How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Toddler

When your baby starts sitting up, crawling and walking, it’s time to think about your child’s next mattress. Whether you want to keep your toddler in the crib or start with a toddler bed, you have a few mattress options.

What is a toddler mattress?

A toddler mattress isn’t much different than a crib mattress; in fact, it’s the same size as a crib mattress and can be used in a crib until you’re ready to transition your child to a toddler bed.

Because infants can’t roll over or turn their heads on their own, it’s recommended that they sleep on their backs, on a very firm mattress without blankets or pillows. However, toddlers can tolerate (and may even want) a softer mattress.

Serta’s crib and toddler mattresses are two-sided, designed so your child can use the same mattress as a newborn and toddler. For your infant, the firmer “newborn” side faces up. As your baby grows, flip the mattress over to the softer “toddler” side. Finished square corners provide a secure fit inside the crib, and a waterproof mattress cover protects your mattress from inevitable accidents and spills.

Find the best mattress for your toddler. Choose from a wide variety of Serta crib and toddle mattresses.

When do I transition from a crib to a toddler mattress?

Before you flip your mattress from the infant side to the toddler side, ask your pediatrician if your child is ready. Children typically start moving around the crib, sitting up or even pulling up to a standing position between 9 and 12 months.

It’s time to transition out of the crib into a toddler bed if your child outgrows the crib, climbs out of it or shows interest in sleeping in his or her own bed. Having another baby on the way might also necessitate the transition to a bed.

How do I transition my child from a crib to a bed?

If your child still fits in a crib, consider allowing her to sleep there as long as she doesn’t outgrow the mattress or climb over the rails. Once toddlers move into a bed, they often have trouble staying in it for the duration of the night.

When it is time to transition, make your toddler’s bed feel cozy. If he still fits in a toddler bed, the smaller size might feel more familiar and comfortable. If it’s time to move to a twin bed, rails are a good addition for this purpose and as a safety feature. If your toddler isn’t enthusiastic about the new sleeping situation, allow him to take a role in the transition. Let him pick out a new comforter or choose the color of his sheets.

To prevent your child from hopping out of bed every time she wakes up, teach your toddler to soothe herself to sleep. Encourage her to play with stuffed animals or sing to herself when she wakes up, and reward your child for staying in bed through the night. Ultimately, a new bed is a big change, even for an adult. So give your toddler time to adjust to the new bed and newfound freedom.Information compiled from the American Academy of Pediatrics and whattoexpect.com.