How to Know If Your Child Is Ready for an Adult-Size Bed

Watching your child grow up is both bittersweet and rewarding. It’s a reminder that your kiddo won’t stay small forever as they outgrow old clothes, shoes, and toys. Although knowing when it’s time for a new pair of sneakers is easy, knowing if your child is ready for an adult-size bed can be tricky.

Whether you buy a mattress online or shop in person, it’s important to consider your child’s specific needs. Every child is unique, and likewise, there isn’t one mattress that is best for all kids. But, on average, young children will be approaching the need for an adult-sized bed when they are close to about three feet tall, or around the age of 4 to 10 years.

A helpful tip from Pediatrician Dr. Nilong Vyas: “I routinely recommend that families wait to transition the child out of the crib until they are nighttime potty-trained.” This professional tip and other considerations, including a kid’s need for sleep, along with their persistent nature upon having a “big kid bed” are all notable aspects. Hearing this expression about the big kid bed from your child is a more obvious sign. Still, kids need more sleep than adults, and all concerns play into forming a valuable guideline to ease the process of defining the right time for a child to change to an adult bed.

With so many mattress options to choose from, buying one can become overwhelming. But there’s no need to stress. At Mattress World Northwest in Oregon, parents can rely on expert help and attentive service to find just the right mattress for any child, even those with particular ‘princess and the pea’ sleeping preferences.

Signs That Your Child Has Outgrown Their Mattress

Whether your child crawls in a crib or eagerly awaits their learner’s permit to drive, providing them with a mattress that fits their size is crucial for their overall well-being and physical development. A good mattress for your child supports their growing body while helping to promote cognitive development through healthy sleep. An appropriate mattress that fits your child will ensure proper spine alignment and allow them the comfort of staying asleep throughout the night.

If your child has outgrown their mattress, they may struggle to fall and stay asleep. There are crucial signs to watch out for, as children who don’t get enough sleep may have difficulty focusing, remembering, and socializing with others. Poor sleep patterns can also have an obvious negative effect on their academic performance. As a parent, recognizing these signs is key to ensuring your child’s comfort and overall health.

On the other hand, studies show that kids who get adequate sleep over time have improved memory, learning, creativity, and mental and physical well-being. Our children’s sleep health is crucial for growth and development. That being said, you shouldn’t overlook your kid’s sleep quality, even though ‘they’re just kids.’ Healthy sleep for your entire family matters, including pregnant bodies, babies, toddlers, and kids, emphasizing the importance of buying a new mattress for you or your child once you sense they’re uncomfortable or outgrowing it.

Although your child’s current mattress may come with some general age guidelines, some children grow faster than others. These signs include frequent complaints of discomfort or not sleeping well, visible wear and tear, or noticing the mattress looks too small after a sudden growth spurt. Parents can look for a few telltale signs that will let them know when to upgrade their child’s mattress to an adult size.

Baby to Toddler (1–3.5 years)

From infancy until age two or three, a crib mattress is appropriate for your baby. Crib mattresses are at least 27¼ inches wide, 51¼ inches long, and a maximum height of 6 inches. Although most mattresses come in standard sizes, including crib mattresses, checking the tag on your baby’s crib for exact measurements is important to ease the process.

When your baby reaches toddler age, they will require more room to rest comfortably. Some children, however, need to make the transition sooner than others.

If you notice that your child’s feet or head brush the ends of the crib frequently, it’s time to set them up with a new mattress.

Toddler to Child (3.5–8 years)

As your baby grows into a toddler, their need for a comfortable resting space increases. Some children may have a need for this transition earlier than others. So, it’s important to be attentive to your child’s comfort and adjust their sleeping arrangements accordingly, ensuring they feel cozy, secure, and at ease to fall asleep. Twin-size mattresses are 38½ inches wide and 75 inches long, providing kids with extra space. Nonetheless, how to know if your child is ready for an adult-size bed depends on their individual growth.

Climbing over the guardrails poses an avoidable safety risk for your child. So, if your toddler can climb out of their crib, they’re ready to transition to a twin mattress. Two other telltale signs your toddler is ready to bridge the gap to an adult bed are: your child can reach their leg on top of or over the crib rail, or the crib rail is below the middle of their chest while they stand inside.

Not only does a transitional upgrade to an adult-size bed give your child more space to sleep, but it also helps make the potty training process much smoother.

With a bed low enough to the floor, they can easily hop in or out of bed by themselves whenever ‘nature calls.’

Child to Adolescent (8–10.5 years)

As your child grows into a teenager, they will need more space, literally and figuratively. Generally, a full-size mattress is appropriate for children once they reach around 8 or 10. However, if you notice your child has hit a sudden growth spurt, you may need to buy a mattress for them sooner. During puberty, adolescent girls grow an average of 2 to 3 inches a year, and adolescent boys grow an average of 3.5 inches a year.

A standard full-size mattress is approximately 54 inches by 75 inches. It can meet the needs of growing teens or even adult couples. According to the Sleep Foundation, a full-size mattress is appropriate for teenagers and adults under 6 feet tall. When you’re shopping for a new mattress for your preteen, also note how much space their pillow will take on the mattress—usually 18–20 inches. The best full-size mattress for kids is one that will give them plenty of room to stretch out and grow.

Tips to Ease the Transition

For adults and children alike, transitions in life can feel overwhelming. Upgrading your child to an adult-size mattress can instigate some bedtime challenges. Still, it’s a necessary step in their development. Before you buy a mattress, be realistic with your expectations. Even if your child is reluctant at first, this is a normal part of the transition, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t ready for an adult-size bed.

No matter your child’s age, it’s important to be patient with them as they adjust. For many children, getting a new bed means getting a new sibling, which can be twice the shock. Remind your child how proud you are of their growth, and give them the reassurance they need.

Baby to Toddler

As you prepare your baby’s crib, safety comes first. Crib mattresses should be fitted snugly inside the frame to prevent any risk of entrapment or suffocation. Although many people prefer soft mattresses, firm crib mattresses are the safest option for babies. By following these methods designed for safety, parents like you can ensure a cozy and secure sleeping environment for their baby.

Parents should also avoid filling their baby’s crib with stuffed animals and blankets. A hanging mobile is a great alternative for parents who want to soothe or entertain their baby as the baby falls asleep.

Toddler to Child

To make the jump from a kid’s mattress to an adult mattress easier, introduce your toddler to their new bed during naptimes. Rather than changing to a single bed overnight, this will allow your child to become familiar with their new mattress. Parents can also purchase a nightlight for their children, which may lessen nighttime anxiety.

If you’re worried your child might fall out of bed, low-profile box frames and platforms are a great option to keep kids’ mattresses close to the ground. Parents can also make a soft pallet alongside their child’s new bed for a cushioned fall. Initially, during the first couple of months of sleeping on it, you can also place the mattress directly on the floor. Children’s safety rails are available if you’re opposed to the mattress on the floor idea but are worried about your child potentially rolling out of the adult-style bed. Or, for a less protruding alternative, a low-profile boxspring foundation or bunkie board will facilitate a bed height closer to the floor overall. If you plan to use a traditional Hollywood frame with mattress and boxspring foundation, consider a bunkie board, 1.5 inches tall, or a low-profile foundation, 4.5 inches tall instead. Either can take the place of a regular height boxspring foundation, which is typically 9 inches. Low-profile foundation options are essential to keep a lowered sleeping surface for your child, maintaining a safe distance from the floor to the top of the mattress.

Also consider letting your child pick out their own mattress and bedding. Whether you buy a mattress online or shop in person, let your kiddo weigh in about their preferences. Kids will be more likely to be excited about the change if they feel they have stakes or ownership over their new bed. The best mattress for kids is one that will suit all their personal needs as they grow.

Child to Adolescent

Your adolescent may be excited when you tell them that you’re planning to buy them a mattress. Although the transition might be seamless at this age, your growing child to practice proper sleep hygiene to get the maximum benefit from their new mattress. The Sleep Foundation, for instance, recommends limiting the use of electronics and avoiding caffeine before bed.

As your child approaches their teenage years, they may want to stay up late or fall asleep on the couch while watching TV. It’s OK to allow them to bend the rules occasionally, but it’s important to establish a bedtime routine. Keep in mind that children often mimic their parents’ bedtime habits, so make sure you’re setting a good example for your child to follow. Help them recognize that a good night’s sleep on a quality mattress will contribute to their comfort, security, and healthy growth.

Types of Mattresses

Picking out the best mattress for kids goes beyond simply knowing if your child is ready for an adult-size mattress. A mattress’s material will determine its durability, firmness, and breathability.

It’s no surprise that higher-quality materials will last longer and provide more support. Even if you plan to buy a mattress online versus in-store, there are several affordable options on the market. More importantly, knowing what options are available will help you find a mattress that suits your child’s needs.

Innerspring (Coil) Mattresses

Innerspring, or coil, mattresses are by far the most common type of kids’ mattresses. They also tend to be the most affordable. As a general rule, innerspring mattresses are the best fit for young children.

The amount and shape of coils in the mattress vary. Typically, the more coils, the more support the mattress will provide. For extra plushness, parents can purchase a mattress pad for their kids.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are relatively new to the market, the first one becoming commercially available in 1991. Even though memory foam is somewhat novel, it makes for a soft mattress that cradles its sleeper.

Other benefits of memory foam mattresses include body contouring, additional cushioning, and motion isolation. Memory foam mattresses are an ideal fit for older children or teenagers who are side sleepers or who sleep restlessly.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are more buoyant than memory foam mattresses but also provide body contouring.

Additionally, latex mattresses are great for children suffering from allergies. Latex is naturally hypoallergenic, as it is resistant to mildew, mold, and dust mites. And according to the Sleep Foundation, latex mattresses rate the highest for longevity, lasting an average of 7.5–8.5 years.

Hybrid Mattresses

Another option is a hybrid mattress. For support, it combines innersprings and either memory foam or latex materials. Innerspring mattresses are the most common, but hybrid mattresses are becoming increasingly popular.

Although the materials of hybrid mattresses vary, they all provide body support and pressure point relief. For kids who are hot sleepers, modern hybrid-style mattresses are often a good fit. Hybrids are available in most adult sizes suitable for kids, such as twin, full or queen. Their materials are breathable, sometimes offering cooling or, better yet, temperature balancing. Hybrid technology helps keep the sleeper effortlessly warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Furnish a wholesome and trendy style with ample benefits surrounding a hybrid mattress for toddlers, kids, teens, or young adults.

Other Considerations for Buying a Kid’s Mattress

Before buying a mattress, a few other considerations will help you, the parent, determine the best twin- or full-size mattress for your child. Some families end up passing down mattresses from one sibling to another, and others may have a child with special needs and particular preferences to fulfill adequate sleep quality.

There are plenty of ways to customize your kid’s mattress, no matter what their needs are. Some of these considerations may not be relevant for every family, but they are certainly noteworthy.

Extent of Use

For large families, durability is one of the primary factors in buying a mattress. Although it may seem more economical to purchase a mattress made with low-quality materials, it will wear out faster over time. A well-made mattress should last an average of 7–10 years.

Think of your kid’s mattress as an investment. If you are hoping to pass down a mattress from sibling to sibling, it might pay off in the long run to opt for a mattress made with higher-quality materials.

Special Needs

When selecting a mattress for a child with special needs, parents may prioritize certain features of a mattress over others. For example, a child with epilepsy may require additional padding or a softer mattress.

Accessories such as guardrails or adjustable bed frames with wheels can further customize the features of your mattress. To know what’s best for your child, make sure to consult with a medical professional first.

When to Take the Next Step

Tired kids are often overlooked just because they are kids. We think they are just moving through the day with lackadaisical minds and bodies from lack of sleep. But, it’s quite astonishing that only about half of children in the US, ages 6 to 17, are getting enough sleep. The other half, who aren’t, tend to lack a significant aspect of childhood development called ‘childhood flourishment.’ Children’s sleep health dramatically influences their ability to thrive and flourish, including specific aspects like their imagination, curiosity, academic motivation, task completion, and ability to remain calm when faced with a challenging task.

With less than half of children flourishing in the US and the importance of your family’s sleep health in mind, the adjustments that come from changing from a crib to a twin, or from a twin mattress to a full, can be a big step with some bumps in the road towards better sleep for the whole family. Undeniably, the process of transitioning the bed can be intimidating for your child and you. Some general rules of thumb can help guide you, but there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule for knowing if your child is ready for an adult-size bed.

Still, for kids to thrive, a properly supporting and comfortable mattress and a solid and consistent bedtime routine are some of the best tools you can provide your child. Ultimately, you know your child best because you spend the most time with them. You have the inside scoop to choose the best mattress to suit their particular needs, habits and sleep preferences.

With the region’s largest selection of mattresses and free delivery, Mattress World Northwest is committed to providing expert sleep advice and top-tier customer service. When it’s time to transition your child to an adult-size mattress, visit one of our showrooms, click on the online shop, or give us a call. At each of our 25 Mattress World Northwest locations, our team of sleep experts awaits you with a dedication to above-and-beyond service. Our qualified sleep specialists with years of industry expertise can certainly help you find the ideal mattress for your child to “Sleep Like a Baby” once again.

updated 10/14/2024

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