How to choose a children’s mattress? The children’s mattress is chosen according to different criteria than the adult mattress.
The density, composition, and of course the dimensions of the mattress are very important.
We tell you everything to help you find the best children’s mattress.
Also read: Which mattress to choose for a teen?
Lets go.
At What Age To Switch To A Children’s Mattress?
There is no exact answer to this question because every child is different. We see that the average age for this transition is around 2-3 years.
Be careful! This becomes obvious when your child has outgrown his cot or can get out of it alone.
Its morphology is also an important criterion for moving to a big bed with a suitable and comfortable children’s mattress. Indeed, its growing spine must be perfectly maintained.
We draw your attention to one essential point: change the mattress for each child!
Indeed, the child’s mattress having been in the open air or stored, may have been exposed to dust and mites, or even humidity, which is not ideal for a newborn.
In addition, having already been used, the child’s mattress may have sank and lost its firmness. This is why we advise you to avoid reusing the big brother’s child’s mattress for the youngest.
Your children’s sleep is essential. It is advisable to change the mattress between each child because it may have sagging and reduced density and comfort.
In addition, it may have been exposed to humidity and mites, which is not ideal for a newborn.
What Size For A Children’s Mattress?
You are going to invest in a children’s mattress or a junior mattress that can last 10 years.
Faced with the numerous dimensions of children’s mattresses (the different sizes of children’s mattresses and thicknesses of children’s mattresses offered) you may feel lost.
The range of junior mattresses starts with the 80×200 cm children’s mattress which amounts to a single bed and stops at the 140×190 junior mattress, perfect for a teenager.
From 3 years to 6 years, a 90×200 cm or 90×190 cm junior mattress will be perfect.
It may very well be suitable until adolescence, unless your teenager, between 12 and 14 years old, wishes to have a larger bed, such as a double children’s bed.
Your only constraint will be the space, sometimes limited, of the child’s bedroom.
What Type Of Mattress Is Best For A Child?
The types of a child’s mattress are linked to the use of hypoallergenic materials, good air circulation to combat heat retention, and the right balance between firmness and soft welcome.
The comfort of the mattress corresponds to the feeling of comfort felt when sleeping. A 3-year-old child will need a very firm mattress while a 6-year-old child may benefit from softer bedding.
Let’s now discover the characteristics of the different children’s mattress fillings.
The Children’s Foam Mattress
The low-density foam mattress should be avoided. It is of low quality when its density is less than or equal to 25kg/m3. In this case, it does not provide the necessary support to the child’s spine.
You also exclude the memory foam mattress. Indeed, it is too enveloping for a child, it would not support him firmly enough during his growth.
Prefer a children’s mattress in polyurethane foam with a density between 30kg/m3 and 40 kg/m3
With such a density, the children’s mattress will not deform and will accompany your child over time.
With open cells, this high-resilience foam allows air to circulate and thus prevents the accumulation of humidity.
In addition, certain junior mattresses, have removable covers, allowing easy maintenance of the children’s mattress.
This is an advantage in the event of nighttime accidents.
The Spring Mattress For Children
The spring mattress is not recommended, but it is not the best children’s mattress on the market either.
It is especially important to favor pocket spring mattresses that will properly support the child.
The greater the number of springs, the more the child’s weight will be cushioned and distributed over the entire mattress.
However, this mattress technology has flaws that should not be overlooked for a children’s mattress. It is quite heavy to handle and it can be noisy if not combined with foam for example.
The Natural Fiber Children’s Mattress And Latex Children’s Mattresses
The 100% latex mattress is an alternative. Latex is a hypoallergenic and breathable material that may be suitable for people prone to allergies, except for people allergic to latex.
Other natural materials are used for children’s mattresses such as wool, coconut fibers, bamboo, or cotton.
These children’s mattresses benefit from certifications and ecological labels. They can be made by hand and often have removable covers to allow easy maintenance.
Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing A Children’s Mattress
Let’s summarize together the points that your children’s mattress must respect:
we favor high-density polyurethane foam for its support, durability, and breathability,
the thickness of the child’s mattress must be between 15 and 20 cm to provide sufficient support and maintain your child’s spine,
The children’s mattress must be firm for a child aged 3 to 6 years and may be more welcoming for a child aged 6 and over and a teenager.
Essential Accessories For A Children’s Mattress
Duvet for children, pillows, mattress pads, and waterproof mattress protectors are essential accessories to equip your child’s mattress.
You must protect your children’s mattress from damage by your little one.
Choose the protection that has not undergone chemical treatment to make it waterproof. It must be made of natural materials such as jersey or cotton.
This is the only way to ensure that it is completely hypoallergenic but also very comfortable for your child.
To ensure its quality, your protection must be OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100® certified. This certification guarantees that the product does not contain products harmful to health.
You are about to make a purchase that will last over time: a children’s mattress or a junior mattress.
It is before this purchase that you must take stock of your requirements to be completely satisfied and guarantee perfect sleep for your child.
The Firmness Of A Children’s Mattress:
For restful sleep, the firmness level of a mattress is essential. It depends on the weight of your child and also your preference for him.
The feeling you get when you sit or sleep on the mattress is due to the firmness of a mattress.
Types Of Mattresses For A Child
You should know that there are 3 types of mattresses:
Soft Or Flexible Mattresses,
Balanced mattresses: these are mattresses that are neither too soft nor too firm
Firm mattresses: these are mattresses recommended for those who have back problems.
Mattress Firmness Level For A Child
A child needs a mattress with firm support to support their growth and support their spine.
From 6 years old, you can move towards a softer mattress.
The ideal is to opt for a mattress designed for children. So you don’t risk making a mistake.
Choice Of Mattress Based On Your Habits
When you decide to buy a mattress for your child, you must also take into account their habits and in particular the position in which they sleep.
Their comfort and the quality of their sleep depend on the firmness of their mattress.
For a child who sleeps on their back or side: the appropriate firmness is that of a mattress that is firm and soft enough at the same time to avoid back or side pain.
For a child who sleeps on his stomach: he needs a soft mattress that will adapt to his movements.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to choose a children’s mattress, always keep in mind that the child’s mattress may have sunk and lost its firmness due to previous use.
As a result, we recommend that you do not reuse the older brother’s child’s mattress for the smallest.
I have an extended article stating: What to do after buying a new mattress?