Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good for a Child? 8 Important Questions
A memory foam mattress is a great choice for many adults, but are they also good for children? Some people say that it’s better to let kids sleep on their backs, while others claim that side sleeping can help with congestion and snoring.
It’s hard to know what the best option is when you have so much conflicting information out there. However, we will answer five important questions about whether or not memory foam mattresses are good for kids.
Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good for a Child?
So is a memory foam mattress good for kids? It depends on two things: your child’s age and what they’re looking to get from their mattress. Let’s start with the first one, why do children need to sleep on their back as opposed to their stomachs?
The reason has to do with an anatomical structure called the airways, which becomes narrower in some people as they reach puberty, usually around 11 years old. This narrowing leads to snoring and congestion issues during sleep. If your child doesn’t experience any of these issues, then they can sleep on their stomachs safely.
Now, are these types of mattresses a good choice for kids? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question. It really depends on your child and what else you are looking for in a mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are great because of how pressure-relieving they are, unlike traditional spring or coil mattresses, which is good news if your child has any circulation issues that make them uncomfortable when lying flat.
But the problem with memory foam beds is that sometimes children overheat during sleep due to trapped air. So if heat sensitivity is an issue for your kiddo, then a memory foam bed may not be the best option.
On top of all that, many parents find that memory foam mattresses are too soft for their children, which may lead to backaches and other issues.
What Are the Benefits of a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam is great because it can alleviate pressure points on your body while you sleep, especially if you have any circulation problems. It also adjusts to your body over time, meaning that if one side starts sinking more than the others then it will automatically start adjusting itself accordingly.
This means less tossing and turning during sleep. How do I know if my child is ready for a memory foam mattress? A lot of this has to do with what they’re looking for in terms of comfort and not just age. Make sure that whoever’s choosing the bed takes into account how important safety and comfort are.
How do you know if your child is ready for a memory foam mattress?
First, you need to consider if your child is old enough. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant should not sleep on a foam mattress until they are at least one year old – and even then it’s recommended that the bed be placed away from windows, curtains, or other objects which could result in strangulation hazards. Kids aged two to five can start to use a foam mattress, but only if it’s been fitted with a protective cover – such as those made by Queen Mattress.
Are you sure that your child is the right size for the bed?
If so, then how does he or she react when they sleep on it? Does their body sink in too much? Does it feel too firm? Memory foam mattresses are often made with a denser, firmer material than other types of beds. This may not be comfortable for some children who might prefer something softer to sleep on.
Is Your Child Mature Enough To Know The Difference Between Their Memory Foam Mattress and Others In The Same Room?
If so, then you should consider how your child reacts to the bed. Does he or she complain about a sore back when they wake up in the morning? Memory foam mattresses are often more supportive than other types of beds, which may not be great for some children’s backs that haven’t fully developed yet.
Does your child have any respiratory allergies?
Memory foam mattresses are often made with different types of materials that can cause reactions – even for those who do not typically have allergies.
What is your child’s mattress currently like?
Do you want to upgrade from a standard coil, spring, or latex bed to something new and exciting for them? If so, then it might be worth the switch to a foam mattress, but you might want to wait for them to grow into it.
What Should You Look For When Buying A Bed For Your Child?
When it comes to purchasing a mattress, there’s plenty of things to consider that have nothing to do with the type, such as how comfortable, is it? How easy will it be to clean? Is this going in their bedroom or not? All these questions make purchasing one much more difficult than just picking up any old traditional coil mattress off the shelf.
But even if all those other factors don’t matter, which they absolutely should, then you still need to think about whether or not your kiddo needs something firm enough for them but soft enough so they won’t feel pain while sleeping on their back. You also need to make sure that the mattress will suit their needs for weight, height, and build, especially if they’re a teenager.
In general, we recommend checking out the Tuft & Needle mattress collection on Amazon for children that are old enough.
Conclusion
A memory foam mattress is not always the best choice for children. It’s important to consider what your child is looking for in terms of comfort, especially if they’re an infant or young toddler who needs something soft and cozy. When it comes down to it, you should also think about their age and size as well as any allergies that might be triggered by the mattress material.
