The value of sleep as a child is of more importance than when you are any other age. Not only will sleep fuel their energetic childhood it will also allow their bodies to continue growing both physically and mentally.
Therefore the more sleep they have, the more time the brain and body develop. The best mattress to provide the child with a high quality of sleep depends on what they are like as an individual as every child will have different specific needs due to the massively wide variety in ways they sleep.
There are many deciding factors for purchasing your child a mattress. You need to ensure it's well-built while also being sturdy enough to aid posture. Of course, comfort is also essential if they get the required sleep.
The first stage of a child's development progresses from a cot bed to a children's mattress.
This usually happens between 20 to 30 months old, making it probably the most crucial mattress choice you will make, but there is no need to worry as we will go through the main factors which need to be taken into account.
Pictured: Jay-be Pocket Sprung Anti-allergy 3FT Single Mattress, Available online at Bedstar
Working out which type of kids mattress is best for your children?
Open coil - These mattresses are a good budget option that provides the necessary support to help support the child's posture and growth. However, you are sacrificing some of the comforts you can experience from some other mattress types.
It also means open coil mattresses are usually as durable as different mattress types. Although this may seem like a problem for most, it isn't as kids generally need new mattresses more frequently; therefore, a cheaper option like open coil can prove to be popular.
Continuous coil - Made from a single looped wire, these mattresses are also on the cheaper end of the scale, lacking durability being the main reason for the low prices.
Pocket sprung - This is where the springs are sewn into fabric pockets, making them higher quality, more comfortable, and allowing more movement.
However, because they are of higher quality, they come with a significantly higher price, and with the child's speed of growth, you have to weigh up whether you are willing to spend the added amount.
Memory foam - These mattresses are built to mould the child's body offer extreme comfort. They can prevent fidgeting or lots of movement from allowing for more extended amounts of sleep. On the other side, the excessive comfort levels may mean that you could lose some of the possible support, which might not be best for your child’s posture.
Latex - This mattress type is the ideal option for someone with allergies. They are also very breathable, making them an excellent opportunity for the summer months.
Hybrid - a multi-layered mattress that combines springs and foam layers, providing the best of both comfort and support. They're the perfect option if you love the bounce and support of a pocket sprung mattress but also desire the convenience of foam.
Pictured: Jay-be Waterproof 3FT Single Mattress, Available online at Bedstar
How often should you replace your kids mattress?
Because of the more extended amounts of time children spend sleeping, it is clear that their mattresses are likely to become worn quicker, so if your child is between the age of 2 and 10, we usually recommend replacing the mattress every three years. In contrast, if they are between 10 and 16, it should be every five years as they won't quite be sleeping for as long as the younger children.
Other features which may influence your decision
Weight and thickness - This directly affects the comfort levels and support a mattress can offer for you. It can also affect your decision if you want maneuverability, say, for example, you are using a room as a bedroom and an office.
Mattress cover - This can sometimes be something you don't pay much attention to when purchasing an adult bed. When purchasing a child's bed, the importance is increased due to a higher chance of accidents and spills, which would damage and stain your mattress without a cover. The main thing to check is whether the cover is removable. Ideally, you would prefer a removable cover as you will be able to clean up any spills.
Price - Buying a quality children's mattress can vary in price as you can get what you are looking for from £150 right up to £600. This will depend on how specific your child's needs are and what sort of budget you have to stick to.
Overall I think you can come to understand the significance of your child having their ideal mattress for the most critical period of their life in terms of growth. However, this decision shouldn't now be as hard as you think, as this guide has hopefully shown you some of the things you need to look out for.
