mattress guides

Firm Or Plush Mattress For A Child — What Is The Best Option For Kids?

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How To Choose A Mattress For Child?

Dec 8, 2020

Need a mattress for a child? That will be a long journey, but don’t panic — there are the most important aspects all parents should consider, and we’re going to provide you with the detailed instructions.

The first thing we’d like to emphasize is that you shouldn’t look for a super-advanced mattress, for example, a multi-layer 12” thick mattress. The best strategy is to look for something that isn’t too tall and too firm and not overly supportive — simple designs are the best when it comes to mattresses for toddlers. What else should you take into account? Let us take a look!

How to choose a mattress for a child?

Before we move on to the one of the most essential criteria, namely, the right firmness of the mattress, let us take a look at some no less important things — the size and the type of a mattress.

Size

It is no secret that most parents don’t want to buy a mattress that will last a year or two. They look for a durable option that a kid can grow into. and that is why you shouldn’t choose the mattress size that fits right now, at this very moment. Pick the one that will last from 5th grade to the high school — this is the most cost-effective solution.

Type of a mattress

That is a difficult choice. Still, there are some recommendations that will help you make the right decision.

If you have a bunk bed, consider buying a light and thin mattress, for example, a memory foam mattress.
Latex mattresses are usually more expensive than other models, so be ready to spend more on it.
Latex mattresses are the best if your child has an allergy —they are organic + hypoallergenic.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses are very supportive but also pretty bouncy. They are not the best options for a bunk bed and for parents who don’t want their kids to jump on their beds all the time.
Memory foam mattresses don’t work really well for kids who sleep hot, unless there is a layer of cooling gel.
All types of mattresses can provide edge support, but innerspring and hybrid mattresses, i.e., mattresses that have coils inside are still considered the best.

Consider this info to find out if you need a foam mattress (foam mattresses can be really cheap), latex (expensive but organic and durable), innerspring (heavy but supportive and durable), or a hybrid (supportive and more custom.) To find out more about different types of mattresses check out this guide.

Firm or plush — how soft a mattress for a kid should be?

It depends on plenty of things. Let’s take a look at the most important of them.

What kind of sleeper is your child?

Side sleepers need softer mattresses
Combo sleepers sleep better on medium mattresses
Back sleepers have a good rest on medium and medium firm mattresses
Stomach sleepers usually choose medium firm and firm mattresses

Consider that these are the basic rules. Childrens are much lighter than adults, so they will not sink into a soft mattress as deep as an adult would. As for the health issues, the truth is that you cannot find the right option based on the recommendations on the web. See your pediatrician and consider their advice — that is the right thing to do. A specialist will help you find the safest option.

Some parents just choose much firmer mattresses hoping that this will prevent back pain or help get rid of it. However, this is not the right approach. A mattress should be supportive, that is true, but not overly supportive. The best way to find out if it is too firm is to test mattresses in the store or order a mattress with at least a 1-month trial.

Conclusion

How to choose a mattress for a kid? The honest answer is “Consider the same things that you consider when choosing a mattress for an adult.” Of course, there are some differences, for example, the right size is the bigger size, and kids just don’t need high beds, but as for the other criteria, they are pretty much the same.

Consider the sleeping position, your pedeatrician’s recommendations, level of support to choose a firmer or a more plush mattress. Please note that nobody likes sudden and rapid changes, so it would be a mistake to change a super soft crib to a super supportive firm hybrid. Do careful research, take into account your child’s sleep preferences, and you won’t go wrong.