10 tips for choosing a mattress for a child

The first thing to do in order to choose the right mattress is to take measurements from the crib: along the outer and inner perimeter. In order not to be mistaken in the store, take a centimeter tape with you, as all manufacturers label their products differently.

The main parameters to choose the right mattress:

Length. It should be 10-15 cm more than the height of the child. For younger ones, from 3 to 12 years old standard mattresses are suitable, their length is from 160 to 190 cm.

Width. It should be at least 2 times the width of the child's shoulders. Width is usually from 60 to 120 cm.

Thickness. The recommended setting is 15 to 24 cm. Note that the thickness of the mattress should allow the child to lie down easily and also get out of bed easily.

For newborns, special products are produced, the length of which is 95-120 cm, and a width of 60 cm. Mattresses of this size provide reliable support for the baby’s spine. However, the size of cots may vary, so when choosing, it is necessary to proceed from them.

Thin products are recommended for children who sleep on the couch or folding chair. It is important that the size of the mattress coincides with the parameters of the bed. Large gaps between the edge of the product and the sides lead to the discomfort of the child during sleep.

The key characteristic of each mattress is the presence or absence of a spring unit in it. Looking ahead, it is worth noting that both types are suitable for comfortable and proper rest.

On the springs. They are not recommended for babies under 3 years old, so they are usually bought for children of preschool age and teenagers.

They are divided into several categories:

• With dependent spring unit. Cheap models, but with a slight orthopedic effect. All springs are fixed in a steel frame, which ensures the safety of a resting child and prevents its accidental fall during sleep.
• With independent unit. They are great for children who need spinal support (for example, in the presence of diseases of the musculoskeletal system). Of the minuses is to highlight the large weight of products that are not always able to withstand baby cots.

Without springs. The interior of these mattresses is made of one or 2-3 layers of filler. It can be natural or synthetic. We recommend to choose mattresses, the design of which consists of a combination of several materials. Springless products are an excellent solution for newborn babies and children aged 1-2 years.

The filler determines the stiffness, elasticity and elasticity of the children's mattress. Of course, for children it is better to choose natural "breathing" materials that do not interfere with the circulation of oxygen and are able to withstand even the highest loads.

The most common natural fillers:

• Latex. Advantages: resilience and elasticity. It provides excellent spinal support, so latex mattresses are often chosen for children from 1 to 4-5 years;
• Coconut coir. Advantages: non-absorbent, hypoallergenic material.An excellent choice for children who have an increased tendency to allergic reactions;
• Horsehair. Advantages: elasticity and wear resistance. Expensive material used only in mattresses of premium categories.

Synthetic fillers are much cheaper than natural and easier to clean, but not recommended for children under 3 years old. They need to be changed every 6-7 years, because over time, some models lose their shape and are pressed under the weight of the child.

The most popular synthetic fillers:

• Polyurethane foam (foam). Advantages: high elasticity and excellent breathability. Consider that the material does not cause allergies;
• Holofiber. Advantages: it perfectly retains heat, does not lose its qualities for a long time. The best choice for children from 5-6 years;
• Memorix. Advantages: the ability to adapt to the shape of the body. Sleeping on a mattress with such filler will be as healthy and comfortable as possible.

We recommend to choose mattresses, the upholstery of which is made of durable fabric. Basic requirements: strength, durability and breathability. Mattresses for children can be upholstered in natural materials: cotton or flax.

On sale also there are products with artificial fabrics, the most widespread of which was polyester. It does not absorb moisture at all, it is easy to maintain and affordable price.

Combined upholstery - the best option if your financial capabilities are limited. Children's mattresses with jacquard (composition: cotton threads and polyester fibers) are presented in the rulers of most domestic manufacturers.

Regardless of the material, the cover of the product can be removable and non-removable. We recommend choosing the second option, as it ensures a snug fit to the mattress. Take a mattress cover in the kit; unlike the removable cover, it can be easily erased at home.

The main function of a children's mattress is to ensure the correct position of the spine. In total, there are 3 groups of products: soft, medium-hard and hard models. For children, only the last two types are suitable, the use of the first one is not allowed.

Hard mattresses. An excellent solution for newborn babies, children aged 2-3 years, as well as children with lumbar spine diseases. The filler in such products is latex or holofiber.

Medium-hard. They are recommended from 3 years, therefore are considered as universal products. Usually, several materials are used simultaneously as fillers, differing in the degree of hardness.

Note! If your baby has spinal diseases, be sure to consult your doctor about the stiffness of the mattress.

Most of the mattresses are one-sided, but in the lines of some manufacturers there are two-sided products. Their feature is the type of coating that can be used with comfort at any time of the year. For example, the “winter” side of the mattress is distinguished by a soft filler and a layer of natural wool, while the “summer” is upholstered with a hygroscopic fabric that ensures unobstructed air circulation.

Double-sided mattresses are a wonderful choice for children, regardless of their age. If your financial capabilities allow, we recommend taking just such a model.

If a child has a disease of the musculoskeletal system, we recommend buying an orthopedic mattress. Its cost is higher than for standard products, but the design provides maximum support for the spine and reproduces the contours of the body.

For healthy children, an orthopedic mattress will be the best prevention of virtually all diseases associated with the motor system. Keep in mind that most of these products are equipped with an independent spring unit, so they will not fit newborns.

When choosing a children's mattress, be sure to consider the child’s age, since it is they who determine the peculiarities of the development of the musculoskeletal system:

Up to 2-3 years. Tough products will be the best solution, because during this period of time, the baby begins to form the correct curvature of the spine and the musculoskeletal system. On a soft product, the skeleton will not receive sufficient support, the probability of curvature will increase significantly.

For 3, 4, 5 years. Doctors recommend to give preference to models of medium hardness, while the internal filler can be coconut or latex. If your child likes to play or tumble before bedtime, the chosen model should be resistant to high loads.

From 6-7 to 12 years. You can choose not only springless mattresses, but also products equipped with an independent unit. There are no restrictions on the choice of filler, but the product should be thicker than those used at an earlier age. The recommended hardness level is medium.

Before purchasing a children's mattress, make sure that the products are certified and devoid of specific odors.

Choose mattresses for children only from reliable Russian or foreign manufacturers. If you decide to save money and buy a product of a little-known brand, then be sure to request a quality certificate!

Companies you can trust:

• Askona. Russian manufacturer, whose collections include spring and springless mattresses;
• Mediflex. Domestic company specializing in the production of orthopedic products with various fillings;
• Dormeo. Italian brand offering a huge selection of mattresses made from natural materials for children;
• Ikea. Russian company that produces products of consistently high quality at very attractive prices;

Among other brands offering comfortable, safe and high-quality mattresses: DreamLine, Peligrin, Lance Elin, Violight, Sakura, Ormatek.

Russian and foreign manufacturers offer such a huge selection of children's mattresses that you can easily find a high-quality product that perfectly fits the price. For example, a mattress with natural linen upholstery and flooring made of orthotic foam from the Askona company can be purchased for 10,990 rubles. The same mattresses from “Ormatek”, equipped with a system of independent springs, cost a little less - 7,490 rubles. If you are looking for lower-priced models, then pay attention to the products of the Russian Sakura brand. It offers baby mattresses with coconut cloth for only 6,940 rubles.

Similar mattresses from foreign manufacturers will cost more - from 10,000 rubles. and higher. Innovative technologies and exclusively natural materials are used in their manufacture. The upper price threshold is unlimited and can reach several hundred thousand rubles. Keep in mind that springless mattresses are 30-35% more expensive than products with springs.