When your child is ready to transition from cot to bed, it’s time to start thinking about the best mattress to buy. A good quality mattress can promote brain development and physical growth from a great night’s sleep.

Initially, you might be able to convert your cot to a toddler bed, or you might buy a small toddler bed. However, when you consider that children between the ages 2 and 6 grown an average of 7cm per year, it might be more economical to buy a single, three-quarter or double sized bed upfront, giving your child space to grow into. Parents are sometimes tempted to use a hand-me-down bed for their growing child. In these tough economic times, it might be the only option. But if possible, rather invest in a new mattress specifically designed to support the growth of your child as the spinal support they get now may influence their bodies in future.

The best tool to find the right mattress for your child

Choosing this mattress doesn’t need to be challenging, but it is important to make careful considerations. It’s best to do your research first to ensure you choose the right mattress. After all, if your child is sleeping well throughout the night, so are you!

After a full day of activity, children need sufficient rest at night so they can start the new day refreshed. The best mattress for your child will:

• Cushion their developing bodies
• Keep the spine and bones aligned (an especially important thing to bear in mind concerning your child’s growth)
• Provide a soothing level of comfort to help with relaxation
• Reduce rolling and fidgeting, allowing your child to sleep more soundly
• Be made with a breathable, easy-to-clean fabric ensure good air circulation, keeping the body temperature well regulated. This will help encourage deep sleep cycles that are necessary for better health and development

Choose the mattress that supports your child

Sleepmasters offers mattresses that are orthopedically developed with an interconnected spring system topped with foam and comfort layers, that will support your child’s ideal sleeping posture. Target the heaviest part of the body, with reinforced support where your child needs it most.

To assist you in your decision-making, consult our Bedfinder tool which has been developed in collaboration with health experts to give best advice on your requirements. [url bedfinder]

Add extra protection for your child

Even if your child is toilet-trained, accidents may happen overnight, so the mattress you choose should be made with an easy-to-clean fabric. Even then, it’s advisable to cover the bed with a waterproof mattress protector, choose the correct protector ensuring a secure fit for your mattress and prolong the life of your investment in your child’s sleep. View our range of mattress protectors here [url mattress protector]

Our top tips for transitioning to the big bed

Now that you have found the perfect bed for your child, you need to get them in the bed. This can sometimes be challenging. Here are a few tips to get your child into the new bed.

• Be patient. It may take a few days for your child to get used to their new sleep environment.
• If you are worried about your child falling off the bed, install a rail guard or try placing a rolled-up towel between the mattress and base side edge. You can also put extra pillows and blankets on the floor next to the bed to cushion a fall.
• New bedding. You’re probably already going to get new bedding for the bed, but get your child involved by letting them choose their big-kid duvet.
• Introduce it early. Help them understand and anticipate the change.

Your child will need a quality mattress when transitioning to the big-kid bed. Choose the right mattress for your child’s needs and avoid using old mattresses. A good quality mattress can promote brain development and physical growth from a great night’s sleep.