Which mattress for a toddler?

[gregb]

Hi

We are about to buy a single bed for dd who is just about 2 years old.

I've no idea what type of matress is suitable for a toddler. Firm/Soft/Airsprung/Spring????

Anyone have any experiences or links to studies?

I know for adults its really about preference and body weight etc etc but with toddlers???

i wouldnt buy an expensive one incase of accidents.

Ours have sprung ones and they seems to wear well.

not sure but i would bear in mind that accidents inviolving bodily fluids of various sorts will happen (urine, vomit...) therefore:

personally reccomend a sultansova mattress from ikea b/c its cheap, and can be 3 diff lengths.

but whatever mattress you get, do invest in more than one good quality mattress protector. needs to be breathable as well as waterproof for comfort (the plastic sheet style ones are NOT comfortable to sleep on, believe me. ive been in toddl;ers beds pretty often lately. they are sweaty and 'rustley'. not nice.) also, you will need a spare to put on if you take one off in middle of night after an accident just in case there is further 'spillage' that night... i would get several pillow protectors for this reason too. esp valuable during a bout of V&D/tummy bug sickness. .

HTH

Hippychick mattress protectors, available if you search in google, are fantastic and not at all 'crinkly'.

For babies there are safety considerations about mattress firmness that aren't really an issue for toddlers.

Basically at this age a sprung mattress or coir one will be best. They are supportive and should be long lasting/ not sag.

Firmer beds are better for one's back but too firm and it might not be so comfortable for her.

My personal view is you should invest in a fairly good one as it could last 10 or 15 years for her. Just cover it well with the protector to prevent it getting trashed with those accidents!