Choosing a Mattress for a Child

The day that your child moves from a crib to a bed is a special milestone. Getting a new bed is an exciting part of growing up and great care should be taken to pick out the right design. Without the right mattress for your child's bed sleeping could be a problem. More importantly, safety can become an issue. On first glance all children's mattresses can seem the same but there are ways to be sure you are making the best choice.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Decide whether you are interested in a new mattress or a gently used one. It is best when getting a used mattress to buy one in a reputable store. Mattress resellers are usually required to sanitize a used mattress before selling it. Take this into consideration as children can have a reaction to sanitizing chemicals. If you choose a used mattress ask about their sanitizing methods. New mattresses are often sold on sale and may be a better option while still staying in your budget.
- 2
  Ask what kind of material is inside the mattress. Many materials have harmful chemicals or fire retardant treatment with chemicals. Popularity is growing in green living, so children's mattresses have started to follow this trend as well. Green materials inside a child's mattress will be often be organic cotton. These mattresses usually are marked with an attached safety certificate from a reputable green living organization. Use a checklist brought from home so you do not forget to ask about any safety precautions.
- 3
  Choose a mattress that your child can grow with. Consider how many years you hope to use this mattress. The mattress should allow room for normal growth so that the child's feet and head do not extend past the ends. Most twin bed mattresses are fine for normal growth.
- 4
  Tell your child to sit or lie on the mattress to see how it adjusts to a child's weight. A firmer mattress can allow the proper support while a child's bones are still forming and growing. Your child's doctor can also offer advice on your child's particular needs before making a mattress purchase.
- 5
  Give your child options. Sometimes children's mattresses come in colorful designs or favorite cartoon characters. After making sure each option is safe allow your child to choose between the designs you have picked out. Bedtime might be a little more fun if your child feels like he was an important part in choosing his mattress

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