Children’s rapid growth and learning are fueled by a great sleep. The brain of a child combines everything it has learnt throughout the day at night, and the body as a whole – including the bones, hormones, and physical makeup of the brain – develops at its fastest.
In addition, children require more sleep than adults. The amount of sleep a child requires is determined by his or her age group. Younger children require more sleep, with children aged 3 to 5 years old requiring 10 to 13 hours of sleep every day. Children as they get older require less sleep. Children aged 14 to 17 should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every day, according to experts.
It is critical to get the greatest mattress for your child so that he or she can sleep well throughout the night. When it comes to purchasing for one, here’s everything you need to know.
1. What to look for when buying a mattress for your child
1.1 Choose the appropriate size
The size of mattress you should buy will be determined by your child’s age, size, and how long you expect to have them use it.
Dimensions of crib mattress: 28” x 52”
Dimensions of twin mattress: 38” x 75”
Dimensions of twin XL mattress: 38” x 80”
Dimensions of full mattress: 54” x 75”
1.2 Make a financial plan
You can narrow down your search by knowing how much you’re willing and able to pay. A twin mattress can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more, but the majority of innerspring mattresses are between $300 and $500, while memory foam mattresses may cost a little more.
While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest mattress on the market, your money is better spent on a quality mattress that your child can grow into. A decent mattress can last up to ten years, so if you get the correct bed for your child when they’re little, it may last them until they’re in their teen years. Paying extra upfront may save you money in the long term and save you from having to buy a new, low-cost mattress every few years.
1.3 Decide on the type of mattress you want.
You’ll want to think about which sort of mattress is ideal for your child once you’ve determined the size of mattress you want and how much you’re ready to spend. Innerspring, foam, and hybrid are the three main types. Each of these mattresses has advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before making your decision.
- Innerspring mattresses: Spring mattresses are the favorite choices for people of all ages because they last longer on average than other types of mattresses and are less likely to be damaged by roughhousing.
- Foam mattresses: Memory foam mattresses are popular, although they are not advised for very young children (infants and toddlers). An older child, on the other hand, may appreciate the adaptability of memory foam, especially if they sleep on their side.
- Hybrid mattresses: A hybrid mattress is an excellent option for parents who want the stability of an innerspring mattress with the coziness of a foam mattress.
1.4 Select the appropriate stiffness level
The firmness of a mattress is especially crucial for newborns and young children. For safety and appropriate growth, children under the age of 18 months should sleep on a firm mattress. When your child reaches the age of a few years, it truly becomes a matter of personal preference, just as it is for adults.
For proper support, a firm mattress isn’t the only option. A good plush mattress, like a firm mattress, will be constructed for spinal support and alignment. Allow your youngster to try out a few various mattress kinds in a store or showroom to see which one is the most comfortable for them.
1.5 Make certain it is long-lasting
Most mattresses, including innerspring, foam, and hybrid versions, will last roughly 10 years, but the entire lifespan of your mattress will be determined by the materials utilized.
Consider a latex mattress, or a mattress containing latex layers, which are claimed to last a few years longer than the ordinary mattress. It’s also a good idea to flip and rotate the mattress to ensure that it wears evenly. Purchasing a high-quality mattress and a mattress protector (particularly if bedwetting is an issue) will go a long way.
2. Top best-selling mattress for kids of all ages
The age of the child you’re buying for is the most important factor to consider. A twin mattress could feel more suitable if you’re purchasing it for a two-year-old child’s first post-crib bed than if you’re buying it for a 13-year-old who might transfer it into her first post – collegiate apartment.
2.1 Mattress for crib
A crib mattress is ideal for a newborn or a toddler who isn’t quite ready to move out of his or her cot. This sort of mattress is suitable for children up to the age of three. Check out our selection of the top crib mattresses if you’re seeking for the most appropriate crib mattress for your baby and your lifestyle.
- Moonlight Slumber’s Little Dreamer Crib Mattress
Kind of mattress: Foam
Dimension of mattress: 27.5″ x 52″ x 5″
Weight: 8 lbs
For both newborns and toddlers, the Moonlight Slumber Little Dreamer cot mattress provides secure and solid support. The Little Dreamer was a finalist for the 2017 Cribsie Awards “Healthiest Crib Mattress,” made from an eco-friendly foam mixed with plant oils and covered in a medical-grade waterproof fabric.
The Little Dreamer is not only constructed of safe materials for your baby, but it’s also hypoallergenic and GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means it’s free of chemicals and fire retardants.
- Simmons KidS Beautyrest Beginnings Crib Mattress
Kind of mattress: Innerspring
Dimension of mattress: 27.5″ x 52″ x 6”
Weight: 26 lbs.
Simmons’ innerspring crib mattress for newborns and toddlers is made of high-quality materials. This baby mattress will endure the test of time thanks to its 231 pocket coils for superior support and enhanced border protection.
The Beautyrest Beginnings crib mattress is also a dual-sided mattress that will easily transfer from newborn to toddler years. This baby mattress is both GREENGUARD GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified, making it flame-retardant and water-resistant.
- Sol Organics Crib Mattress
Kind of mattress: Innerspring
Dimension of mattress: 28″ x 52″ x 6.5”
Weight: 32 lbs
The Sol Organics crib mattress is made entirely of organic materials and is a fantastic choice for parents searching for an organic innerspring baby mattress.
It doesn’t get any cleaner than this, with GOTS certified, 100 percent natural wool, all-natural coconut coir, and a GOTS certified organic cotton cover.
The Sol Organics crib mattress is naturally moisture wicking and breathable, so your baby will sleep cool and dry. This mattress is inherently mold, mildew, and dust mite resistant due to its wool construction. This crib mattress, which has a dual-sided firmness, can effortlessly transfer into your child’s toddler years.
2.2 Twin Mattress
For children and toddlers, parents typically choose a twin mattress since it is a good fit for tiny bodies and is definitely the most cost-effective option. Most kids won’t outgrow a twin mattress until they’re well into their teens.
- Nectar
The Nectar Mattress is ideal for any sort of sleeper on a budget who likes a memory foam mattress.
Solid and slatted platforms, adjustable bases, box springs, and bunkie boards are all compatible with Nectar. The Nectar mattress is a medium-firm mattress that is suitable for a variety of sleeping positions, regardless of whether you prefer a harder or softer bed.
- Saatva
The greatest twin-size innerspring mattress is the Saatva mattress. The Saatva has a twin coil layer, making it a more robust option. The Saatva is built to last because to its high-end components, which include coil-on-coil structure, memory foam, and a euro pillow-top.
The Saatva comes in three hardness selections throughout the buying process: plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. As a result, you’ll be able to select the hardness level that best matches your sleeping habits. The Saatva is also one of our finest mattresses for those who are overweight.
- Tuft & Needle
The Tuft & Needle mattress is one of the finest affordable mattresses for all sleepers. The Tuft & Needle is designed for those who sleep on their backs, stomachs, or sides, or who suffer from back or neck problems.
The Tuft & Needle mattress is a cost-effective choice designed for the “typical” sleeper, which means it’s designed to accommodate a wide range of sleep postures and preferences.
The Tuft & Needle mattress has three layers: a cooling foam top layer, a support foam bottom layer, and an airy fabric to keep you cool. The Tuft & Needle ranked highly on pressure relief, spinal alignment, and edge support criteria, combining the best of memory comfort foam and durability.
2.3 Twin XL Mattress
Twin XL mattresses are a few inches longer than regular twin mattresses, and your youngster will be familiar with the fit because it is the standard mattress size for college dorm beds across the world. However, keep in mind that twin XL mattresses require twin XL sheets; standard twin sheets will not fit.
- Casper
Casper is a memory foam mattress made for the typical sleeper. The Casper performs an excellent job of keeping the body aligned thanks to its zoned support. As their shoulders and hips slowly sink into the bed, average to heavy sleepers will feel well supported.
It’s simple to get in and out of bed because to the Casper’s excellent edge support. It’s a suitable candidate for usage with adjustable bases because of the strong edges and zonal support. When sitting up, you’ll feel strong support and have an excellent grasp when moving in and out of bed.
- Puffy Lux
The Puffy Lux is a premium mattress developed specifically for side sleepers. Its soft and cool gel-infused memory foam layers offer a cradling sleeping surface. Your pressure spots will melt into the Puffy Lux when you lie down, alleviating discomfort in your hips and shoulders.
Unlike some memory foam mattresses, though, the Puffy will not make you feel as if you’ve fallen into quicksand. The Puffy Lux excelled in our in-house test when it came to responsiveness, which is a measurement of how effectively a mattress moves with you. Puffy is also an excellent alternative for individuals who toss and turn because to its responsiveness.
- Brooklyn Signature
The Brooklyn Signature mattress is a hybrid mattress that may be customized. You may select the ideal feel for your needs because the Brooklyn signature is available in three different textures: soft, medium, and firm.
One of the greatest firm mattresses we’ve examined is the firm option. For those who like a firm bed, the gel memory foam topper and bottom TitaniumGel comfort layer offer a cool sleeping surface with just the perfect amount of contouring. Even heavier sleepers are well supported with a high-density support layer atop 6” of wrapped pocket coils.
2.4 Full Mattress
Consider a full-size mattress if your room and money allow it. It may make cuddling in bed with your kid even more enjoyable, and despite the higher cost, it may be able to see your child through to maturity.
A full-size mattress makes sense if you’re searching for a toddler’s first bed and have a “convertible” crib that changes to a full-size headboard and footboard.
- Leesa Studio
Leesa is recognized for producing high-quality mattresses at a reasonable price. Leesa’s Studio is no exception. The Studio delivers support and comfort for developing bodies by combining three layers of memory foam.
A pressure-relieving support layer and a top layer of soft memory foam that cradles the body are included in the mattress to relieve aches and pains in any sleeping position. It’s a medium-firm mattress that’s best for those who aren’t too heavy.
- Birch
Birch’s organic, all-natural mattress provides support while also cushioning pain areas. The Talalay latex and innerspring coils provide bounce and support, while the latex and organic New Zealand wool top provide lots of cushioning.
When compared to memory foam, wool and latex are recognized for their greater cooling capabilities, so if you sleep in a hotter environment, this bed might be a smart choice. The Birch mattress, being a medium-firm bed, is suitable for all sleeping positions.
3. Frequently Asked Questions about Children’s Mattresses
1. What is the Best Mattress for Children?
Children’s mattresses come in open-sprung, pocket-sprung, memory foam, and latex foam variants, much like adult mattresses, with each giving different benefits to different types of sleepers.
2. How do you determine the firmness of a foam mattress?
The density of latex and memory foam mattresses is measured. The density of good memory foam mattresses is generally four to five pounds; the greater the number, the firmer the sleeping surface.
3. What should I do if my toddler wets the bed?
If your kid wets the bed, a mattress cover and washable bed pads will assist to protect the mattress below and guarantee that your child can use the mattress until they’ve outgrown the phase.
4. Which mattress is ideal for a three-year-old?
A memory foam mattress is the finest mattress for a three-year-old. Because of its hypoallergenic characteristics, insects and dust aren’t drawn to them, and the foam isn’t pleasant to jump on, they won’t ruin the mattress by jumping on it!
5. What kind of mattress should I choose for my child?
When choosing a mattress for a kid, there are a number of factors to consider, including the firmness of the mattress and if it helps with any specific concerns your child may have, such as bedwetting or allergies.
6. Does it matter what kind of bed frame you have?
These bed frames will require smaller mattresses than normal if purchased for infants or toddlers. Given how fast children of this age develop, skipping these kinds altogether and opting for a single-sized bed might sometimes make more sense – especially in terms of expense.
Because most mattresses have a ten-year lifespan, flipping and rotating them every six months will give you the most restful nights for your money, laying the stage for a change when they reach double digits.
Hope that you found this evaluation to be useful in your search for the best mattress for kids. The majority of parents will pick a Twin-size or Full-size mattress for their children, but it is entirely up to you. If you have numerous children who want to sleep together, a bigger mattress may be preferable. Your budget and the amount of space you have to work with may also play a role in your selection.
Finally, the best mattress for your child will allow them to develop, be comfortable, and last a long time. You’ll also want a choice that offers adequate support for children who may endure developing pains or growth spurts. Finally, based on any known sleeping patterns, consider the mattress firmness level. Check out our page regularly for additional mattress suggestions.
