5 Easy Tips – Choosing a Mattress for Your Child

Choosing a mattress for your child

Choosing a mattress for your child can be a daunting task. With so many models, brands, types to choose from, it can be difficult to know which children’s mattress will work best for your bed.

We recently moved Andrea out of her crib and into a big girl bed. This was an exciting time for her and we wanted to purchase a children’s mattress that would be comfortable and made to last.

Here are a few questions to consider when choosing a mattress for your child:

1. Size of Bed

Once you have determined which bed your child will be sleeping in, the bed will need to be measured so you can figure out what size mattress will work best for your bed frame.

2. Type of Bed

Depending on the type of bed that you have purchased, you may need to look at specific mattresses. Cabin and bunk bed mattresses will often require a bunkie board, but a standard bed frame may be better suited with a children’s mattress and box spring. Some mattresses have different requirements for the base, so it’s best to predetermine this before shopping around.

3. Bedding Materials

What is the mattress made of? Some mattresses are made of materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, that can let off toxin materials. Mattresses made of organic and natural materials are becoming increasingly popular and easier to find.

4. Comfort Level

It’s hard to ask a child how comfortable a mattress is when all they are interested in is the jump factor. If you can get your child to lay on a bed long enough, ask him/her questions such as “Is this bed hard or soft?” If your child can distinguish that one mattress is firmer than another, you might consider opting for the firmer mattress. A firm mattress can help support your child’s growing bones much longer than a softer mattress.

Optional: You might consider purchasing a mattress cover. A mattress cover can protect your investment from spills, potty accidents and even sickness.

It can be a headache to purchase a child’s mattress during their transition from crib to bed. By asking yourself these questions during the purchase process, you can ensure that you are making the best choice.

6 thoughts on “5 Easy Tips – Choosing a Mattress for Your Child

  • February 9, 2013 at 4:51 pm
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    Awesome tips! Thanks for the great suggestions!

  • February 8, 2013 at 6:37 am
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    These are all great tips! We’ll be helping to buy a mattress for my grandson once he’s ready to get out of his toddler bed.

  • February 7, 2013 at 10:16 pm
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    Non-toxic and organic materials are important to me.

  • February 7, 2013 at 8:24 pm
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    The comfort level and the material are my primary concerns when it comes to choosing the mattresses. You really have to pick the best and the most beautiful.

  • February 7, 2013 at 1:12 pm
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    Great tips! I didn’t realize there would be so much to consider. Bedding materials are particularly important if your child has asthma. Thanks!

  • February 7, 2013 at 10:13 am
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    Great tips. I never really thought to ask what the mattress was made of. We will be buying our daughter a new mattress in the coming months, so that will be one of my first questions. Thanks for helping!!

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