Mattresses and sleep

Fun Kids Rooms understand how important a good night sleep can be for growing kids. That’s why we have researched mattresses and the importance of a good nights sleep for your child.

Take some time to read the following information; it could help you and your child for many years to come.

According to the sleep council the average person spends one-third of his or her life in bed. This equals 220,000 hours over the course of a lifetime! And the mattress is the most used piece of furniture in the home. So it only makes sense to buy the best mattress you can afford.

What to look for in a mattress.

Due to the quality of the materials mattresses are made from a good quality mattress lasts 10 years. It is important to buy the best mattress you can afford because it will last longer and perform better than a cheaper alternative.

Support is an essential part of a kids body developing healthily. A good mattress will support the body at all points and keep the spine in the same position it is in when standing. The main area requiring support are the shoulders, hips and lower back as these are the heavier parts lying on a mattress.

The sleep council estimates that nearly 70% of old beds stay in circulation handed down to children and other family members. This can be very harmful for children, whose active, developing bodies require a good quality, supportive, mattress. If the mattress is no longer good enough for you, it's not good enough for anybody else; throw it away!

Help your child learn some important Saftey Advice with this fun puzzle.

Mattresses have come a long way in the last decade, long gone are the days of harder the better. A mattress that is too hard can result in back pain and sore shoulders. A good, modern, mattress is made of new cushioning materials and use super soft surfaces to create a softer more supportive feel.

Look at the warranty. Many mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, although this does not mean that a worn out mattress will be replaced. Warranties are also voided if the mattress has been stained or damaged due to non manufacturing defaults.

Check the coil count. Coil construction and quality varies depending on the type of mattress and the manufacture, coils start at 300 for a standard size, the wider the coils, the sturdier the mattress.

A mattress that is too firm can be uncomfortable, and a mattress that is too soft can distort the arch in your kids back and cause a backache. This is especially true with younger children as they are still growing and developing.

The three main factors are, support, comfort and space. The right mattress will keep the spine in proper alignment, will be comfortable and allow space for free movement.

Sleep is important!

Sleep is a key part of a healthy lifestyle, getting a good night sleep is important for your child so they can concentrate at school the next day. In order to optimise your childs sleep try some of the following;

Try getting your child into a routine, get them up and put them to bed at the same time every day. Develop a routine can also involve reading a story every night before bed. A routine cues the body to settle down for the night.

Tip: Get your child to unwind early in the evening; don't let your child be active and running around just before bed. Make your kids room as comfortable as possible, a cool, quiet, dark room (with night lights as required) with a comfortable, supportive mattress will yield the best results.

More handy points and tips;

• Your child should have at least 9 hours of sleep every night. Catching up on sleep at the weekend means they are not getting enough sleep in the week.
• Allow plenty of time for your child to wind down. Make sure homework and chores are finished in plenty of time so your child isn’t going to bed straight after.
• Set a regular bedtime, and keep to it. You might think you’re being too strict, but a good night sleep will help them learn more the next day.
• Don’t let your child sleep on the sofa. Apart from making it hard to reach useful deep sleep your child will associate that area with sleep, and will find it harder to sleep in their bedroom.
• Avoid cups of tea or fizzy drinks late at night. They contain caffeine, a stimulant.
• Develop a routine for bedtime. A routine such as taking a bath or reading to your child just before bed means that activity will soon be associated with sleep. The next time they take a bath, or are read to, they will find going to sleep much easier.
• Let the brain relax. Mental activities keep your child awake, all homework and chores should be done at least one hour before bedtime.
• Keep the bedroom a comfortable temperature. The ideal temperature is around 60 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The right amount of light is important. A tidy room with a fresh sheets and the correct amount of light, not too much, will help your child to sleep.
• Make sure they have the correct mattress. Do not hand down old mattresses, if they were no good for your developed body, its no to use to you child. Don’t think that because they are smaller and lighter it won’t matter it does!

Below are some handy links regarding fire safety;

Click for a fun and educational puzzle related to fire safety and mattresses.

A fun quiz related to fire safety fun fire safety quiz.