How to choose a mattress for your children

Buying a bed for your child is an investment in your child’s life and health. It is essential to do your research before you spend the money on a new mattress for your child A few factors to consider before you buy a new bed is the age, the activity level of the child as well as the weight of the child. Here are a few tips that would provide you with information on; how to choose a bed or mattress for your children.

The Ideal Mattress for Younger Children 18 – 36 months

At this young age, it is vital that you should not allow your child to sleep on memory foam or latex mattress. Memory foam or latex mattresses are ideal for older children, and they are affordable. Pediatric sleep experts point out that these memory foam and latex mattresses pose a danger to younger children. The body-contouring properties of memory foam and latex mattresses can restrict a child’s movement in bed. These mattresses allow the sleeper to incline into the mattress and at the same time, the foam surrounding the body will remain firm. The soft, contouring foam can restrict movement in a child this restriction in movement is dangerous if the toddler sleeps on his or her stomach. A mattress that provides softness, as well as firmness, is the Pillow Top Mattress.

The Pillow Top Mattress is ideal for younger children

The Pillow Top Mattress with an innerspring comes highly recommended for younger children as these will prevent the incline during sleep. The support and mobility offered by the mattress will prevent the child’s body from settling too deep into the bed. At this young age, it is important not to buy a thin, foam mattress. The reason for this is that the child’s spine is rapidly developing between the ages of 18 – 36 months of age. During this critical growth period, it is essential to provide the child with superior and comfortable spinal support. For optimal growth and development, it is vital that the child’s spine and neck should be in a neutral position during the night.

A neutral sleeping position will minimise stress on pressure points and will allow the vertebrae to grow without restrictions.  A toddler’s spine can grow up to 1,5cm during the night. Therefore, the mattress has to be firm and comfortable, and the ideal bed for this age is a spring mattress with a pillow top. Pillow top mattresses offer excellent value for money and, they are snug and hypo-allergenic.  The design of the Modern-day Pillow Top Mattresses provides ultimate comfort and support. So, it is worthwhile to invest in a single, queen or double pillow top bed for your young toddler.

Bunk Beds

Generally, bunk beds are not ideal for small children between the ages of 18 and 36 months. The reason for this is that toddlers can fall from the top bed, and they could sustain injuries as a result of the fall. Bunk beds are ideal for older children, between the ages of four and 10. These beds are also perfect and well suited for smaller bedrooms and larger families. If you have many children, it is well worth the investment. Bunk beds also offer ideal sleep-over solutions.

Memory Foam and Latex Mattresses

Memory foam and latex mattresses are ideal mattresses for older children because they are robust and more flexible, these mattresses are also resistant to wear and tear. Further dust mites live on the top of the dense material. If you opt to buy an innerspring mattress, there are a few things that you could do to protect the mattress.  One way of overcoming this problem is to buy two good quality mattress protectors. The mattress protectors will shield your child against allergies and dust. The protectors will also protect your child against moisture build up. Don’t resort to using a chemical spray on a bare mattress. Inhaling a cocktail of chemicals which also rub into their skin and the compounds is not suitable for small children.

 How to take care of your child’s bed

It is essential to keep the mattress clean and dust free. Strip the bed of bed linen on a weekly basis. Air the mattress for a period of two hours and run the vacuum cleaner over the bed. Be sure to use a quality vacuum cleaner.

Modern-day mattresses receive anti-dust mite treatment during the manufacturing phase.  Materials that cover the cushions are hypo-allergenic. However, over time dust mites can build up between the folds of the mattress. To prevent your child from being exposed to dust mites be sure to purchase a mattress cover with your bed.  Mattress covers are ideal for protecting the mattress against moisture build up and allergies. Don’t be tempted to make use of chemical sprays on bare mattresses, the chemicals in these sprays are not suitable for young children.

Measure the Room

Another critical factor to consider before buying a bed is the size of the child’s bedroom. Be sure to measure the room before you decide on the size of the bed. If your child’s bedroom has ample space, you could consider purchasing a bigger bed. Larger beds offer many advantages. Amongst these advantages are that you could use your child’s room as a guest room when guests or couples sleepover.

Further, you could make use of the extra space when reading to your child. Friends also enjoy sleeping in the same bed when children have sleep-overs. When you do your research, think out of the box and consider purchasing a bigger size like a double or even a queen size bed.