Hours
When it comes to your child’s health, sleep is just as important as diet and exercise. Kids are constantly moving and growing, and all that activity means they need a lot of good-quality rest. According to the National Sleep Foundation, preschoolers need as much as 12 hours of sleep per day, grade school-age kids need up to 11 hours, and teens should sleep 8 – 10 hours every night.
Most children graduate to a “big bed” around age three. Selecting the right mattress from the beginning helps them sleep better and supports their growing bones and body. Here are some things to consider when shopping for a mattress for your child’s bed:
1. Buy a New Mattress
It may be tempting to save money by handing down your old mattress to your child or buying a gently used one, but a worn-out mattress will not provide enough support for his or her spine. A mattress should last 7 – 10 years, so buying new ensures your son or daughter will have a supportive mattress through many stages of growth.
2. Find the Right Size
If you’re buying a mattress for a five-year-old, remember they’ll grow rapidly over the next few years. Full or Queen-size mattresses are big enough to last most kids through the teen years, and still be used on visits home during and after college. If space is limited, consider an extra-long twin size.
3. Test it Out
When you’re in the store, your child’s idea of testing out a mattress may involve lots of bouncing and climbing up and down, but you’ll want to feel for yourself how much support it gives. Lay on the mattress for a few minutes, just as if you were considering a purchase for your own bed. If it’s uncomfortable for you, it’s probably going to feel the same way for your child.
4. Make Sure it’s Supportive
For the sake of your child’s spine and bone growth, it’s best to invest in a mattress that offers a lot of support. Both innerspring coils and high-quality memory foam are comfortable and supportive.
5. Select One that Will Last
It can be tempting to buy the most inexpensive mattress you can find for a kids’ bed, but keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. A quality mid-priced mattress will usually offer better durability and last longer than a cheap model.
6. Protect the Mattress
Prevent stains and block dust mites and allergens with a mattress protector. Choose one with a waterproof barrier in case of spills and nighttime accidents.
Wichita Furniture offers a specialty memory foam mattress for kids, as well as a wide selection of full and Queen sets. Shop online, or come see us in-store for next-day delivery or FREE in-store pickup.
