A child needs a good night's sleep more than anyone. Constantly growing both mentally and physically, during the night is when a child's brain process everything that was learned during the day. But it is also at this time when the body as a whole develops most faster. Considering all this, it makes sense to choose a good mattress to provide your child the foundation he/she needs to grow up healthy and strong.
Getting Started
Chances are that you will be using your toddler mattress with a crib, and as your child grows, with a toddler bed, as both types of bed requires the same size of mattress. This means your child will spend a lot of time on his/her mattress and that you should buy the best one you can. You'll want to make sure that the toddler mattress fits properly in the crib and there are no gaps that could pose a danger to your child. It should also be firm. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of your baby's face, increasing the risk of suffocation.
There are often two types of toddler mattress: foam and innerspring. Both types (if they are good quality) will provide great support for your child. But they are not the same. A foam toddler mattress tends to be lighter, which makes easier to change the sheets, and is less springy, so there are less chances for it to be used as a trampoline when your child gets older.
Getting Started
Chances are that you will be using your toddler mattress with a crib, and as your child grows, with a toddler bed, as both types of bed requires the same size of mattress. This means your child will spend a lot of time on his/her mattress and that you should buy the best one you can. You'll want to make sure that the toddler mattress fits properly in the crib and there are no gaps that could pose a danger to your child. It should also be firm. A soft mattress can conform to the shape of your baby's face, increasing the risk of suffocation.
There are often two types of toddler mattress: foam and innerspring. Both types (if they are good quality) will provide great support for your child. But they are not the same. A foam toddler mattress tends to be lighter, which makes easier to change the sheets, and is less springy, so there are less chances for it to be used as a trampoline when your child gets older.
Don't Compromise Quality
Regardless of which type of mattress you choose, don't compromise on quality. Cheap mattresses usually have vinyl coverings and edgings that can crack, tear and dry out over time. As prices increase, you get thicker coverings, reinforced double or triple laminates, puncture resistant, or very fine organic materials.
Don't Judge the Book By Its Cover
With a mattress, what really matters is on the inside, not outside. Some toddler mattresses feel great in the store but start to falter once your baby starts to sleep on it. Many consider an innerspring mattress a better option than foam, but a high-quality foam mattress will hold up just as long as its counterpart.
Buy New
If possible, get a new mattress. In addition to ensuring that the mattress is sanitary, when you buy a used mattress you don't know for sure how it was cared for or stored. Know that mold can grow in an improperly stored mattress, and bacteria can grow on the surface from spit-up and diaper leakage that weren't cleaned up properly.
Regardless of which type of mattress you choose, don't compromise on quality. Cheap mattresses usually have vinyl coverings and edgings that can crack, tear and dry out over time. As prices increase, you get thicker coverings, reinforced double or triple laminates, puncture resistant, or very fine organic materials.
Don't Judge the Book By Its Cover
With a mattress, what really matters is on the inside, not outside. Some toddler mattresses feel great in the store but start to falter once your baby starts to sleep on it. Many consider an innerspring mattress a better option than foam, but a high-quality foam mattress will hold up just as long as its counterpart.
Buy New
If possible, get a new mattress. In addition to ensuring that the mattress is sanitary, when you buy a used mattress you don't know for sure how it was cared for or stored. Know that mold can grow in an improperly stored mattress, and bacteria can grow on the surface from spit-up and diaper leakage that weren't cleaned up properly.
