Which mattress to choose for a child: we take into account age characteristics

The issue of choosing a mattress is relevant for parents of children of all ages — from 0 to 18 years. In childhood and youth, the musculoskeletal system is formed, therefore, the quality, degree of rigidity and comfort of the mattress depends on whether the child will have a good posture. Another nuance: somnologists are convinced that sleep disturbances in many cases are associated with the wrong choice of bedding. We will figure out which mattress to choose for a child in order to maintain his health and create comfortable conditions for relaxation.

• Which mattress to choose for a child: options for different ages
• What else to consider when choosing a baby mattress
• We save without sacrificing quality — life hack from experienced parents
• The main thing about choosing mattresses for children of different ages

Which mattress to choose for a child: options for different ages

Many new parents are horrified by the firmness of infant mattresses. But everything is as it should be, because the main principle of choosing the right model is: the smaller the child, the harder the mattress. The soft skeleton of a baby differs significantly from the formed musculoskeletal system of an adult, and this must be taken into account.

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Newborns and infants spend most of the day in crib. The sleep time of a preschooler is approximately 10-10.5 hours, and a student of a junior and high school — 9-9.5 hours per day. It is during this period that the child's body recovers, develops, and grows. If the mattress does not support the spine well, posture is disturbed, there are problems with blood circulation: arms, legs, neck become numb. Often this leads to scoliosis, severe headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Search for a suitable mattress based on age:

• From 0 to 3 years.

  It is best to buy a springless mattress made of hard elastic material. Ideal — coconut coir.

• From 3 to 7 years.

  Preschoolers are no longer comfortable on hard mattresses. To improve the quality of sleep, it is worth choosing a model of medium hardness — spring or springless.

• From 7 to 13-15 years

    schoolchildren have tremendous physical and mental stress. By the end of the day, their muscles are very tired. For complete relaxation, they need a surface of medium hardness. In addition to age, weight should be considered. The lower the body weight, the softer the mattress should be.

Some manufacturers of children's mattresses initially develop their models taking into account age characteristics. They are guided by the results of clinical studies, the recommendations of orthopedists and  somnologists. Therefore, before buying a mattress, it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of different models, ask questions to the seller.

Child has a headache: main causes What else to consider when choosing a baby mattress

The most important selection criterion — child's age. In addition, the following points should be taken into account:

• Orthopedic characteristics.

  The quality of sleep determines the health, physical development, success of the child and the quality of his life in general. Don save on a mattress. Choose a model that provides zonal body support.

• Ecological.

  All materials and adhesives used to make the mattress must be safe. If the child is allergic, choose a model with synthetic hypoallergenic filling, such as artificial latex.

• Moisture resistance.

  Mattress fillings should not absorb moisture, so down, feather, wool — these are not the best options. They trap sweat particles, water, and the bed quickly becomes a breeding ground for microscopic mites and bacteria. Coconut, natural and artificial latex have good hydrophobic properties.

• Ventilation.

  Materials must not prevent air circulation. Otherwise, the child is provided with skin rashes, irritations, overheating during sleep.

Before buying a mattress, you need to clearly determine the size. To do this, the bed is measured along the inner perimeter. The purchased mattress must meet these parameters. If it is smaller or larger, creases will inevitably appear on the surface when the child turns in his sleep. This can have a bad effect on the development of the baby's spine.

Correct posture for children: preserving the spine from childhood We save without sacrificing quality — life hack from experienced parents

The mattress must be of high quality, and this is not discussed. On the other hand, good models are not cheap, and you have to change them often. Which mattress to choose for a child to provide him with a good night's sleep and not go broke? Experienced parents have their own secrets, and the main of — use of double-sided models.

From birth to 1 years, a child needs a very hard surface, and after this age it is better to reduce it. You can buy a double-sided mattress with different fillers. Coconut coir will provide a high degree of rigidity, and above average — combined materials (for example, coconut + latex) or dense highly elastic foam. Until  1 years, the baby can sleep on the hard side, and then the mattress is simply turned over, and it serves until the child is 3 years old.

Schoolchildren have to spend a lot of time at the desk. If you do not provide high-quality support for the spine during sleep, health problems are inevitable. It makes sense to buy a mattress with an independent spring unit. Moreover, it is worth paying attention also to the diameter of the spring elements: the smaller they are, the higher the orthopedic properties of the model.

Independent Spring Blocks — the most expensive option, but and here you can save money due to due to the different stiffness of the sides. When the child is 10-12 years old, it is time to turn the mattress over. The model will still provide point support for the body, evenly distribute the load and relieve tension from muscles, but the surface will become softer.

The Big Difference in Children's Ages: Parenting Secrets from Experienced Parents The main thing about choosing mattresses for children of different ages

The issue of quality sleep is extremely important, because it is rest that determines how your child will grow and develop. The right mattress will help prevent problems with the musculoskeletal system, blood supply to the brain. When choosing, be guided by the following criteria:

• Age.

   Children of different ages have their own physiological characteristics and needs. They cannot be ignored.

• Orthopedic properties of the mattress.

  Different parts of the body press differently on the surface. If you choose a model with a dependent spring block, where the springs pull each other under load, a hammock effect is guaranteed. This can provoke scoliosis, circulatory disorders in the vessels of the neck and head of the child. Choose springless models or mattresses with independent springs.

• Materials.

  Prefer natural breathable materials, but avoid those that absorb moisture, promote dust mites and bacteria. Quality synthetics — good too.

Telegram When choosing a mattress, look at models with removable covers made of natural fabrics. Practicality — invaluable property for children's bedding.

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