Whether you have a toddler who still wakes several times a night or a preteen you have to drag out of bed every morning, your child’s bed may be the cause of their bad sleep habits. Your child’s growing mind and body both need a good night’s rest as much as, if not more than their parents. Here are a few guidelines for choosing the right bed for your little one.
Whether you have a toddler who still wakes several times a night or a preteen you have to drag out of bed every morning, your child’s bed may be the cause of their bad sleep habits. Your child’s growing mind and body both need a good night’s rest as much as, if not more than their parents. Here are a few guidelines for choosing the right bed for your little one.
Size
If you’re on a budget, moving your tot straight from a cot into a single bed is logical, but the transition from a cosy cot to a large, lonely bed may be too much for some kids. A toddler bed is a good stepping stone and doesn’t have to be fancy. A toddler bed is also a great option if you’re concerned about your little one rolling out of bed, as most come with rails that can be removed as your child outgrows them.
For older kids, a single bed is just fine. Though they may beg you for a double bed for sleepovers, a single is much easier when they’re learning to make their own bed and you can always pull out a mattress for a friend.
Space
Kids have a lot of stuff and most struggle to keep their things tidy at the best of times, so a bed that offers space for storage underneath is a great option. For siblings who share a room, space is likely already tight, so bunk beds may be preferable to twin beds, though they’re not recommended for children younger than 6. In a small bedroom, an elevated bed that can accommodate a desk, reading nook, or simply some extra drawers underneath is a good choice for older kids.
Mattresses
In general, you’ll use much the same criteria to choose your kid’s mattress as you would yours, though their needs will likely change as they get older. If you want to discourage jumping on the bed, steer away from innerspring or coil mattresses. Foam is ideal, as it has great durability and different densities allow you to choose the firmness – medium will accommodate most sleepers, so is ideal for kids.
One of the downsides to foam, however, is that it tends to retain heat, so for kids who sleep hot, you may want to opt for a smart-gel infused foam mattress or a fiberfill topper, both of which will dissipate heat better. Your other option is latex – a natural product which, aside from dissipating body heat, is also mould and allergen resistant.
One last thing to remember, kids are messy, and at some point, they’re going to ignore your “no food or drink in bed” rule, so invest in a mattress protector. Good quality waterproof mattress protectors aren’t all crinkly plastic and are a must if your little one isn’t 100% dry at night.
If you need some help deciding on the perfect bed for your child please visit one of our stores and a friendly sleep specialist will advise on the best options available.
