Better sleep for the whole family.
Your little one is in the toddler stage, and they’re starting to be just a bit too successful at escaping their crib. Spoiler alert: They’re ready to graduate to a big kid bed, and you have some options to consider. You could pick a toddler bed (a compact twist on a twin size), or you could skip the toddler bed stage, and get a longer lifespan from your purchase with one of these twin mattresses for toddlers.
Research1 shows that there are multiple factors that impact sleep quality in kids—and according to Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and medical director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, "Sleep is especially important for toddlers, since it's crucial for their growth and development." Bonney notes that there are a few considerations to take (more on these later) when deciding between a toddler bed or a twin bed, and ultimately, only you will know which option is best-suited for you and your tot.
If you’re focusing on longevity, we can’t lie that your child (and your wallet) will get a lot more mileage out of a twin bed than a toddler bed. What’s most important is that you find a supportive and safe solution that helps your child drift off to dreamland, and stay sleeping throughout the night.
Keep scrolling to learn more about how to pick the best bed for your child, and to see our picks of the best twin mattresses for toddlers.
When is it time to move your toddler to a twin mattress?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) you shouldn’t transition a child to a “big kid” mattress until they’re able to effectively climb out of their crib. The Sleep Foundation notes that other indicators like the crib rail being below chest height is a clear sign that it’s time for the switch. For many children this can be anywhere from 18 to 24 months, or as old as around three years old (36 months).
Per Bonney, "It really depends on the emotional maturity of the child—some are ready at 18 months, and some are not [ready] until they're 3 to 4 years old." She goes on to explain, "Some kids are on the larger side, and should be more quickly transitioned to a bed so they're more comfortable, and safer as they can jump or fall out of a crib if the chest reaches the top of the rail at the lowest setting."
How to choose the right twin bed for your toddler.
All of this considered, going mattress shopping for your child isn’t much different than for an adult. However, you’ll want to prioritize a firmer mattress. Below, find a few standard criteria to keep in mind when selecting a quality mattress.
Materials
Most mattresses are either innerspring, latex, memory foam, organic, or a hybrid. Hybrid models often feature innerspring coils surrounded by memory foam, latex, or other materials. Memory foam is most susceptible to off-gassing, the process of chemical vapors to be released and is not a sustainable choice—so Eco-focused parents should prioritize latex or organic mattresses.
"Hypoallergenic mattresses are particularly appropriate for toddlers with various sensitivities," Bonney confirms. She also adds, "Mattresses made of wool have moisture-wicking properties that help to keep toddlers dry and comfortable. Removable organic cotton covers with a water-repellent barrier that can make cleaning quick and simple are another option. Some mattresses can even be entirely washable."
Certifications
If you’re concerned about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or the ecological impact that many bedding materials can have on the environment, then you’ll want to look for certifications that confirm a brand is minimizing its impact. If your sole concern is low VOCs, GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US are common certifications to look for.
Edge Support
True children’s mattresses have more pronounced edges to provide extra protection. For the ultimate safety solution, you’ll want to install toddler gates on the bed frame.
Firmness & Sleep Position
The firmness you want will depend on your child’s preferred sleeping position. A side sleeper will usually feel more comfortable on a softer mattress while back and stomach sleepers will want something a bit firmer to avoid sinking into the mattress. For young children, experts recommend a firmer bed. That in mind, most children’s beds are a bit harder than you might prefer as an adult. If it’s bothersome for your child, consider investing in a mattress topper to create a more plush experience.
Contour and Pressure Relief
Contour and pressure relief refers to a mattress’ ability to redistribute weight and minimize unnecessary strain on contact points along the body. Again, this feature will go hand-in-hand with your child’s sleeping style. Finding a mattress that’s designed for their sleeping position will directly impact how well a mattress can effectively contour to their body and provide pressure relief.
Durability
The average lifespan of a mattress is between seven to 10 years. Bonney expands on this, saying, "A standard twin lasts on average for about 8 years, but often for more than a decade. Toddler mattresses last for shorter periods of time."
Assuming you’re buying a mattress for your child when they’re between three and five years old, it should be durable enough to last them until adolescence or even high school age. Keep in mind, little ones love to jump on beds—which can prematurely age the mattress. Look for features like reinforced seams, extended layers of foam, or a flippable mattress that will last longer, and better support a growing body.
How We Picked:
Quality & Materials
When picking out a mattress for your child, you want something they’ll be able to sleep in for years to come. We prioritized mattresses that will stand the test of time, and that are made with the highest quality materials.
Edge Support
Edge support is crucial for a toddler’s mattress, so we aimed to include options that will keep your child safely in bed throughout the night.
Reviews
We read hundreds of reviews from people who have tested each of these mattresses, in order to provide the most thorough, well-rounded recommendations.
Price
A high-quality mattress is an investment in your child’s health. We know everyone’s budget is different, so we selected mattresses at various price points.
When you decide to graduate your child from their crib, you can choose between a transitional toddler bed, or a twin bed. Opting for a twin size over a toddler bed means you won’t have to replace the mattress as quickly—so this choice could actually save you money in the long run! With a huge selection of well-crafted twin mattresses, we’ve narrowed it down to the best twin mattresses for toddlers. And if you really want to upgrade your child’s sleeping experience, consider trying one of these comfortable pillows, or even a weighted blanket (just make sure you’re opting for the best one for kids!).
Nguồn bài viết Du học Đồng Thịnh | (+84) 96 993.7773 | (+84) 96 1660.266 | (+44) 020 753 800 87 | info@dongthinh.co.uk
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