Foam mattresses like memory foam and latex are popular with parents. However, not all foam mattress types are safe for your child to sleep on.
As a mother of two, I know how daunting it can be to find the best mattress for our precious. We all want the best for our children, including a safe and comfortable place to rest their heads. In this article, I’ll share my journey of finding the best foam mattress for my kids and the knowledge I’ve gained.
Foam mattresses can be a good option for a child. Besides being very affordable, they are lightweight and very comfortable. Still, not all foam mattresses have the proper support. They can be dangerous to young infants if you are unaware of the following.
This article will cover the following:
- Types of Foam Mattresses
- Benefits of Foam Mattresses for Children
- Potential Concerns with Foam Mattresses
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a Foam Mattress for Your Child
- Is a Memory Foam Mattress Good for a Child?
- Alternatives to Foam Mattresses
- Takeaway
Let’s start by going over the different types of foam mattresses available.
Uncertain about which mattress to get? Take a look at this list of the best kid’s mattresses. I have put lots of hours into this guide, and you’ll find the ideal mattress for your child!
Exploring Types of Foam Mattresses
When I started my quest, I was surprised by the variety of foam mattresses on the market. Each type has unique benefits and features that cater to different sleep preferences, from memory foam to gel-infused.
What Are the Different Types of Foam Mattresses?
- Memory Foam: These mattresses are the most popular among parents, and I can see why! They contour to your child’s body, providing excellent support and pressure relief. My youngest loves her memory foam mattress because it feels like a warm hug at bedtime. Just be aware that some memory foam mattresses can retain heat, so look for one with a cooling gel layer or breathable cover.
- Latex Foam: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, latex foam mattresses offer excellent support and are durable. Consider a natural latex mattress if you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option. My sister swears by her daughter’s latex mattress, as it’s hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites – a bonus for allergy-prone kids!
- Polyurethane Foam: Also known as polyfoam, these mattresses are lightweight and budget-friendly. However, they might not offer the same level of support as memory or latex foam. My neighbor chose a high-density polyfoam mattress for her son’s bunk bed, and he seems to be sleeping soundly.
- Gel-Infused Foam: As the name suggests, these mattresses have gel particles infused into the foam, which helps regulate temperature and keep your child cool throughout the night. My friend’s son was a hot sleeper, and switching to a gel-infused mattress made all the difference.
Can a Newborn Baby Sleep on a Foam Mattress?
While memory foam can provide excellent support and comfort for older kids, it’s not recommended for newborns. This is because it can contour too closely to their bodies, posing a suffocation risk. Gel-infused foam is also not ideal for newborns due to its soft, contouring nature. As much as we love those cooling gel layers for ourselves, it’s best to wait until your child is a bit older before introducing this type of mattress.
Latex foam mattresses, especially those made from natural materials, can be a better option for newborns than memory foam. They offer adequate support and are often more breathable. Polyurethane Foam is commonly found in crib mattresses, but selecting a firm one for your newborn is crucial. The firmness ensures your baby won’t sink into the mattress, reducing the risk of suffocation. Look for one with proper certifications like CertiPUR-US or GreenGuard Gold to ensure it’s harmful chemicals-free.
Can a Toddler Sleep on a Foam Mattress?
As our little ones grow into energetic toddlers, we might wonder if it’s time to switch from crib mattresses to foam mattresses. Memory foam can be a great option for toddlers, offering support and pressure relief for their growing bodies. When my oldest transitioned to a toddler bed, we chose a memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel, and she slept like a dream!
Natural latex foam mattresses are an excellent choice for toddlers. They’re hypoallergenic, resistant to dust mites, and provide good support. If your toddler has allergies or sensitive skin, latex might be the perfect fit for their sleep sanctuary.
Polyurethane and Gel-infuse foam mattresses can also work well for toddlers. Make sure you choose one with a good balance of support and comfort. Look for a mattress with a medium-firm feel and appropriate certifications to ensure it’s safe for your little one.
Which Foam Mattresses Are Best for Children?
Memory foam and latex foam mattresses are the top choices for children. They offer the perfect balance of support, comfort, and durability, ensuring your child gets the rest they need. Remember to check for certifications like CertiPUR-US or GreenGuard Gold, which provide the mattress is made without harmful chemicals.
Benefits of Foam Mattresses for Children
It’s no secret that foam mattresses are popular among parents for their children’s rooms. From superior support to allergy-friendliness, I’ve discovered several reasons why these mattresses make bedtime a dream come true for my little ones.
Are Foam Mattress Good for Kids?
You’ll find many options for foam mattresses, such as regular foam, memory foam, gel, latex, etc. But in general, foam mattresses are a good option for kids, and here’s why:
- Less expensive: The price point of a foam mattress is much lower than other types of mattresses, and they are also cheaper to ship.
- Comfort: With different levels of firmness, and materials, such as organic and anti-allergenic, foam mattresses can be very comfortable.
- Pressure relief: With their superior ability to be body-conforming, foam mattresses provide excellent support.
- Silent: Children move a lot in their sleep, and foam is less noisy than an innerspring mattress.
- No bouncing: Foam mattresses are not great at becoming an indoor trampoline (less chance of an accident).
- Lighter: An innerspring mattress for kids weighs around 15-30 pounds, while foam mattresses are approximately 5-13 pounds. This variation makes all the difference when you try to lift the corners to change the sheet on a foam mattress.
Can Foam Mattresses Help With Allergies and Asthma?
Foam mattresses can be a game-changer if you have a child with allergies or asthma. They’re naturally hypoallergenic and dust mite-resistant, making them a healthier option for sensitive kiddos. My nephew suffers from allergies and has been breathing and sleeping much easier since getting a latex foam mattress.
Are Foam Mattresses Easy to Maintain?
Foam mattresses are a busy parent’s dream! They’re low-maintenance, with no need for flipping or rotating like innerspring mattresses. Plus, many come with removable and washable covers, making it easy to keep your child’s sleep environment clean and fresh. As a mom who’s always short on time, I appreciate this feature more than I can say.
However, it’s essential to be aware of some concerns with foam mattresses.
Potential Concerns with Foam Mattresses
As with anything we give our children, it’s vital to consider the potential drawbacks. I’ve researched and compiled a list of concerns regarding foam mattresses, from off-gassing to temperature regulation, so you can make an informed decision.
Can a Foam Mattress Be Bad for Kids?
However, they also have their share of disadvantages compared to innerspring mattresses.
- Shorter lifespan: Depending on the foam quality, these mattresses are generally less durable.
- Weak edge support: The regular foam mattress can lack edge support, potentially dangerous for young infants.
- Off-gassing: When you unwrap a foam mattress, depending on the types of foam and materials, a strong odor is released and could be inconvenient for a couple of days (see next chapter for more information).
- Retain heat: Foam mattresses adapt to the sleeper’s body, which can create a warmer sleeping experience.
It’s crucial to be well-informed before buying a kid foam mattress online. Your child’s age greatly influences the type of foam mattress you should get.
Read the following, and you can make the best choice.
Why Can Foam Mattress Be Dangerous for Young Children?
The poor skeletal support and conformance to the body of the foam mattress are potentially dangerous for your child growing spine. A kid’s spine is very flexible, but this extreme flexibility mixt with an unsupportive mattress could lead to permanent deformation and other spinal problems.
Your child’s spine could be under a lot of stress for almost 12 hours each night if you don’t get a proper foam mattress.
When my daughter transitioned from her crib to a toddler’s bed, I bought the cheapest foam mattress at Ikea. She kept it for almost 4 years before I realized my mistake. The day I realized how much I had paid for my mattress (around $3000) and the ridiculous amount I had invested in my child’s mattress (around $30). I felt like such a bad parent. Now, my kids sleep on quality foam mattresses comparable to the innerspring ones.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Foam Mattresses?
When it comes to our kids, safety is our top priority. Some foam mattresses, particularly those made from synthetic materials, may contain harmful chemicals. To put your mind at ease, look for certifications like CertiPUR-US or GreenGuard Gold, which guarantee that the mattress is made without toxic chemicals. My youngest’s memory foam mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, and I sleep better knowing she’s safe.
Is Foam Mattress Toxic?
Another question many parents have is related to the strong smells of the mattress off-gassing after being unwrapped. Moreover, some parents wonder if off-gassing could contribute to or aggravate existing respiratory conditions.
The exposure is not harmful, but the smell can disrupt your children’s sleep. With proper ventilation, after a few days, the smell should dissipate.
Nevertheless, I wonder if every kid foam mattress sold on the internet is totally toxic-free, and you should be extra careful.
You could avoid this situation by purchasing an eco-friendly foam mattress from a well-known brand with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, free of toxic elements such as formaldehyde, CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), and other chemicals. For example, this mattress sold on Amazon is Certi PUR certified, which means it’s made from material free of harmful chemicals.
How Do Foam Mattresses Affect Temperature Regulation?
We all know how cranky kids can get when they’re too hot or too cold. Some foam mattresses, particularly memory foam, can retain heat, making them less than ideal for hot sleepers. Choose a mattress with a cooling gel layer or a breathable cover to avoid sweaty nights. My oldest used to toss and turn all night, but since switching to a gel-infused memory foam mattress, she’s been sleeping like a baby.
Remember these points, and you’ll be well on your way to selecting the perfect foam mattress for your little one.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Foam Mattress for Your Child
Armed with information, I created a checklist to help fellow parents navigate the foam mattress market. From firmness to organic options, I’ll share the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect foam mattress for your child’s needs.
Look for a mattress with excellent support, pressure relief, and durability. My youngest loves her memory foam mattress, and I can tell it’s helping her sleep better at night.
Is a Foam Mattress Good for a Baby’s Crib?
Foam mattresses can be suitable for a baby’s crib. Still, before you purchase the first one you see, you must be aware of the potential dangers of foam mattresses for babies.
Besides ensuring the mattress fits tight inside the crib without dangerous gaps, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises that crib mattresses should be firm and flat.
A crib’s mattress should be firm. Because if your baby turns while sleeping, a soft foam could conform to the shape of his face and obstruct the airways. Soft foam mattress increases the risk of suffocation or SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
How Firm, a Foam Mattress, Should Be?
For babies, foam mattresses must be extra firm, without deep flexibility. When you press heavily on a crib’s mattress, it should snap back immediately without conforming to the shape of your hand. This is why memory foam can be dangerous for a young infant and must not be used in a baby’s crib.
For older children, foam mattresses should also be firm. Still, the level of firmness is not an immediate threat to their life, such as with babies. Here’s how you can test the firmness of the mattress and make sure it’s firm enough for your kid:
- Put the mattress on the side.
- Place your hands on each side and press them together.
- A firm foam mattress won’t allow you to go very far, and if you can almost feel your hands touching, this means the mattress is not firm enough to support your kid’s weight safely.
Nevertheless, too much softness is, unfortunately, the reason why many experts are against foam mattresses for children.
Choosing the right firmness and thickness is crucial for your child’s comfort and spinal alignment. Pediatricians often recommend a medium-firm mattress for kids, as it provides the right balance of support and comfort. When it comes to thickness, a low-profile option (6-8 inches) is perfect for younger kids, while older children may benefit from a thicker mattress (8-10 inches).
Which Foam Mattress is Best for Kids?
If your child is too young for memory foam, you should look for a latex mattress. They have the proper support, and all-natural latex is safe and durable.
On the other hand, if your child is old enough for memory foam, I would recommend the Tuft & Needle mattress sold on Amazon. The mattress is made of cooling graphite and gel beads, keeping your child comfortable and cool all night. The mattress is adaptive to your child’s growing body and supports a healthy spinal alignment.
This foam mattress is best for older kids since the medium firmness level is the perfect balance between comfort and support. Plus, the manufacturer offers a 100 nights trial with no tricks or cheap sales tactics. If your kid doesn’t like this mattress, you can easily return it and get your money back.
Is a Memory Foam Mattress Safe for Kids?
While memory foam mattresses are top-rated, they are not recommended for young children, especially babies and toddlers.
Nevertheless, older children may appreciate the adaptive characteristics of a memory foam mattress. In general, they have the same benefits as foam mattresses. They are incredibly comfortable and offer the spinal support and alignment needed.
Moreover, when you buy the mattress from a reputable brand, your child could benefit from a 30 to 100 days comfort warranty. It’s such an excellent opportunity to find the firmness that suits your kid. Even if memory foam mattresses are not too expensive, you’re still guaranteed not to throw your money out the window.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Safe for My Baby?
There are 2 major concerns regarding babies sleeping on a memory foam mattress.
First, the chemicals used by the manufacturer could create allergic reactions with your baby. Even if latex is natural and chemical-free, some babies don’t support this material.
Secondly, the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) is too high when a baby sleeps on a memory foam mattress. These mattresses are designed to allow your body to sink in, which could potentially be a risk of suffocation. If your baby cannot reposition himself, his face and airways could be obstructed. It’s for the same reasons The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies sleep on their backs without heavy blankets and pillows.
If you are planning on co-sleeping in your bed and you sleep on a memory foam mattress, you should get a side bassinet for a bed like this one.
Is a Memory Foam Mattress Safe for a Toddler?
Even if older children don’t have problems repositioning themselves on a foam mattress, memory foam’s adaptive characteristic is unsuitable for the growing body. Children need to sleep on an extra firm surface at a young age.
Why Are Memory Foam Mattresses Bad for Newborns and Babies?
Most experts recommend that children sleep on a firm mattress because their growing body needs the support of a firm surface.
Even more importantly, the ability to shape the sleeper’s body could be potentially dangerous for a very young infant. If a child has difficulty repositioning himself during the night, his airways might be obstructed and suffocate.
However, older kids and teenagers can experience the advantages of memory foam without any concerns or problems for their health.
Still, trying to decide if a foam mattress is the best choice? Let’s explore some alternatives.
Alternatives to Foam Mattresses
I understand that foam mattresses may not be the perfect fit for every family. That’s why I’ve also researched other options like innerspring, latex, and hybrid mattresses to provide a well-rounded perspective on the world of children’s sleep surfaces.
Let’s dive into some alternatives and see how they compare.
- Innerspring Mattresses: These traditional mattresses have been around for ages with their steel coils and a padded top layer. My oldest used to have one, but we found that it was too bouncy and didn’t provide the right support. However, they can be a budget-friendly option and offer better breathability than some foam mattresses.
- Latex Mattresses: Technically a type of foam, latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber and provide excellent support and durability. My friend chose a natural latex mattress for her daughter, and she’s been raving about its hypoallergenic properties and resistance to dust mites. If you’re considering foam, latex is definitely worth a look.
- Hybrid Mattresses: As the name suggests, hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds – innerspring coils and a top layer of foam or latex. My friend’s son has a hybrid mattress, and she says it offers the perfect balance of support, comfort, and breathability. Hybrids might be the answer if you’re on the fence between foam and innerspring.
While foam mattresses have their benefits, alternatives like innerspring, latex, and hybrid mattresses might better suit your child’s needs. So, explore your options, and may your little ones enjoy many nights of peaceful slumber!
Takeaway: Is Foam the Way to Go?
Foam mattresses are suitable for kids, but you must carefully choose which types of foam mattresses. However, not all foam mattress offers the proper support, and some might contain harmful chemicals to your child’s health.
The age and weight of your child greatly influence the kinds of mattresses who’s best. Especially regarding the memory foam mattress, you must be careful and always prioritize your child’s safety.
In general, cribs don’t come with a mattress, and you should consider ordering one simultaneously as the bed. Don’t worry; I have simplified the selection by creating this list of the best crib mattresses. Or perhaps you need help? Then you should visit this guide I made on choosing the ideal mattress for your baby crib.
