Tips for Choosing the Best Kids Mattress

Shifting your child in a separate bed is a big step- you suddenly feel they are growing up. However, selecting the correct type of bed frame is very important, just as selecting the mattress on it. A good kids mattress is not simply a scaled-down adult one, but rather one that must serve a developing spine all night long, and help your child get a good night sleep whilst combat the realities of childhood (i.e. spills, wiggles, and the occasional midnight jump).

Whether you need to purchase a kids mattress online in India or you are struggling to get the answer as to how to select a kids mattress, this guide will assist you in making an easy and informed decision.

Why a Kids Mattress Needs to Be More Than Just Soft

Many would think that children only require something fluffy and adorable, but children are very picky with their sleep. Their bodies are not even developed and this implies that a bad mattress can compromise their spine and neck and shoulders alignment. Children will turn and toss a lot more often when sleeping as compared to adults, so the mattress must provide a level of support throughout the mattress surface, especially along the periphery.

A heat-trapping or moisture-trapping mattress can have a negative impact on sleep and even cause skin allergies or irritation. This is particularly essential in toddlers who are yet to acquire a good sense of temperature control.

And to add the last thing, hygiene. Your child is going to have diaper leaks and spilled milk bottles on his/her mattress. That is why not only waterproof covers or covers that can be easily cleaned are nice to have, but it is also a necessity.

Types of Kids Mattresses Explained

All mattresses are not created alike-and what fits an adult may not be the correct size for the child. This is a breakdown of the typical different kinds of mattresses used by kids and what one should consider during the selection process.

Foam Mattresses are very lightweight as well as affordable, making them the first choice of young children. What should be noted, though, is the importance of high-density foam that is not so prone to sinking too fast or to excessive heat retention. The foam should be good quality and offer gentle support, however, it should not be too dense as too much plush leads to improper posture of developing kids.

Spring Mattresses contain a slight additional spring and may give you a bit more bounce, and generally facilitate better airflow compared to the dense foam. The downside? Springs are made cheap and may squeak or pierce through after some time and very often have no edge support. Go for spring mattresses with fillings and stronger sides in case you decide to do this.

Hybrid Mattresses: These mattresses have all the goodness of both, namely springiness and softness of foam. These tend to be more costly yet provide a more balanced spinal cord, particularly in kids that are older, or especially active during sleep.

Orthopaedic Mattresses are made to suit kids that have certain posture needs or, in some cases, have back requirements. They may be padded with coir or substantial foam, and are typically harder than a typical mattress. All children do not require one but in a situation where your paediatrician or physiotherapist has advised you to use it, then they are worth trying.

Organic or Natural Mattresses are those that consist of materials, such as latex, coir or organic cotton and are perfectly suited to children with allergies or hypersensitive skin. They are environmentally friendly, breathable, and in most cases not harmful chemically, although they are also expensive.

How to Choose a Mattress for a Child

That’s already a lot of information. So you would be thinking- ‘But where do I begin to wade through the multitude of options and arrive on the best mattress suited to kids in India?’ Initially consider the following factors:

1. Firmness Level: Kids are usually suited with medium-firm mattresses. It helps in developing the spine without being uncomfortable. Mattresses which are extremely soft should also be avoided, as they will initially be so cozy but will not be as supportive long-term.

2. Mattress Size: When moving away to a crib, you may choose a toddler size of mattress as your initial choice. And, when investing long-term, choose a single bed size that would allow you to expand. Just ensure that it fits your bed frame.

3. Material and Sensitivities: In the event your kid has a sensitive skin or asthma, then you should consider hypoallergenic mattresses with anti-microbial or dust-resistant properties. Less hazardous bets typically include natural materials such as cotton, bamboo or latex.

4. Motion Isolation: If your kid exceeds bed sharing with a sibling or loves to roll around a lot, then have a mattress with good motion isolation, usually foam or a hybrid mattress will help them to sleep more soundly.

5. Washable Covers and Protectors: You can not expect kids to not spill things here and there sometimes. Afterall, they are kids. So it is better to be safe than sorry. Spills and stains, and accidents are bound to happen. Seek a mattress that has cover which can be washed or the ability to accommodate one easily.

6. Temperature Regulation: India is a hot and humid country that requires that what you wear allows it to breathe. In the case of foam, memory foam can trap heat, so consider gel-infused styles or choose well ventilated rooms in case you are using memory foam.

7. Safety Certifications: Chemicals are a major fear in young parents. Just to be sure that the products you buy are child-friendly and chemical free, look at the safety and quality certifications (BIS, CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX) and discard them. They show that the product is tested on adverse chemicals and safety levels. A lot of parents do not know to ask for the same, but it is well within your rights to choose what is safest for your child. 

8. Reversible Mattresses: There are certain brands that produce dual-firm mattresses, i.e., being firm on one side, and soft on the other, which you can flip as your kid grows. It is an excellent value-add.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Though it is well-intended, parents tend to make a couple of popular mistakes in the course of choosing a mattress in favor of a child. A mattress which is initially soft and comfy may turn out to be too puffy to provide an effective spinal support, particularly to growing bodies. 

You can obviously forget some practical details as well, such as measuring the bed frame correctly, then only to see that the mattress does not fit. Another important consideration is breathability especially in the hot weather of India and dense foams may heat up unless selected with care. Most purchasers are also eager to directly go for adult mattresses to save some money without particular attention to the needs of children, and it can be an incorrect selection.

What Makes the Best Kids Mattress in India?

The market of kids’ products in India is now bigger than ever and is changing rapidly. The same with kids mattresses where brands are beginning to make their products more specific to address the specific needs of the growing children. Whether it is considering great designs to serviceable accessories, there are more choices to be made than ever. 

The quality of the kids mattress is not only in softness or colour, but a mixture of security, care, and intelligent finishing. Seek designs suitable to children with edge support and medium-firm durability- these properties are critical in spinal alignment and protection against injuries caused by falling over due to unsteadiness during times of unstable sleep. Several well-known brands even give it an opportunity to order online and use a flexible trial that can last between 30 days and even 100 days, so parents could test the product at home. Wet proofed liners and bunk beds are particularly useful in handling spills or bed wetting and perspiration that accompany the early years. Easy customer service and warranties that work are also important, since they make after purchase support a stress-free experience.

On a quick sweep through the internet, you would know that Wakefit, SleepyCat, Durfi Kids, The Sleep Company, or Sleepwell are some of the brands that have made a strong reputation of providing good products at fair prices, with child-friendly solutions at a lower end of the range. Nevertheless,always focus on the tested users reviews and third-party accreditation before taking the final decision.

Conclusion

A proper mattress lays the basis of healthy sleep, and for children, healthier development, enhanced moods, and immune systems. Where possible, try it on - or at least, buy a brand that has a current policy on returns or exchanges. Look beyond the superficial values based on price, and never be afraid to buy a higher-standard product and spend a little more because it will save you a lot in the next couple of years. Choosing the most suitable mattress among children does not need to be a mystery with the numerous alternatives accessible. Pay attention to support, safety, and quality. And the rest--bedtime stories, and dreamless sleep--will take care of themselves.