Why you should check your child’s bed during half-term
February half-term is on the horizon for lots of children across the UK, making it an ideal time to assess your child’s bed before the new school term starts. Sleep is essential for children’s physical and mental development. It helps them perform better at school, be alert, remember things, learn effectively, and stay healthy. Since children spend about 40% of their childhood sleeping, they need a comfortable mattress—not a worn-in hand-me-down from an older sibling or a second-hand mattress purchased from an online marketplace.
When it comes to getting a new bed for your child, you might have some common questions:
– What’s the best type of mattress for a child?
– How often should I replace my child’s mattress?
– Is a firm mattress good for a child?
When to replace your child’s bed
As children grow, their sleep needs change, and their mattress should change accordingly. Parents and caregivers should aim to get their child a new bed and/or mattress during significant growth periods. This might mean multiple bed changes, especially for teenagers who might suddenly shoot up to 6 ft-plus and need a bed that won’t leave their feet hanging over the end! If their bed is lumpy, bumpy, creaky or has broken slats (we know how tempting it is to bounce on the bed!), these are also signs to replace their bed.
The right mattress should provide the correct support for growing bones and muscles, keeping the spine aligned and providing enough cushioning to conform to the body’s natural shape.
Buying a new bed for your child
When shopping for a new bed for your child, consider factors like aesthetics, materials, price, and size. Look for mattresses made by NBF-approved manufacturers to ensure they’re safe, clean, and everything they claim to be. Choose a reputable retailer that considers your child’s needs, including where the bed will go and the size requirements. You can find nearby stockists of NBF-approved brands using our Find a Retailer tool.
In addition to the bed, children benefit from having a solid sleep routine, just like adults do. Planning an effective sleep schedule in advance is crucial – discover tips on how to do this with help from our friends at The Sleep Charity.
First published 9.3.21; republished February 2025.
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