CHOOSING YOUR CHILD'S FIRST BED TIPS.

How to choose your child’s first bed, as we all know, sleep is important, especially for children. Everyone knows it, and as parents, you want your child(ren) to get the best night’s rest possible. 

Getting your Children into a good sleep routine from a young age can be hard, but it’s important to meet their needs for a good night's rest for proper growth and development. One of the major aspects of attaining this goal, besides a regular routine, is having a safe and comfortable bed, with the proper mattress to help support the back and promote proper posture. 

 Here are a few tips to help you!

Consider your child(ren)’s weight and age

Your kids aren’t going to stay little forever, as much you may or may not want them to. It would be best if you considered their weight and age. If it’s the child’s first bed – i.e. they’re transitioning from a crib to a big bed– you should be looking to make this transition when the child is somewhere between 1 and a half years old and 3 years old.

The mattress has to be the right size for the bed, but remember that children grow, so you could consider getting a slightly larger bed for longevity. Make sure the bed is appropriate for the size of the room. Please don’t buy one so ridiculously big that they have problems climbing in and out of it.

Spinal support is paramount

The spine and neck have to be in a neutral position, i.e. a position that does not place undue stress. It’s a question of balance. The mattress must be firm enough to keep them comfortable but not so soft that they sink into it.

Choose a tight top mattress with high density memory foam. This feature allows the sinking of pressure points and provides support, which avoids bowing of the spine. There’s also the potential for them to sleep better because they won’t toss and turn as much on these mattresses.

Spring mattress or something else?

Memory foam mattresses provide comfort and help a child stay cool at night, but a spring mattress is more durable. Children are light enough to sleep on them without incurring too much wear and tear on them. They offer a lot of support, not to mention comfort, and endure moisture better as well.

Not sure about the base? A platform base is fine for the mattress, but there’s no problem with a slatted base. If you go for the slatted option, make sure the springs are no more than about 5 centimetres apart.

Opting for a fun children’s bed

A bed isn’t just a place to rest; in a child’s eyes, it’s a potential place for adventure, too. When choosing a bed for your child, you can get practical and still select a suitable bed for your child(ren). Here are a few suggestions:

Picking the right bed for a child is a responsible job. They need to get a good night’s sleep, just as it is for you. It’s better to spend more than less (unless you’re still getting value for money). Consider your child’s weight and size and what mattress would be right for them, and bear these in mind, too, when going for a more ‘grown-up’ style of bed.

Choosing the best bed for your children can be challenging, most especially for first-time parents. However, by applying the tips above, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you're making the right decision. Make sure to consider your child's safety, preference, the correct mattress size, support system, the material, and overall quality of the mattress and bed frame.