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Choosing the right mattress for your child goes beyond just comfort.
Did you know that the mattress can play a crucial role in your child's posture, bone development, and overall well-being?
If your child doesn't get enough restful sleep, you may notice some worrying symptoms. They may wake up cranky and grumpy, display aggressive behavior at school, or become hyperactive, putting themselves and others at risk.
But don't let this scare you!
It may sound overwhelming, but this guide will make it easier for you to buy a kid's mattress.
Sleep is crucial to your child's health and comfort, so take into consideration all factors that contribute to their well-being.
Size of Mattress
Deciding on the size of the mattress is important and it depends on the age of the kid. The child who has outgrown the crib would ideally be best suited for a twin mattress for kids. However, if the bed will be shared by two kids then a full-size mattress will be more appropriate.
For some older children, it is essential to consider the existing bed and the height of the child. Go one step up in choosing the right size of the mattress. The size of the bed and mattress should complement each other.
A taller kid in his teens or pre-teens can go for a twin XL or maybe even a full-size/queen mattress if the room can accommodate it.
Type of Mattress
With so many types of mattresses to choose from, the type of mattress for kids can be confusing. It is important to understand the needs of the child. Most kids prefer some bounce so a pillow-top or hybrid mattress that uses coils as the base is an ideal pick.
The other viable options can be a certified memory foam or organic latex mattress. A memory foam mattress can be soothing for a fidgety child who tends to roll around on the bed when asleep.
Importance of Firm Mattress
For any mattress type, firmness is vital. Kids need a firm mattress and should not sleep on plush or soft mattresses. Many parents tend to raise eyebrows and are always skeptical if a memory foam mattress is good for a child.
All you need to take care of is that the sleeping surface of the kid is on the firmer side.
Lastly, make sure you cross-check the materials used in the mattress. It should be kid-friendly and not contain any harmful chemicals.
Role of Coil Count
It is crucial to highlight the role of coil count as the longevity of the mattress is dependent on the quality of springs and count.
A premium high-quality mattress will have a higher coil count making it more supportive and will help in the even distribution of body weight.
If you are picking up a twin bed, it should have at least 200-220 coils and a minimum of 375 coils for a full-size bed.
Quality of Mattress
The type of mattress and the quality of material used in the mattress is what more or less define the price of the mattress. Many parents feel they don’t need to spend much as the kids will outgrow and they will need a new bed.
They will buy a cheap memory foam mattress or pick up a cheap Chinese mattress from Costco or Walmart. This may not be the right strategy and can harm the overall growth of the child.
Cheap mattresses compromise the quality of the materials that can contain harmful chemicals. It can cause allergies and irritation to the skin or the child will be subjected to slow inhalation of poisonous chemicals.
Consider a mattress with quality materials the way you will choose a mattress for adults. It should be at least CertiPUR-US certified and preferably use organic materials.
Warranty
No matter how long you are going to keep your mattress, always opt for a proper warranty. Things can go wrong at unexpected times and warranties always come in handy in such situations involving manufacturing defects.
An average mattress will have a minimum of a 10-year warranty and in some cases, it is a lifetime warranty that is becoming quite common.
The devil is in the details and this case the fine print by the manufacturer. Do read and understand the refund policy, trial period as well as what is included during the warranty period.
The most neglected part by the customers is the pickup. Many retailers or manufacturers charge or expect you to pay a hefty amount for packing and pickup. In many cases, it is not cost-effective to avail warranty which defeats the purpose of the warranty.
Right Foundation
The awareness of the importance of the right foundation or bed frame has always been a challenge for industry experts.
To get the maximum out of your mattress, you need to use it with the right bed foundation. Most of the mattresses are available with corresponding box springs that you can buy together. Alternatively, you can opt for a simple cost-effective flat platform but make sure it matches the size of a kid’s mattress.
