How To Choose A Toddler Mattress
Toddlers spend 11 to 14 hours a day sleeping, so its important that their mattress is both safe and comfortable. Evaluating a mattress firmness is key, as a toddlers growing body requires additional support. A mattress that is too soft could potentially be hazardous. The mattress also needs to fit snugly within the crib or bed frame in order to prevent entrapment.
Infants and young children are more vulnerable to certain chemicals, and parents may want to prioritize finding a non-toxic option. Well highlight the most important factors to keep in mind before purchasing your toddlers mattress.
Which Is The Correct Mattress Firmness For A Toddler
So, if a firm mattress is often too hard for a toddler to sleep comfortably, what should you look for? In general, its best to choose a softer mattress for a child of this age. This is because soft mattresses are best able to conform to the shape of a toddlers body, making them comfortable and supportive to sleep on. While a medium to firm mattress is able to conform to the shape of a heavier adult body, its important to keep a toddlers light body weight in mind when youre shopping.
Discuss Their Sleeping Position
Your childs sleeping position plays a vital role in picking the best mattress. Its important to note that this is the age when sleep styles begin to modify. So, make sure you ask your children how they prefer to sleep. Whether theyre a side, stomach or back sleeper, each position requires a different type of mattress.
For example, latex mattresses are the perfect choice for side sleepers because they offer the firmness needed to support their shoulders, neck and head. Stomach sleepers need a mattress in the medium-soft to the firm range, which makes memory foam a suitable choice. Back sleepers should choose a mattress that supports their hips, shoulders and trunk.
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Determine The Right Firmness Level
Mattress firmness is an especially important consideration for infants and young children. A firm mattress is recommended for children under 18 months old for safety and proper development. Once your child is a few years old it really becomes a matter of personal preference, just like it is for adults. A firm mattress isnt the only option for proper support. A good plush mattress will be designed for spinal support and alignment the same as a firm mattress would be. Let your child lay on a few different mattress types in a store or showroom and get an understanding of what they find most comfortable.
Our Recommendation For 2022 Graco Premium Foam Crib And Toddler Bed Mattress
The best toddler mattress 2022 is Graco Premium Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress. It includes an easy to carry box, hassle-free setup, and can easily fit into most cribs. Plus, the cover is water-resistant, removable, and machine washable. The mattress firmness is medium, which can be adjusted if you flip over the mattress. Lastly, it includes crucial certifications from major US companies for their legitimacy.
As weve said, when it comes to buying a toddler mattress, its best to stick with the basics.
Hopefully, youve found what you were looking for here at parenthoodroutine. If youre interested in more articles, then we highly suggest you check out the baby mattress lifespan, mattress recommendations, standard crib size, and crib mattress covers.
Contents
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Growing Bodies And Mattress Size
The smaller the mattress, the quicker its outgrown. Twin, twin XL, or full-size beds are typically the best choices for children. Additionally, the twin and twin XL are going to be the most affordable.
While a full mattress is a bit more expensive, it does serve as an excellent size to allow for growth all the way to adulthood. Additionally, when your children are young, a full mattress allows you to comfortably lie with them, yet it also lets them grow into the bed and retain the constant comfort of the same childhood mattress.
A high-quality mattress can last 812 years. It may cost a little bit more initially, but the benefit to your childs long-term health and sleep will be well worth it.
Many kids experience soreness, poor sleeping habits, and a multitude of other uncomfortable sleep-related issues. These issues tend to be directly correlated to a low-quality mattress that provides minimal comfort for the child.
For example, hand-me-downs and cheap mattresses tend to be the underlying cause of poor sleep. Although a better-fitting mattress can be a little pricier, its worth the cost in the long run. If a young boy or girl is forced to sleep on an uncomfortable mattress, they can develop poor sleep habits at a young age. If a high-quality mattress is purchased, the comfort levels tend to skyrocket for the kids, creating an easier nights rest.
What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Kids
Pretty much any type of mattress can work for a child as long as they are older than four or five .That being said, it also depends on the child and their sleeping position: if the child sleeps on their side, a softer memory foam mattress might work but, if they sleep on their back or stomach, a firmer innerspring mattress might be in order.
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Silentnight Safe Nights Memory Wool Toddler Mattress
Specifications
Sure, you’ve heard about memory foam, but what about memory wool? Unlike its foamy cousin, which can sometimes be a bit sticky and cause its charges to overheat during the night, memory wool claims to naturally regulate body temperature for a soothing, uninterrupted sleep, and is combined in this toddler mattress with mini pocket springs for properly-sized support. Green-minded parents may also be pleased to hear that the Airstream’ wool fibres used to make this mattress have less impact on the environment than foam.
Like some other entries on our list, this mattress is dual-sided, but rather than offering two stages of support, this one offers even more customisable temperature regulation. One side features lighter quilting for hot summer nights and the other a heavier weight quilting for maximum cosiness in winter.
For its combination of breathable, anti-allergy materials and no harsh chemical treatments, it’s won a whole host of safety awards, and comes highly rated by parents for peace of mind.
There’s an adjustable water-resistant layer to keep the core from getting wet, but it has been noted that this doesn’t extend across the whole mattress, so if that doesn’t sound heavy-duty enough, you may want to opt for backup waterproofing. However, in the event of any accidents, reviewers said that its cover washable at 60 degrees to kill any nasties was easy to remove and pop in the machine.
Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Twin Mattress
The Sleep on Latex Pure Green is another excellent option in eco-friendly, high-quality foam mattresses. The twin XL size means that your toddlers first big kid bed can follow them throughout their childhood. The Pure Green is natural and durable, crafted from an extra-firm 6-inch-thick core of Natural Latex Foam, surrounded by a softer 2-inch-thick latex comfort foam layer. Over this is wrapped as tufted 1-inch layer of Organic New Zealand Wool, covered by an Organic Cotton exterior. The mattress is highly breathable, is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, and is free from VOCs and synthetic fire retardants. The Sleep on Latex Pure Green Natural Latex Twin Mattress is built and assembled in Chicago and is priced at $595, an excellent value for an all-natural, twin-sized mattress.
- Quality Score: 86/100
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When Can Baby Use A Toddler Mattress
Its time to graduate to a toddler bed when a crib is no longer a safe place for your little one, says Dr. Garcia. You can ask yourself the following questions:
- Can he pull himself over the crib rail?
- Can he climb over the crib rail?
- Can he put his leg over the crib rail?
- Is he 3 feet tall or taller?
- Is he toilet trained and will he need easy access to his potty at night?
Answered “yes” to any of these questions? Its time to move out of the crib, she says. This transition is usually between 18 months to 3 years of age.
Now, whether youre on the hunt for a toddler mattress or a new twin, check out the below options.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
Best For Spine Support: Helix Sunset Mattress
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Designed for optimum spine support
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Pillow top, so it cant be flipped for longevity
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May be too soft for some
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Bouncy
If your kid thrashes all over the bed while they sleep, this is the mattress for them because its crafted to support side sleepers and those who toss and turn throughout the night. Since sleeping in odd positions can put pressure on the spine, the Helix Sunset mattress is designed with foam layers to relieve stress and possible pain. It also cushions typical pressure points for side sleepers.
While the mattress is on the softer side, the memory foam layer offers added support, and the hybrid design also creates better airflow for temperature regulation. With a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial, you can test the USA-made mattress out before committing.
Construction Type: Foam and memory foam | Firmness: Med-Soft to Soft | Thickness: 12 inches | Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
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Kids Mattress Size Guide
Here are the standard mattress dimensions suitable for babies, toddler, and older kids, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Better Sleep Council . Note: If there is a gap between the mattress and the frame larger than two fingers, you need a bigger mattress. Too much free space can cause injuries, so it’s important to know your frame measurements before purchasing a mattress.
Mini crib mattress: Mini crib mattresses are baby beds that are smaller than 49.75 inches long and 24.375 inches wide, averaging at about 38 inches long by 24 inches wide. These mattresses are generally used in portable baby cribs, child care centers, and play yards at home.
Crib mattress/toddler bed: Mattresses for full-size cribs should be at least 51.25 inches long by 27.25 inches wide with a thickness less than 6 inches. Although crib mattresses and toddler beds can be the same size, toddler beds are usually much lower to the ground and don’t have bed guards.
Twin mattress: Twin mattresses typically measure 75 inches long and 38 inches wide. This size is ideal for children who are ready to transition from a toddler bed to a “big kid” bed, plus it works well for bunk beds.
How To Pick The Best Mattress For Kids In 2021 With 16 Options
Before you head to Helix, Casper, Amazon, Target, or other sites, heres what to consider.
We are constantly learning new things about how important sleep is to our kids health and development. And the more we know, the more we want to do everything we can to improve that sleep, which means buying them a comfortable, supportive mattress. Here are some general guidelines for picking the best mattress for kids in 2021, whether youre looking for a standard twin or crib mattress or want to get fancy with other types of mattresses, like green tea-infused, organic, memory foam, or innerspring.
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As a sleep physician, executing a smooth transition to a big kid bed is an opportunity and a milestone for a child, Dr. Meredith Broderick, a board-certified specialist in neurology and sleep medicine, said in an email endorsing Helix’s new mattress designed for kids. Creating an optimal sleep environment is a key component of that transition.
We want kids mattresses to be optimal for their bodies, but their bodies are constantly changing. With that in mind, we either need a mattress that can change with them , or one thats not so expensive that well mind buying a new one in a few years.
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Final Thoughts On The Best Mattress For Kids
One final note: As you shop for a mattress for your little one, it may be wise to grab a mattress protector, as well, helping safeguard your investment against spills and accidents. That, combined with these other recommendations and considerations, will help you find a bed that promotes restorative sleep for your kids.
John Hopkins Medicine. 2018. The Importance of Sleep for Kids. https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids#:~:text=Why%20is%20a%20good%20nights,overall%20mental%20and%20physical
Sleep Review. 2015. Common Causes, Effects, and Solutions to Sleep Deprivation in Children. deprivation-children/
Sleep Quality and Elevated Blood Pressure in Adolescents. 2008. Sleep Quality and Elevated Blood Pressure in Adolescents. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2798149/
Ellie Baldini is the Director of Content at Pillar4 Media and a contributing editor to The Sleep Doctor.
- Ellie Baldini
- Ellie Baldinihttps://thesleepdoctor.com/author/ellie-baldini/
What Makes The Puffy Stand Out
- Kid combination sleepers should be able to easily change positions on the Puffy.
- Because of its breathable cover and gel infusion in the comfort layer, this is a cooler-sleeping mattress that should keep kids from overheating.
- Being made entirely of foam, the Puffy isnt a very noisy bed, which should also help kids sleep soundly.
Read our full Puffy mattress review.
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Determine The Right Size
If your little one is transitioning from a crib to a big bed, then you should choose a twin-size childrens mattress. Its slightly longer than a crib-size mattress, saves space and is ideal for a childs room. However, if you have two or more children sharing the same bed, then choosing a twin XL or full-size mattress is a better idea.
Toddler Beds Are An Unnecessary Extra Expense
Although they’re all the rage, a toddler bed – which is essentially a frame that makes sure a child does not roll out of it at night as well as giving them a similar snug feeling to their cot – is something they will quickly grow too big for. ‘A toddler bed can be a good alternative for children who are finding the transition to a ”big” bed difficult,’ says Dr Bergby. ‘What mattress you use on the toddler bed is what matters. Between 18 and 36 months a child’s spine is rapidly developing and growing, particularly at night. It’s imperative that the mattress provides sufficient support to ensure this growth happens naturally. I frequently encounter families where the mum and dad have a $4000 bed, whereas their toddler sleeps on a thin foam mattress.’
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Simmons Kids Beautyrest Crib Mattress Sleepy Whispers
Simmons is already well-known for their adult innerspring mattresses, which have been sold for over 100 years and are one of the most popular brands in the nation. The companys baby and toddler mattresses feature the same top-quality and long-lasting innerspring construction, with firm and even support provided by a total of 231 luxury Pocketed Coil Springs. For additional safety and a tight fit, the mattress borders are further reinforced, and the corners feature Innofoam corner protectors. Its high weight- the highest of any toddler mattress in our ranking- also contributes to safety and indicates high quality. In place of chemical fire retardants, the Simmons Kids BeautyRest Crib Mattress Sleepy Whispers is made with an all-natural cotton wrap, and is both Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, indicating that it is free from VOCs. The woven fabric cover features a medical grade waterproof barrier for easy cleaning. This American-made mattress is designed for both babies and toddlers, with a firm side for infants and a softer side ideal for toddlers. A long period of usability means superior value, which is further enhanced by a limited lifetime warranty and an affordable price of just $119.
- Website:
Sleep Requirements For Children
According to The Sleep Council children should have between 10 and 12 hours of sleep per night. It goes without saying that those little bundles of energy need all those precious hours to recharge and let their brains and bodies develop as they should. To aid in slumber time itâs important that a childâs bed frame and mattress provide the following:
- Support to promote good posture
- Durability to take on the changing size of a child
- The support to aid in good sleep hygiene
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Best Mattress For Kids
Shopping for the best mattress for kids might seem like a simple process, but theres actually quite a lot you should keep in mind. Sleep habits vary between children of all ages, plus you need to make sure that the bed is big and supportive enough for healthy growth. Luckily, weve got you covered in this guide, where well highlight the key factors that will help you find the most healthy, comfortable, and best overall mattress for your kids.
What Makes A Toddler Mattress Safe
A safe mattress is one which is firm, fitted, impermeable to allergens, easy to clean and, arguably, lower in synthetics. Look for a model that tightly fits your toddlers bed, with no room for limbs to slip through and get stuck. Since mattresses can harbor dust, mites, and molds , look for an impermeable cover or mattress core. For hygiene, a high-quality mattress cover makes for easy cleaning , and some mattresses can be completely rinsed or washed.
Conventional mattresses are made with synthetic materials, and some parents have concerns about their childs exposure to such materials over the long term, including the off-gassing of volatile organic compounds that create that familiar and unpleasant chemical odor. Alternative and naturally derived materials can be used to replace these synthetics, including bamboo, latex, wool, cotton and even coconut fiber. Some companies go a step further by sourcing plant materials grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical processing. There are no federal standards to enforce claims of natural or organic on toddler mattresses, but stringent third-party certifications do exist. These include GreenGuard and Certi-PUR.
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