightly longer than a crib-size mattress, saves space and is ideal for a child’s room. However, if you have a crib that converts to a big bed, then you may be restricted to choosing a full-size mattress. You may also want to think long term...do you plan on having more children? Will this bed be passed down to future family members? Or do you want to decide on a bed that will fit them in their teen and young adult lives. These are all questions you will want to consider before beginning your mattress search.
Focus on Longevity
As mentioned, the perfect mattress should be able to accommodate the growing stage of your child. Anticipate growth spurts and how tall your child might be in a few years. The Sunshine Junior mattress is designed with a two-sided comfort so that you can flip it over to accommodate a heavier weight. You can also add various toppers externally to accommodate the natural curves that will form as they grow into their adult bodies. Considering the longevity will eliminate the confusion of shopping, and will also help to create a realistic budget.
Consider the Material
Many popular mattresses are a chemical nightmare. Constructed of polyurethane foam, which is made from a petrochemical base combined with chemical potpourri of stabilizers, catalysts, surfactants, fire retardants, antimicrobial additives and dyes. These chemicals are associated with environmental and human health conditions, such as chronic bronchitis, impaired lung function, breathlessness, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions. Some of them are possible carcinogens and reproductive toxins.
To protect your child, your best bet is to go for a chemical-free mattress made from natural latex, organic wool and organic cotton. These materials are hypoallergenic and resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites. Organic wool is also great at controlling moisture next to the skin and regulating body temperature. Organic cotton is soft, comfortable and durable. Choosing an organic mattress will not only protect your child from possible toxins, but it will remain clean and provide a much longer lasting comfort.
Evaluate Durability and Comfort
Children tend to jump on their beds and turn them into playgrounds. As a result, their mattress must be able to withstand a little abuse. That’s why you should make sure you choose one that’s durable, easy to clean, and can stand up to stains and mishandling. As a preventive measure, it is always recommended to use a mattress protector to protect it from general wear and tear.
Finding a suitable mattress for your children is necessary to provide them with a pleasant sleeping environment. It also helps maintain a proper spinal curvature by supporting their back. With the help of this guide, you should now be able to pick the perfect child-friendly mattress. To reap all its benefits, make sure it’s chemical-free, supportive and comfortable.