Is Bedtime a Battle? 5 Tips for Choosing a Child’s Mattress for a Good Night’s Sleep
If you're a parent, you know there's no shortage of advice out there for how to get your child to go to sleep without a fight. What does the design world have to add to this conversation? We know how important a comfortable mattress is for helping grown-ups relax, and kids are no different. The right mattress, complemented by a great bedroom set, can help your children get the restful sleep they need for their long-term health and development.
1. Focus on firmness
Young kids need between 10 and 13 hours of sleep per day to keep them happy and healthy. Finding the right mattress is key in supporting their health in the long run. If your child expresses a preference for a soft mattress, you'll probably have the best bedtime experience if you listen to their requests. Otherwise, firm to medium-firm is usually the way to go. Since children are lighter than adults, mattresses will feel relatively softer for them. You'll want to find a balance between a comfortable feel and enough support for your child's back and neck. Some mattress brands offer two-sided models that can be flipped between a soft side and a firm side. If you're shopping for a crib mattress for a baby or toddler, firm is the way to go. Pediatricians recommend a firm mattress for a safe night's sleep.
2. Choose the right mattress materials
When it comes to shopping for mattresses for your kids, it's normal to be concerned about your choice of materials. Since children spend so much time sleeping, choosing an organic mattress can be a good idea. If you aren’t able to purchase an organic mattress for your child, look into brands that gear towards the use of natural materials, like cotton, wool, or silk, if possible. You may also want to consider hypo-allergenic options for children who are sensitive to dust, mites and other allergens.
3. Think about your size strategy
Babies and toddlers in a crib or toddler bed will need a crib-sized mattress. Otherwise, you'll need to decide on the right mattress size for your child’s long-term needs. For children's beds, a twin, twin XL, and full-sized mattresses are the most popular options. To make your decision easier, start by considering bedroom size. If your children's rooms are smaller, you'll probably want a twin bed even as your kids get older. If you have the space and expect to keep the mattress for a long time, it might be smart to go with a full bed. For taller children, an XL twin can be a good small-space option, but keep in mind that bedding options for this mattress size may be limited.
4. Consider mattress types
Whether you're shopping for kids or grown-ups, there are three major mattress styles to choose from:
- Memory foam mattresses are relatively affordable and have a good balance of softness and firmness.
- Innerspring mattresses, which have coils, are firmer and bouncier. If you're trying to discourage jumping on the bed, you'll probably want to skip innerspring as an option.
- Hybrid mattresses contain both foam and springs. This means they provide a great balance between softness and support. This style tends to be both the most durable and the most expensive.
If you're hoping to buy a mattress that will last until your preschooler heads off to college, investing in a hybrid model can make sense. If you're planning to upgrade to a larger bed in a few years, save your money and choose one of the other construction options.
5. Finish with Bedroom Furniture
Once you've chosen a mattress, you'll also want a charming kids furniture to complete the look and a nightstand to keep bedtime essentials close at hand. A good night’s sleep starts with a great foundation, and your child will enjoy the process of choosing their own bedroom furniture, should you involve them in the shopping process. These days, there are so many fun and dynamic furniture options for girls and boys alike. They’re sure to get a better night’s sleep in a bed chosen all on their own, with a little help from you!
Don't let bedtime become a source of frustration. If bedtime is a battle you owe it to yourself and your child to seek healthy solutions. When you're ready to shop for the perfect pieces to send your child off to dreamland, Star Furniture has all the inspiration you're looking for!
If you enjoyed this blog, check out our tips for future-proofing you kids' bedroom.
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