When it is time for your toddler to move out of his crib and into a new toddler bed, it can be very exciting and frightening moment for him. Additionally, you will have to face the bewildering variety of options you need to choose from. Thankfully, the crib mattress size is usually the same as the toddler bed; thus, you can use the old mattress from the crib for the transition. This will help your toddler in adjusting to a new bed while he sleeps on a familiar mattress. However, if you are thinking of buying a new mattress for him, there are several things you need to pay close attention to.
Choosing a mattress for your young one is a bit more challenging than selecting one for yourself. Although it is important to focus on the comfort level that a mattress can provide, your toddler also needs a mattress that meets certain safety requirements that can provide him with the right support for his physical growth and development. Here are some essential tips to help you find the right mattress for your little angel.
Safety Must Come First
You must ensure that the mattress you choose for your child is safe; thus, you must find one that has the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certification. Additionally, you must make sure that the mattress will fit well with the bed to prevent injuries. You can check if the mattress is too small if you can fit more than two of your fingers between the mattress and the toddler bed.
Additionally, you must also choose a mattress that has the right firmness that is ideal for toddlers. You have to know that soft mattresses have been linked to various cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. To check if the toddler mattress is not too soft, you must press on them. Upon doing so, neither the edges nor the center of the cushion must give.
Find The Appropriate Mattress Type
Before you go to the market to look for a new toddler mattress, you must first consider the weight and age of your young one. The transition from crib to a toddler bed must happen when your child is between 18 and 36 months, after which, the child must be in a normal bed with a proper mattress.
When looking for a mattress for your young one, you might be overwhelmed by the number of choices available; however, there are only several mattresses which are recommended for toddlers. For one, you can consider getting an innerspring mattress instead of a memory foam mattress. The innerspring mattress will provide excellent skeletal support and conformance which is perfect for your child’s growing and developing body. Additionally, this type of mattress will not easily degrade due to moisture.
Memory foam, on the other hand, won’t be able to provide the same level of support as an innerspring bed, and latex also has the tendency of shaping to your child’s body over time. These mattress types are not ideal for toddlers because their body is constantly changing, growing, and developing. Additionally, it is also advisable not to use bunk beds mainly because of the injuries it might inflict on your child, since the child might fall from it or jump from the top of the bunk bed.
Added Features To Prevent Dust Mites And Allergens
Generally, all new mattresses are treated for dust mites before they are sold. Unfortunately, this will not prevent dust mites from developing over time, especially when they have a good environment to thrive in. To protect your child from dust mites, you must find a toddler mattress with additional anti-allergenic and moisture-barrier properties.
As an additional tip, you can also choose a mattress with a vinyl cover. This feature will provide better water resistance and better ventilation which can keep the mattress clean and odor free. You can also find an eco-friendly mattress since this type of mattress doesn’t contain any toxic chemicals and allergens which can harm your child once he is exposed to it for long periods of time.
Citations:
- abbybatchelder.”IMG_9142″. Online Image. EveryStockPhoto. Dec 21, 2012
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Kris Lim is a mother of one who knows how challenging it is to find the right mattress for toddlers. For this reason, she offers these easy tips to help new mothers in choosing the right toddler mattress for their young one. She also regularly contributes to online mattress stores, including http://www.ParklaneMattresses.com.
