As a parent, you want to give your child the best of everything. That's understandable - which is why it's worth taking the right amount of time to find the right mattress for your little one. Don't know how to do it properly? Check what mattress firmness is best for a child, depending on their age.
Why does mattress firmness matter?
Are you wondering what significance mattress firmness has? In a word - a huge one! Although just a few years ago it was believed that the firmer the model, the better, today, views on this topic have clearly changed. So, what is the significance of correctly determining the firmness of a mattress?
A properly firm mattress has a positive effect on the child's proper development, supports the spine, and guarantees it proper support along its entire length. Thanks to this, you will provide your child with maximum comfort, and additionally - take care of their safety. What mattress firmness is appropriate for a child, depending on the little one's age? We'll tell you.
Mattress for a newborn, infant, and one-year-old
It's easiest to make a mistake when choosing a mattress for the smallest little one. This is not surprising - a newborn child requires special care and maximum comfort. A mattress that is too soft can endanger the child's safety, effectively making it difficult for them to move freely. A child who turns over onto their tummy can sink deep into the mattress, which is an extremely dangerous situation! A mattress that is too soft can increase the risk of sudden cot death - which is why it should be avoided!
Many parents, wanting to minimise the risk as much as possible, opt for a firmer model. Unfortunately - most often one that is too firm. Such a mattress will cause discomfort and negatively affect the condition of the little spine.
What mattress to choose after the second year of life?
Are you wondering if a child who is turning two can sleep on the mattress that was previously in the infant's cot? They can, but if you are replacing the cot, it's worth replacing the mattress too. A model for a two- or three-year-old child should be medium-firm, antibacterial, and hypoallergenic. Due to the possibility of a nappy leaking, it's worth choosing a mattress with a removable cover.
A good choice will be a memory foam mattress. Such a model will perfectly adapt to the body, providing the little one with support along the entire length of the spine.
Mattress for a pre-schooler
Are you wondering what mattress firmness is most appropriate for a pre-school-aged child? If you changed the mattress when the little one turned two, the model chosen then, if it meets specific requirements, can still serve for some time. However, if the little one has been sleeping with their parents so far, it's worth buying a new mattress! As with a two or three-year-old, a memory foam, foam, coconut, or latex mattress with medium firmness and high elasticity will be suitable.
Such a model will accompany your child for the following years. A child between the ages of six and ten should still sleep on a medium-firm and highly elastic mattress, but it's important to choose a model with the right dimensions.
Mattress for a teenager
Choosing a mattress for a teenager can also be a problem. If you are wondering what mattress firmness is appropriate for a teenager, be guided by the child's height and weight. The chosen model must be about 20cm longer than the child's height. If the teenager weighs less than 60kg, an H1 firmness will be appropriate; if more - it's worth choosing H2 firmness.
General rules
Regardless of your child's age, it's worth choosing a mattress made of safe materials. Opt for a model with medium firmness, high elasticity, and additionally characterised by anti-allergic and antibacterial properties. A removable cover will be a great convenience.
