The choice of a quality bed and mattress for a child is just as important as choosing a mattress for an adult. As a child our bodies are constantly evolving. In the early stages of our lives, we need a bed that will support the natural development of our bodies. Particularly our spines.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that sleep impacts memory, immune system responses and school performance. Sleep is vital for a child’s health and development. When assessing a new mattress for your child you need to consider the quality of the materials as well the type of mattress and level of firmness.

Children generally move from sleeping in a cot to a bed somewhere between the ages of 2 and 4. Finding the right mattress is essential for your child’s comfort and quality of sleep. It helps support your child’s posture and even strengthens his bones. It also promotes deep sleep cycles that are essential for your child’s overall health. Here are key factors you need to consider when choosing the right mattress for your child.

Which mattress is best for your child

When selecting a bed and mattress for a child, the primary factor to consider is that their body is constantly changing in size and shape. Between 18 and 36 months a child’s spine is rapidly changing. The mattress and bed you choose must provide sufficient support for your child, thereby promoting natural growth and development of the spine.

According Dr Havard Bergby, a paediatric chiropractor at Sydney’s Inner West Spinal and Sports Injury Centre, an innerspring mattress is a better choice than a foam or latex mattress. A sprung bed has greater supportive properties than a latex or foam mattress that tend to shape to the sleeper’s body over time. A child’s body is constantly change and a sprung mattress is far more accommodating and capable of providing good support as the child grows.

We would also advise not buying a pillowtop mattress for children, particularly for younger children who generally need a firmer and more supportive mattress.

Ensure the bed is clean and well maintained

To protect your child from dust mites, allergens and other nasties that can accumulate, a mattress protector is a wise investment. Also be sure to change and clean sheets on a weekly basis. A clean and hygienic sleep environment will greatly help protect your child from asthma and other common childhood ailments.

A double sided mattress provides better value

A good quality spring mattress should provide comfort and support for your child for around 10 years. We recommend purchasing a double-sided mattress. A doublesided mattress that is turned over regularly will maintain its shape and supportive qualities much longer than a single-sided mattress.

For the wellbeing, health and comfort of your child spending a bit of time on mattress selection is important. We welcome children to our show room. So please come down and have a look.

At Beck’s Bedding, we have over 65 years of manufacturing experience and all our mattresses are custom made to order. We understand that everyone is different and not one mattress is best, or suits all. That is why we will make a mattress to suit you! This will help you sleep better and let you enjoy life. Visit our showroom located at 323 – 329 Bell Street, PRESTON and find out how you can sleep better.