Choosing Your Child’s Mattress: Commonly Asked Questions

by Sofzsleep

Sleep is an important part of growing up, as it has a direct impact on your child’s physical and mental growth. For children, poor sleep quality doesn’t just result in tired daytimes – it can lead to developmental issues.

That’s why a good children’s mattress, can be one of your best investments.

We understand though, that parents often have questions about choosing the best children’s mattress – or why there’s even a need to purchase a mattress for kids.

We’ve compiled a list of popular questions here. Hopefully, these answers will help you decide on the ideal mattress for your child’s nocturnal adventures!

Questions parents often ask about children’s mattresses

At what age should my baby leave the cot?

The recommended age for children to start sleeping on a bed and mattress, typically ranges from 18 to 36 months. However, every child is different – so look at your child’s size and if it’s time to move out of the cot, and onto a comfortable children’s mattress.

Is it ok to use a second-hand mattress?

All mattresses lose some level of support and comfort after several years, which can affect the quality of your child’s sleep. What’s more, you probably don’t want your child sleeping on a few years of bacterial growth, mould and (someone else’s) dried up pee!

What size mattress is best?

We mentioned this in our “Choosing the Perfect Mattress for Baby” article, but we’ll say it again because it’s important – start by choosing a size that’s appropriate for your child. Your child should have enough space to stretch their limbs (especially their legs) fully, and the mattress should fit their bed nicely.

On this note, be sure to choose a standard size bed, or you could have trouble finding a good replacement mattress (that fits) later!

What mattress firmness level is best for a growing child?

Experts recommend that children sleep on medium or medium-firm mattresses, as these provide a good balance of support for your child’s developing spine, and comfort for a good night’s sleep.

Is it possible to create an allergy-free environment for my child?

Absolutely! And your child’s mattress is a good place to start. Look for mattresses that have anti-dust mite properties and those that have been certified as safe for children – like our range of latex mattresses for kids.

Sofzsleep’s premium latex (which is used in our children’s mattresses) is certified as toxic-free – with no formaldehydes, pesticides or any other harmful gas-emitting chemicals.

Are removable covers really necessary?

Most definitely! All mattresses collect dust, hair, dead cells and other debris as they’re used. Over time, this can adversely affect the hygiene of your child’s mattress – and possibly cause you to replace it before it even starts losing support. A removable cover eliminates this issue, as a quick “strip, wash and re-cover” will have your child’s mattress back to its fresh best!

How long do children’s mattresses last?

For optimal support and comfort, we recommend changing your child’s mattress every three years for children under 10, and every five years for children aged 10 to 16 years. Why the difference? Because young kids (and sometimes older ones as well) often use their beds for more than sleeping – they’ll jump, tumble and roll around in it during playtime too! Children grow faster than you can imagine. Hence, an age-appropriate mattress which provides optimal body support and comfort is ultra-important in their growing years.

Which mattress material to choose?

As huge fans of latex mattresses, we’ll admit to being a little bias – but there’s a lot to love about a good latex mattress! They’re supportive, highly durable, hypoallergenic, and extremely plush and comfortable (which is important for sleeping well)!

As a bonus, they’re also cooler than some other popular materials (especially memory foam), which is a plus in sunny Singapore – especially if your kids tend to perspire at night.

We hope this article helps to answer any questions you may have. If you need more help in selecting the right mattress, please feel free to drop us an email, enquiries.sg@sofzsleep.com.

For more information, browse Sofzsleep’s mattress and mattress accessories product collections online today:

Need more advice on which mattress to select? Feel free to contact us or head down to any of our showrooms.

Rest well!