As your child grows older, they will need different levels of support in their mattress. This is not only for their safety but also for their comfort. With different types of mattresses available, is a memory foam mattress good for a child?
The short answer depends on the age of your child. Whereas babies and toddlers need a certain level of firmness in their mattress, finding the right mattress for a child really depends on the child’s preference and the parents’ budget.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Toddlers?
Memory foam can be harmful to toddlers, although older children and adults usually enjoy sleeping on it.
A memory foam mattress is characterized by its natural slow recovery, which allows the body to sink into it during sleep. The result is customized pressure point relief depending on your body shape.
Whether you’ve piled on the pounds or have a slim body, memory foam’s natural sink-in can be the key to a comfortable night’s sleep. Unfortunately, this feature can make tossing and turning slightly more difficult.
While older children, teens, and adults have no trouble shifting positions on memory foam, toddlers might struggle. Their small body frame and limited strength may cause a 3-year-old – or younger – to feel too slumped to change positions when necessary.
This can lead to sleep disturbances that affect both your child’s and your own sleep.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Kids
There are three important things to consider when choosing a mattress for your child:
- Mattress Size
- Mattress Material
- Mattress Firmness
For babies and toddlers, these factors are usually predetermined. All baby mattresses are federally regulated to be 27 ¼” by 51 ¼” to fit snuggly inside a crib. Most crib mattresses convert to toddler mattresses as children grow.
Size, material, and firmness become important when selecting a mattress for a child around 4 or 5 years old. While babies and toddlers require firmness, the decision for older children falls to both the child and the parents.
Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Kids
An innerspring mattress or a hybrid mattress can work for older children, but a memory foam mattress might be the best solution.
Memory foam mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic, making them ideal for children with allergies. They also support all sleeping positions, accommodating the varied ways children move during sleep.
For parents, memory foam can also be cost-effective. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically cost more due to their construction, whereas memory foam requires no coils.
Where to Get the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Your Kids
Many memory foam mattresses are now compressed and shipped in a box, which helps with delivery. But how can you ensure your child’s comfort before purchase?
By visiting your nearest Mattress Warehouse store, your child can test memory foam mattresses firsthand. Mattress Warehouse carries major brands including: Casper, Purple, and Tempur-pedic.
