Selecting a Mattress for Your Child

Buying a mattress for a child is different than buying one for an adult. Children are lighter so they need a softer sleeping surface or else the mattress will not conform to their bodies creating pressure points causing more tossing and turning and potential aches and pains somewhere down the road.

The other significant difference is that children's beds are often outgrown and need replacing, so something relatively inexpensive is often a priority. There is a wide range of options in children's bedding, from the very affordable, but terribly uncomfortable low end innerspring mattress, to the top of the line latex mattress.

The old standard for kids' mattresses is the cheapest thing in the store; a poorly made innerspring mattress without even a decent cover. The springs are easily felt through the top and offer little to no support. Choosing a better innerspring is an improvement but can run up the bill without offering the support or comfort of alternative mattresses such as polyurethane foam, memory foam, and latex. For less than $130 shipped, the twin size Q16 soft mattress made with polyurethane foam offers high quality; high density Qualux foam engineered to withstand the test of time, combined with a 10 year warranty to ensure the mattress is outgrown, not worn out.

It may seem cost prohibitive to invest in a decent memory foam mattress for a child's bed, but the 3 lb Visco mattress is comfortable, affordable, and allows children the benefits of memory foam. A machine washable, soft, two way stretch terry cloth cover makes stains less of a problem, and contributes a great feel. At $199 the 3 lb Visco mattress is a brilliant investment in a child's well being.

Latex is the best sleeping surface for children and adults alike. It relieves pressure points better then even memory foam, is incredibly resilient with a life span of about 20 years, is anti microbial; a big plus for anyone out there suffering from allergies, and is a natural product that won't have any kind of chemical out gassing. These impressive benefits come with a cost though. Starting around $540 in a twin, latex mattresses are worth every penny, but are not the most affordable option for those on a tight budget. The Carmel mattress combines a latex topper with a polyurethane foam base. An excellent compromise between cost and comfort, the Carmel mattress is $349 in a twin.

A good night's sleep is necessary for anyone to function properly, let alone a growing and developing child. There is no more sure way to rob someone of a well deserved night's sleep than to have them sleep on an uncomfortable; non supportive mattress. For a child's mattress it is easy to fall into the idea that cheaper is better, even though for an affordable amount more there are far superior options.

Overall, the best blend of comfort, support, and affordability in a kid's mattress is the 3 lb Visco memory foam mattress. With a very soft feel, the support and pressure relief of memory foam, and a machine washable cover, this mattress is perfect for little sleepers. In any case, for your child's sake and your own peace of mind, don't buy them the cheapest thing you can find, it's not the deal it's cracked up to be.

Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for FoamSource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment. For more information on ordering latex mattresses, visit the FoamSource latex mattress page