Sleep is a vital part of our lives, and more so for your kids. According to studies, it is seen that a good night’s sleep can help improve concentrate, behavior, memory, and overall health, while lack of sleep can lead to complications such as obesity, high blood pressure, and even clinical depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend;
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12-16 hours of sleep for infants
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11-14 hours of sleep for 1-2 years old
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10-13 hours of sleep for 3-5 years old
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9-12 hours of sleep for 6-12 years old
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8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers between 13-18 years old
But, to ensure your child enjoys an adequate amount of sleep, the first thing you must do is invest in the right mattress. So, how do you do that? How can you choose the best mattress for your kid? Well, keep reading to know more.
Choosing The Right Mattress For Your Child
Opt For The Right Size
How do you decide what size is the best? Well, three factors come into play here. One, take your child’s age into consideration. Two, the mattress must be proportionate to your child’s overall size, and three, see how long you plan to use it. Generic mattress measurements are given below;
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Crib mattress measurements: 28”x52.”
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Twin mattress measurements: 38”x75.”
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Twin XL mattress measurements: 38”x80.”
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Full mattress measurements: 54”x75”
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Queen mattress measurements: 60”x80.”
Keep A Budget In Mind
Today, the world of mattresses os flourishing, and you will find a plethora of options in the market. And, this can sometimes get overwhelming and confusing since you want only the best for your little one. To make it easier, always set a budget as it can help narrow down the list substantially. For instance, an average innerspring mattress can cost anywhere between $300-$500 while a twin mattress can start from $100. But remember, although you might be lured into buying something cheap, it won’t do you any good because you need something sturdy, something that will stay with your kid at least till their teenage years. And, when you invest in the right brand, you will see that it will at least last for 10 years. So, instead of replacing the mattress every now and then, choose for something that will stay with you for long.
Type Of Mattress
Now that you have finalized the size and locked a budget in your mind, the next step is to choose the right kind of pressure care mattress. Today, the most common choices include:
- Innerspring mattress: These mattresses are quite popular as they last longer and don’t get damaged very easily. They are mostly firm and robust.
- Foam mattress: Like innerspring, foam mattresses are also quite popular, but it is not for infants or toddlers because they are known for off-gassing. Don’t worry, it is not harmful, but it can induce a strong odor for a couple of weeks. However, if it is placed in a well-ventilated room, the smell vanishes quickly.
- Hybrid mattress: Like the name suggests, a hybrid mattress is a mix of innerspring and foam and gives you the best of both worlds.
- Organic mattress: An organic mattress is chemical-free, flame resistant, biodegradable, and hypoallergenic. Therefore, especially when it comes to toddlers or infants, this is your best option.
Check The Firmness Level
The firmness level of a mattress is crucial, especially when it comes to kids over twenty months. The advantage of having the right firmness is that it aids development and is safe compared to other mattresses. For your kid, bring home a mattress that helps in the alignment of the spine.
What Else Does Your Kid Needs Along With The Mattress?
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Sturdy pillows that offer the right neck support. Make sure it is comfortable before making a purchase.
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Sheets and covers are best purchased with mattresses. You can always opt for sheets with cartoon characters printed on them to make it more fun for younger ones.
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Quilts and blankets.
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Weighted blankets for kids is another best option if your child is not able to sleep easily. A weighted blanket is precisely how it sounds. It contains small amounts of weights insides which offers gentle pressure, ensuring your child dozes off quickly.
In conclusion, we understand that when it comes to your kid, compromise is never a choice. So, keep all these factors in your mind before you choose the perfect mattress for your kid.