Kids Bedroom With White Furniture Children thrive on a good night’s sleep. Healthy sleeping habits can improve behavior and memory, support a healthy immune system, and aid in physical development. In other words, helping your child get a good night’s sleep can set them up for a healthy, successful life. That’s why choosing a mattress is so important. Here’s how to choose a mattress for a child!

What Size Should a Child’s Mattress Be?

Most people tend to choose between twin, twin XL, full-sized, or queen-sized mattresses for their children. Because mattresses tend to last between 5 and 10 years, you’ll want to choose a mattress that can grow with your child. While twin beds work best for kids who either have a small bedroom or share a bedroom, they can sometimes become too short for children as they grow. If people in your family tend to be taller, you should consider a twin XL mattress or a queen mattress, both of which extend to 80 inches long. Remember to take into account the size of your child, the size of their bedroom, and the amount of time you want the mattress to last when making your decision.

How Firm Should a Child’s Mattress Be?

In general, mattresses tend to fall into three categories of firmness: plush, medium, or firm. Ideally, you want a mattress that provides enough softness to eliminate pressure points without sacrificing support. While children can sleep on any level of firmness, one way to determine how firm a child’s mattress should be is by considering their sleeping style. In general, back sleepers tend to do best with a medium mattress, side sleepers tend to do best on softer mattresses, and stomach sleepers tend to do best on firm mattresses.

What's the Best Type of Mattress for a Child?

The three main types of mattresses are innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are made with a steel coil innerspring support system with various foams and fibers on top for a comfortable surface. In the past, these have been the most popular type of bed, and they also tend to be the most affordable option. Memory foam mattresses are made of a malleable memory foam that conforms to the shape of your body. A favorite among people who suffer from aches and pains, memory foam also prevents the transfer of movement and has an average lifespan of seven years. Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with a top layer of memory foam, offering a great combination of support and comfort. When choosing a mattress for your child, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each type of mattress as well as the durability, firmness, motion isolation, temperature neutrality, and the mattress foundation required. Thinking about buying a mattress? Visit a Star Furniture & Mattress store near you, where we can help you find the mattress of your dreams. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog, where we cover topics ranging from tips for designing your child’s first bedroom to how to take care of your new mattress.