This month, Bed Advice UK – part of The National Bed Federation (NBF) – explains the importance of checking your child’s bed during the school summer holidays.
A child’s bed should provide adequate support for growing bones and muscles by holding their spine in correct alignment, with sufficient comfort layers to cradle the contours of their body. Quality sleep is crucial to help with concentration and performance during the school day. So, if they are sleeping on an old, lumpy bed that no longer provides the support, comfort and space they need to sleep well, it’s time to replace it!
How to check if my child’s bed is up to scratch
Make the most of the summer holidays and give your child’s bed an MOT. Strip the sheets and mattress protector and feel around the mattress and bed base. Are there any lumps and bumps? Are there any stains that need removing? Are there any broken slats? Is it the correct length for your child, and is it still comfortable?
When should I replace my child’s mattress?
Parents and caregivers should aim to change their child’s bed or mattress at significant growth periods. For example, a teenager who has suddenly shot up to 6ft needs a bed that allows their feet to stay on the mattress and not hang over the end.
With the rate that children grow (height and weight), it is impossible for a bed you bought when your child was six or seven years old still provides the support required when they reach their teens. Check your child’s height, as the summer often brings a real growth spurt!
What to look out for when buying a new bed for my child
· Children’s mattresses can be either foam or spring. Mattresses containing memory foam are generally not recommended for young children.
· If a child has asthma, eczema, or rhinitis, choose a mattress and bedding with hypo-allergenic fillings which avoid known irritants such as feathers or hair.
· If you buy a mattress and bed base separately, always check they will fit together, as bed sizes are not standardised.
· Do not buy second-hand or use hand-me-down mattresses. It will not provide the support and comfort needed for growing children and could be a health or safety hazard.
· If buying bunk beds, ensure they have the correct safety standards (BS EN747) and regulations (entrapment hazards) with which manufacturers and retailers should comply. · Look for the NBF-Approved logo to give you peace