One of the highlights of our room is our bed. It should be the most comfortable place for you to rest on. Most especially if you had a long day. We take time to choose the right kind of mattress so that we will be able to make use of its maximum comfort. Taking a look at its size and its feature is what we always do.
There are different kinds of mattresses in the market for us to choose from. They have different materials and features for us to compare with. This is to make sure that we will be able to get what kind of mattress is perfect for us. Even for our children.
Our kids have some of the most sensitive skin in the world. They must be well-groomed and wear an item of clothes that won’t irritate their skin. Additionally, you can select from a variety of mattresses for your bed.
There are different things that you need to consider before buying a mattress for them. Also the transition from their baby crib to a child’s bed. It may be new to them but it is going to be a fun start and an exciting experience for them.
A simple guide to picking a mattress for your child
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Size
Always remember that kids grow up so fast. Choose a mattress that will support them even up until they are 10 years old. Also, the room size of your child matters. Find a mattress that will not consume that much space in their room.
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Thickness
For every kind of mattress, there is a certain measurement for its thickness. Its support will depend on the thickness and the material of the mattress. But when it comes to choosing the right kind of mattress for your child, choose the one that is not too high.
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Material
Every mattress has its own material. It is up to you to choose which kind of material you want as a mattress. The comfort will always depend on the material used and as well as the thickness of the mattress. It will also affect how sensitive your child is.
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Your child’s sensitivity
There are certain types of materials which your child is sensitive to. Research or ask the salesperson about the mattress and what it is made of. This is to make sure that your child will not have any skin problems in the future. There are cheap mattresses that cause rashes because of dust and bed bugs and other tiny insects that can live in the mattress.
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Mattress support/foundation
The supporter or the foundation of the mattress for our child will also matter. It is to keep the condition of the mattress last longer. And there are different kinds of mattress supporters and foundations for you to choose from. There are certain heights and sizes for you to select so that it will match the mattress that you chose.
One thing that you need to remember is that the supporter or foundation needs to be very durable. It should be able to carry heavy weight to make the frame last long. And for the mattress not to sag or ruin its quality.
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Comfort
As parents, all we really need to do to ensure our kids get a good night’s rest is make sure they’re as cozy as possible in bed. Our kids will be happier the next day if they get a decent night’s sleep. If we don’t, they may have temper tantrums that are tough to manage. The level of comfort provided by a mattress ranges widely based on factors like its thickness and construction materials.
*Tip: If you are about to buy a mattress for your child, bring them with you and let them help you choose the kind of mattress they want to have*
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Spend for quality
We know that mattresses may cost you a lot of money. But it will all be worth it once you place it in the bedroom. Especially if the mattress is very comfortable for you or your child to sleep on. Instead of having a hand-me-down mattress, go for a brand new one. Because it might cost your child’s health if you use a second-hand mattress.
How to keep your child’s mattress durable and comfortable and last longer:
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Use a durable foundation
The quality of our mattress will depend on the material, foundation, and how well we take care of it. There are certain foundations that ruin the quality of the mattress earlier than expected. It is usually because of the hollow areas of the supporter which make the surface of the mattress uneven.
Choose a mattress foundation where it can support the mattress and have an even surface area. So that it will be comfortable for your child to lie on and for it to last longer.
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Use a water-proof mattress topper
Mattress toppers are used to protect the surface of your mattress. To avoid stains and to keep it soft and comfortable without losing its even surface. Kids ages 3 to 8 are known to pee on their beds whenever they fall asleep. And we already know that any form of liquid can ruin the quality of the mattress.
There are certain materials that are sensitive to liquid. This is why a water-proof mattress topper is best used for the mattresses of our kids. Mattress toppers are easier to clean than the mattress itself.
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Replace bedding with clean ones every 1-2 weeks
It is already a mandatory thing that we need to change our bedding. This is also to maintain the durability of the mattress. And according to amerisleep.com, oil from our skin, stains from the food that we eat, and even our sweat are absorbed by the bedding. Our beddings are like sponges, it absorbs anything that is spilled on it. And once it is full, the mattress will absorb whatever the bedding can’t absorb. And this is why we need to change our bedding to cleaner and new ones.
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Flip the mattress from time to time
Flipping the mattress can help prolong its lifespan. The surface of a mattress can be deformed because of the weight of your child. Most especially if they have a favorite sleeping position. In order to keep the surface even, flip, rotate and turn the mattress every now and then so that it won’t sag. Although there are ways in order for you to fix a sagging mattress, it is still good to have its original surface.
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Keep the mattress clean
Keeping the mattress clean is for you to use the right kinds of bedding and mattress toppers. It will save you more time and effort from cleaning them. Also to keep the bed bugs and dust from irritating your kid, have it vacuumed from time to time. It will keep the puffiness of the mattress. And as well as keep those unwanted visitors away from harming your kid.
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Avoid pets on the mattress
Pets are known to be very passionate. But they should have their own separate bed. Most especially if they are close to your kids. Pets also salivate and they pee everywhere (if they are not trained). And this can ruin the mattress even if you have the leading mattress topper and bedding. They also carry lice that can live inside the mattress. This is why there are beds that are for sale so that your pet can also have a place to sleep on.
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No jumping
The number one rule in the bedroom is not to jump on the bed. Aside from possible accidents, it can also ruin the surface area of the mattress. It will make it uneven and make it comfortable for your kid to get a good night’s sleep.
- Give it a little bit of sunshine once in a while
Just like us humans, our mattresses need a little bit of sun. It is to kill the remaining bacteria and as well as keeping it well-cushioned.
The transition from Crib to a Bed
Now that you already know how to buy the right mattress for your child, the next challenge is how to introduce them to their new bed. Transitioning from the crib or them sleeping between you and your spouse can be difficult.
Make sure the bed is ready and safe for your child to sleep on
There are a lot of reasons why you need your little one to have their own bed. It’s either you have another baby coming or they are already growing up. Choosing the right kind of mattress and bed frame is a huge investment to ensure your kid’s safety. And their safety is our number one concern.
Keep the bed low and close to the ground
In order for them to be safe in their own room or on their new bed, keep their bed low. This is to avoid any falls or accidents in the future. Because there are some kids who tend to move a lot whenever they sleep. And you don’t want them to accidentally fall on the floor while they are asleep. Also, it will be easier for them to climb their new bed if is low.
Add extra cushion around it
Add extra pillows or stuffed toys around the bed. This is for them to be comfortable whenever they are in their new sleeping area. Also, it is to keep safe if ever they fall. At least there is something soft that can catch them and can avoid any bumps.
Make it exciting
For maximum excitement, portray the change as though it were a miraculous occurrence. Acknowledge the big step they’re taking by sleeping in the new bed the first night by telling them how proud you are of them. It’s best to let them know what’s about to happen before you move them to a new bed. If you want them to be prepared and not in shock during the day, you should tell them a few months in advance.
And in the room, add the little things that they like. Their favorite cartoon character, favorite color, and everything that they like. This is for them to be motivated and excited to stay and sleep in their own bed or bedroom.
Child-proofing the room
Another thing you need to do is to make sure that the room and the surroundings of their new sleeping area are safe. And according to raisingchildren.net.au to keep the outlets covered, the curtains must have an appropriate height, and as well as keep harmful objects away. It is also a standard thing to do as a parent.
Keep the corners sealed with something soft to avoid any bumps on their head. There are baby-proofing items that are for sale in the market. Or you can even do it yourself so that you will be sure your child will be safe from any harm.
Keep the same bedtime routine
– Practicing a healthy sleep routine can also make it easier for your child to sleep in their new bed. Also, telling bedtime stories about a similar situation and relating it to them can help. It is a challenge for a parent to transfer their kids from their old bed to a new one. But doing it slowly and step-by-step will make it easier.
Keep the electronics away
If you want your kid to have a good night’s sleep, train them to live a life without a gadget. Any kind of gadget can ruin your child’s health. Even his or her sleeping patterns. A gadget contains blue light which is responsible for keeping your brain active. And it will be difficult for you to fall asleep.
How much more for children who need more sleep because they are growing? If you can’t help it and allow your child to use a gadget, set some limitations. They are only allowed to be exposed to and use any type of gadget for a short period of time. This can help them have healthy sleep and a healthy body as they grow up.
Ensure them that they are safe and you love them
Not all kids are excited when they transfer to their new room. But one thing you can do is to talk to them and make sure that they feel safe and loved. You don’t have to push them to transfer. But you can slowly encourage them until they are ready to sleep in their new room and in their new bed.
And if there is a new baby on the way, ensure that you still love them. Let them understand why they need to transfer and at the same time show them how much you love them.
Let them do the first move
Once you have finally gained their trust, let them do the first move in transferring to their new sleeping area. And don’t leave them until they are already comfortable and tucked in. Tell them a bedtime story and wait for them to fall asleep so that they will still feel like you are sleeping right next to them.
Be patient
Allow your child to adjust to his or her new place. And don’t force them if they don’t want to. Once they are ready, it is time for you to slowly introduce what is going to happen as soon as they are already in their room. Patience is the key to a successful transition. Moving from one place to another can make them feel weird and frightened.
That is why you need to take it slow. Kids can be easily fooled, but once they are frightened of something, it is going to be hard. Stay right next to them and let them feel the comfort. If they don’t like the way it feels, they can always try next time.
According to the results of a recent study, it’s crucial for a kid to get enough quality shut-eye. Adults, like children, have a minimum requirement for sleep time in order to function at their best. Our kids still have a developing nervous system because they are still young. One approach to ensure its healthy development is through restful overnight slumber. Children between the ages of 0 and 6 months old have an impaired circadian rhythm, as reported by sleepfoundation.org.
Circadian rhythm is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. And once it is developed, it needs to have the right routine to follow so that it will be able to have a healthy sleeping pattern. There are ways in order for your child to get a good night’s sleep. You can train them in the bedtime routine so that once they are already sleeping in their own room; it will be easier for them to fall asleep.
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