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This is a guest post by Sleep Advisor
Are you in the market for a new bed for your kids? Shopping for a mattress for your kids is an exciting time. However, if you don’t know what to look for, it could quickly become a stressful situation, and you may end up with a bed that’s not a good fit.
To help save you time and unnecessary frustration, we’ve put together this guide that covers all you need to know about mattress shopping for children. We cover everything from the types of beds to important safety and comfort features parents should know.
CHOOSING THE PERFECT SIZE FOR YOUR KID
The right mattress size for your kid will first come down to their current age, and if they’re very young, keep in mind children’s bed needs will change with age.
Mattress for Babies
There are a few key things to look for when purchasing a mattress for your baby. The most important is that the mattress is firm and flat. You do not want your baby to sink into the mattress, which could cause them to suffocate.
Another thing to consider when choosing a baby mattress is the material. To prevent a health or allergy risk, you should choose a mattress made from organic materials, like cotton or wool. Many manufacturers list the materials included in their bedding products, along with important safety and environmental certifications.
Mattress for Toddlers
At Casa Kids, we offer a Junior size which is perfect for younger toddlers transitioning out of their crib into a bed. The bed is only 25.5” in height, allowing your toddler to independently get in and out of the bed - we can even lower the bed if needed at no additional cost. This makes it the perfect bed for those parents who are incorporating the Montessori into their homes.
Since this bed is not a standard size, we provide a mattress and sheets to go along with the bed. The best part? We know toddlers will quickly grow quickly and will soon be ready for a larger bed, which is why we created a trade-in program for our Marino Junior bed: once you are ready to return it, you will receive a 50% credit towards any of our other beds.
Kid Mattress
When your child is old enough, it will be time to transition them into a normal-sized bed. Most mattresses are available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King. However, kids won’t need a Queen size or higher, which is why we offer our beds in sizes up to Queen.
The Twin size is popular for kids, but if your child is on the taller side, a Twin XL is a good option to get the additional length, allowing extra room as they grow. However, if you’d like to keep the bed to their teens, and you anticipate your child to become quite tall when they reach adolescence, a Full mattress could be the better investment.
PICKING THE MATERIAL
Once you nail down an ideal size, you’ll need to select the type of mattress. Different bed designs feature varying materials, and each style has its pros and cons.
Innerspring Mattress
An innerspring mattress uses an interconnected system of coils to deliver support to the sleeper. Innersprings are also one of the oldest mattress constructions.
Memory Foam Mattress
A memory foam mattress is constructed entirely of foam. Memory foam is on top, while a dense polyfoam base is on the bottom. Many brands also infuse gel into the memory foam to prevent overheating.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress combines top foam layers with a coil support base, and many models feature top layers of latex or memory foam. These beds provide the benefits of foam and springs into one product.
Latex Mattress
A latex mattress is either an all-foam or hybrid mattress that uses latex foam toward the top instead of memory. Latex beds are also good for mitigating dust mite allergies.
Air Mattress
Air mattresses are inflatable and can be used for guests, camping, and as a regular bed. Many airbeds are also waterproof and offer lower prices, making them a great transitional option as well.
Select a Compatible Firmness
Mattress firmness ranges from soft to medium to firm. However, firmness is subjective and different people feel comfortable on different levels. While one person will be perfectly fine with a soft mattress, another may find it too soft and opt for a firmer product instead.
A bed with medium firmness is a great middle-ground option to start with since it’s the most universally-appealing feel. The good news is that many manufacturers offer excellent trial periods that allow your child plenty of time to test out the item to make sure it’s comfortable enough.
PAYING ATTENTION TO SAFETY
Safety is not only important regarding the frame of the bed, but it’s also essential for the materials that go into the mattress. Therefore, you should check for important safety certifications that ensure the materials do not contain harmful substances or feature more natural materials. Some of the most common safety certifications are Certi-PUR, Oeko-Tex, Greenguard, GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).
One of the most important things to know when buying a mattress for a Casa Kids bunk or loft bed is that the thickness should be no more than 8” to ensure rail safety. The thickness for trundle mattresses should be 5” or less.
PRICE IS ALWAYS AN IMPORTANT THING
Price is also going to be a significant factor, and with a growing child, you’ll need to keep in mind that you’ll be investing in at least two beds. Therefore, you should try to get the most out of your purchase by ensuring each bed can transition with your child as much as possible.
Buying a bed online is also highly advantageous for getting a good deal. Many high-quality brands can cut costs by selling directly to consumers.
CONCLUSION
The right bed should help your kids sleep soundly, and therefore, benefit their quality of life. Before buying, think about your child’s age and the appropriate size that will work for them. Secondly, consider the type of mattress construction. For example, if they need extra support or sleep hot, a hybrid with extra cooling might work.
Along with the right firmness, the mattress must be compatible with the bed frame. A mattress topper can help extend the bed’s lifespan, while important safety certifications can help give you peace of mind. By taking these steps, you are making a great investment in your child’s health and future.
