Choosing a mattress for children is usually underestimated. However, this is a crucial step that affects the healthy development of a child’s spine. Children grow quickly and therefore need a quality mattress that adapts to their rapid development. With the right model, you can prevent scoliosis of the spine and other orthopaedic problems that can cause great mischief in adulthood.
Age plays an important role in choosing the right mattress for your child. For example, babies and newborns have different requirements than teenage children. However, harder mattresses with a single firmness are always preferable. Zone mattresses are only suitable for adults whose bodies have already developed. Remember also that no memory foam mattress belongs in any children’s bed. This is because memory foam creates a “form” of body imprint and the body “sinks” into the foam, which is contrary to the requirements for rapid growth. This could lead to various growth deformities as the child’s body develops.
Did you know that young children sleep up to 4,000 hours a year, more than 40% of their lives? During sleep, children grow, but they also regenerate. They regain strength and energy for the next day. That’s why we need to give them everything they need for a good night’s sleep.
The cot mattress should meet the following requirements:
From a safety point of view, it is important that the mattress completely fills the surface of the cot. There must never be a space between the mattress and the springs where the baby could wedge his or her hand or foot. As babies grow incredibly fast in the first stage of their lives, avoid a memory foam mattress, which is completely unsuitable for baby’s development. A firm mattress is recommended for newborns.
As with mattresses for adults, you can choose from a variety of materials that promote breathability as well as the healthy development of your baby’s spine.
At about 3 to 4 years of age, the child will already have a big bedwhich will fit a classic mattress for single beds of 90 × 200 cm, or 180 × 200 cm for a double bed. Even for these children, it is not worth underestimating the choice of mattress. They are still growing and need a quality product that will enable them to develop a correct and healthy support system.
For children aged 3 years and older, mattresses made of:
Of course, you can also supplement your child’s bed with a foam mattress of medium firmness. For babies and smaller children, it is not a bad idea to provide the mattress with a mattress protector, which has an impermeable layer so that liquid does not soak into the mattress in case of wetting. The mattress protector is easy to put on the mattress thanks to the 4 elastic bands, but also easy to take off. It is machine washable at higher temperatures, so you can reliably remove all bacteria and allergens. For hygiene reasons, it is advisable to replace the children’s mattress with a new one after 5 years. We advise on the best way to clean the mattress.
Zone mattresses are not suitable for smaller children. They grow quickly and often turn over in their sleep, so a zone mattress would be unnecessary for them. Even a memory foam mattress is not suitable for children under 12. Children over the age of 12 can have a mattress with a maximum of 2cm of memory foam. A mattress for school children should be firmer or medium-firm and the height of the mattress should be around 15 cm.
The right mattress for youngsters should be breathable and elastic. Of course, it must provide sufficient support for the developing body. At this age, parents most often get them bunk beds or bunk beds. Materials such as foam, latex and springs are therefore ideal. Foam mattresses are among the most popular as they are:
In adolescence, the choice of mattress is similar to that of an adult. You need to take into account whether you have an athlete or a computer expert at home. Mattresses for older students (18 and over) may already have zoning or dual firmness. For teenagers under 18, harder mattresses are recommended.
The choice of a suitable mattress should take into account the weight of the sleeper. It is important that the spine does not bend when sleeping on the side or on the back, especially in the lumbar region. The overall height of the bed, including the mattress, should be approximately 50 cm.
With the right mattress, you’re not only enjoying quality sleep, but you’re also doing something for the health of your family.
Do you know how to choose the right duvet and pillow for a child?
Share this article
Materasso Blog
