Sleep is vital for growing children when it comes to their mental and physical health. Depending on the age, a toddler requires around 10-14 hours of sleep every night. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that your child’s mattress is comfortable and supportive to ensure a pleasant night’s sleep.
See, transitioning from a crib to a proper bed is a significant step for any child. It can be exciting for the child but equally stressful for the toddler and the parents alike. The toddler may have some problems sleeping in the new bed because he/she has to adjust to the new bed. That said—here’s another daunting part—finding the right kind of mattress that is best for your toddler.
What Mattress Should A Toddler Sleep On?
Finding the ideal mattress for a toddler is challenging because their needs are quite different. See, you probably know that a baby requires a bed that should be firm, safe, and comfortable. However, the same mattress isn’t the right fit for a toddler. This begs the question—what is the right mattress firmness for a toddler? There’s no simple answer as this all depends on your toddler.
Nonetheless, to make the process of shopping for the best mattress for your toddler a little bit easier, we have compiled a guide with everything you need to know about choosing the best mattress for a toddler.
Types Of Mattresses For Toddlers And Growing Children
We already mentioned that a comfortable and supportive mattress is crucial for your child to have a good night’s sleep. Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can lead to various mental, physical, and other developmental problems in younger children.
So, which type of mattress can ensure your child gets a pleasant sleeping experience? Let’s find out:
1. Standard Sprung /Open Coil Mattress:
The springs in the open coil or standard sprung mattresses work as a single unit to spread your kid’s weight across the whole bed. These mattresses generally provide adequate support and optimal spinal alignment.
2. Pocket Sprung Mattress:
The springs in the pocket-sprung mattresses are wrapped in individual cloth sleeves. Pocket-sprung mattresses provide better support and weight distribution than standard-sprung mattresses. These mattresses are also more responsive to the child’s movements.
3. Memory Foam Mattress:
Memory foam mattresses are known for contouring the sleeper’s body, making them a good option for younger kids and toddlers who tend to toss and turn a lot during the night.
4. Latex Mattress:
If your toddler or child is suffering from allergies, a latex mattress is a perfect solution. The reason is latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and breathable. Furthermore, if your child complains of getting hot while sleeping, latex mattresses are perfect are it will keep them cool throughout the night.
5. Reflex Foam Mattress:
Reflex foam mattresses are made of solid foam providing great support for growing children.
Still unsure which type of mattress to choose? The table below may help you:
| Mattress Type | Pros | Cons |
| Standard Sprung/Open coil mattress | Supportive Budget-friendly | Not responsive to your child’s shape |
| Pocket sprung mattress | Customized support Durable | Expensive than a standard sprung mattress |
| Memory foam mattress | Helps reduce tossing and turning Hypoallergenic properties Durable | Feels warmer than any other mattress types |
| Latex mattress | Supportive Durable Hypoallergenic properties and eco-friendly | expensive than most typical mattresses |
| Reflex foam mattress | Lightweight Supportive Value for money | Support isn’t as customizable compared to other mattress types |
If you’re searching for some of the best and most comfortable loft beds or bunk beds for your kids or for yourself, we have a great collection in our guide.
What Is The Right Mattress Firmness For A Toddler?
Glad you asked! The firmness level of your toddler’s new mattress should be at the top of your considerations when choosing the right mattress. It’s worth mentioning that your toddler’s body is continuously changing. Therefore, regardless of what kind of mattress or mattress firmness you choose—your child’s bed should be something that promotes healthy posture, supports their ever-changing body, and provides a quality, good night’s sleep.
It’s essential that you choose a mattress that provides adequate spinal support; after all, your child will be spending 8-10 hours sleeping at night on it. That begs the question—what is the ideal mattress firmness for a growing child? Generally, a memory foam mattress is not recommended for younger children. The reason is a memory foam mattress conforms to the body, and given the fact that your toddler’s body is constantly growing, it can cause some issues.
However, a pocket-sprung mattress has optimum firmness and provides better support. A pocket-sprung mattress also keeps the spine neutral, therefore minimizing stress and excess pressure. This mattress is also firmer than memory foam or latex alternatives. Besides, this mattress is also comfortable for children. So, it is more suitable.
Which Type Of Mattress Is Best For A Toddler?
Generally speaking, mattresses made for toddlers are limited. Most mattresses are either foam or innerspring mattresses. Both types are suitable for a toddler’s body, and you won’t find any problems with either. In the end, it all boils down to your own personal preferences or how much you are willing to spend.
Foam mattresses are relatively cheaper, light, and easier to set up. However, they tend to be hot while sleeping, which may become uncomfortable for younger children. For this reason, we recommend you buy a breathable foam mattress, allowing the heat to escape.
Meanwhile, innerspring mattresses are often a bit less expensive, but they offer generous support. Plus, due to the way innerspring beds are made, they are extremely breathable. But, they tend to be heavier, and that is one of their major downsides. So, if you’re somebody who regularly changes beds, make sure you’ve someone to help you.
What Are The Best Mattresses For Children With Allergies?
Now let’s talk about something a lot of kids and adults alike suffer. If your child has allergies, you need to get him or her a mattress that helps them alleviate their symptoms, which will make them sleep better and comfortably.
We suggest you choose a hypoallergenic mattress that inhibits the growth of dust mites associated with causing allergies for most sleepers. Memory foam mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, and therefore make the right choice for children suffering from allergies at night.
What are The Best Mattresses for Children Who Fidget at Night?
One of the primary reasons children fidget during the night sleep is because the mattress is uncomfortable. Kids who fidget at night reportedly have poor sleep or sleeping problems. So, it’s essential to find a mattress that can help reduce fidgeting. Foam mattresses are an excellent solution for kids who move or fidget a lot while sleeping. We advised foam mattresses because not only they’re comfortable, but they also provide enough support that will help your toddler steady, which reduces fidgeting.
What Is The Best Mattress for Growing Children?
As children get older, their mattress requirements also tend to change. Growing kids tend to find firmer mattresses better suited for sleeping. Again, firmer mattresses are suitable for teenagers as well.
Firmer mattresses are more supportive and keep the spine and bones aligned, which prevents them from developing aches and pains.
What About The Costs?
There are different types of mattresses, and based on several factors, there are also a few price differences. The most expensive options are pocket-sprung and latex mattresses. Memory foam mattresses aren’t that much cheaper, but they’re in the middle. Finally, the most affordable mattresses are futons and open coil mattresses. These two types tend to be cheap because they aren’t designed to last very long and are sometimes deemed uncomfortable by many.
Whether you’re looking for kids or an adult mattress, if you’re on a budget, or can’t spend more than $1000, well, you’re in luck. We have some of the best mattresses under $1000 in our collection! We can recommend some of the best yet affordable futons as well. Don’t forget to check them out!
When Should You Move Your Baby Or Toddler To A Child’s Mattress?
Transitioning your baby from a crib mattress to a proper child’s bed is a crucial phase of their childhood development. As your baby grows, you’ll eventually need an appropriate mattress for your child. We recommend moving your little one to a suitable toddler’s mattress and bed when they hit 18 and 36 months of age.
However, this is only a guideline, and it’s totally up to you. As your child grows, your safety and comfort are your responsibility, and it is something that you’ve to decide for yourself.
When Should I Replace My Child’s Mattress?
When or how often you should change your kid’s mattress depends on their size and age. But generally, if your child is between 3 and 10 years old, replace their mattresses after every three years. For children aged between 10 and 16 years, replacing the mattress every five years works great.
There you have it! Hopefully, this buying guide has all the required information on choosing the ideal mattress for your toddler or growing child. Now it’s your turn to decide!
See More Resources:-
- When to Flip Your Baby Mattress?
- How To Tuck Sheets Under Heavy Mattress
- Can You Put a Regular Mattress In a Camper?
