Human beings spend about one third of their lifetime in bed. Hence, choosing the right mattress should be a very well thought out decision. Your health and welfare could be in the balance.
The four most important factors to consider are comfort, support, space and matching sets. Never buy a mattress that does not feel comfortable and causes pain. A good mattress is one that provides support for all parts of your body.
A word of advice: never use a mattress for more than ten years ongoing.
Especially when choosing a mattress for your child, you should take special care.
Children have different needs for a mattress than adults and it is very important to choose the right one. If you are looking around, you will see many different prices, will have to compare many features. Here are some guidelines to make the choice easier:
First of all, you must realize that you can better avoid to buy a mattress that contains polyurethane foam, eco foam (which is mostly polyurethane foam), vinyl (PVC), chemical fire retardants and industrial chemicals. As your child spends ten to twelve hours in bed a day, these kind of mattresses may prove unhealthy. They can give off a gas that may be inhaled by your child.
It is better to go for natural mattresses. These are made from organic and non-toxic materials. They contain organic wool, organic cotton or pure latex. Organic wool is a good choice because it is naturally fire, dust and mite free and it is also resistant to cold. Natural latex is a relatively new product and is resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria and dust mites. Latex covered in wool is fire resistant.
Just be warned that some children may be allergic to latex. So you can best look for a mattress that has earned the recommendation or certification of a reputable organization (such as Green Guard or Healthy Child, Healthy World).
In third place, you must look for a waterproofing and dust mite protection that is non-toxic. It is better to avoid vinyl, nylon and polyurethane.
Next, go in search of a firm mattress. The bones of children are growing and because of this pediatricians recommend a firm mattress to encourage proper bone growth. Thicker mattresses (the depth can vary between 8” to 17”) usually have a firmer support than the thinner ones.
The best bed materials are solid hardwoods that contain a non-toxic finish. A bed that contains plywood or particleboard made with glues can release formaldehyde fumes. So next to the mattress, the bed itself is of importance! A twin-sized bed is best for a child. You want the child to be able to grow into his or her bed over the years.
To conclude, a high price does not necessarily mean quality. Do your research in a good manner and focus on the materials that are used to make the mattress. If you choose well, your child will thank you for it by having a good night’s rest.
