As any parent will tell you, kids grow up fast. And while it might be super easy to notice when they've outgrown their shoes or clothing, it can be a little harder to tell when it’s time to upgrade their mattress or bed. Because sleep plays such a critical role in your child’s development, the wrong mattress or bed size can lead to poor rest, discomfort, or even disrupted growth patterns over the long term.
So how do you know when it’s time to make a change? Read on for a brief guide to help you decide when and why it might be time to move on from your child's current sleep setup.
1) They’ve Outgrown Their Bed or Mattress
Kids outgrowing their bed or mattress is perhaps the most obvious sign that it's time for an upgrade. If your child is constantly bumping into the headboard, has limbs hanging off the side of the bed, or if their feet are nearing the footboard, these are signs that the bed has become too small.
Even if they technically "fit" on their current mattress, some kids simply need more room to spread out. This is especially true for active sleepers who like to stretch out, and those who toss and turn throughout the night.
Finally, consider that if you suspect your child may be heading into a growth spurt, it may be wise to size up sooner to avoid needing another upgrade in just a year or two.
As a general guide:
- Toddler beds are ideal up until age 4 or 5.
- Twin beds work well for most elementary and middle school aged kids.
- For middle school and beyond, Twin XL or Full beds are a smart choice. Both of these mattress sizes will give your child the extra length necessary as they grow. However, which is best for you depends on your child and your available floor space.
2) They’re Starting a New Stage of Life
In addition to physically outgrowing their old bed, kids may start to outgrow their bedroom furniture in other ways. Certain stages in a kid's life are times of great emotional growth and maturation. These times are often the perfect opportunities to make a few changes to their furniture and décor.
The first day of kindergarten, entering middle or high school, moving into a new home, or even just updating their bedroom from a dinosaur theme to a baseball or football one all represent transitions from old things to new ones.
These are the natural times to reassess your child’s bedroom setup. Such milestones often come with changes in their routines, schedules, attitudes and maturity — and their furniture should evolve too. These are perhaps the best times to consider:
- Bunk beds for siblings sharing rooms
- Loft beds and storage beds to maximize floor space in smaller bedrooms
- Trundles or daybeds for sleepovers and greater functionality
3) They’re Sleeping Poorly or Complaining of Aches
If your child is waking up with complaints about back, neck, or shoulder pain, their mattress may no longer be supporting their body the way it should. Another sign of this is if they are constantly tossing and turning, or taking what feels like forever to fall asleep. This could be a result of:
- A mattress that’s too firm or too soft for their body's needs
- A poor match between the mattress type and your child’s size, weight, and/or preferred sleep position
- Older mattresses with springs, foams or support materials that are beginning to wear or break down
Depending on factors like the quality of the mattress, regularity of use and size of the sleeper, the lifespan of a mattress can often last between 8 to 10 years. However, it's important to remember that even the highest quality mattresses eventually wear out. If it’s been awhile since you purchased the mattress, it may be time to reevaluate. Also, be mindful that some thinner memory foam mattresses meant for small children may not be supportive enough for older, bigger kids as they grow. For more info on which type of mattress works best for each sleep position, don't miss our helpful linked guide.
4) Their Mattress Has Seen Better Days
Growing kids need consistent support to get the quality rest that they need. And a worn-out mattress just won't cut it. Sometimes you've got to look at the symptoms — aches and pains, tossing and turning — and do a little detective work. Other times, the signs are pretty clear:
- Visible dips in the mattress, sagging, lumps, squeaks, and stains from past spills or accidents
- Allergy-triggering dust and musty smells due to age and years of wear
As we discuss in our two-part series The Science of Sleep, as well as our guide to Sleep Cycles and Why They Matter, many of the human body’s functions depend on getting enough undisturbed, high-quality sleep. For kids in particular, getting enough deep sleep (also known as slow-wave or N3 sleep) is critical for their brains and bodies to grow, heal, and develop like they’re supposed to. Any factor that can cause any sort of disruption to their sleep cycle, can upset this delicate balance.
For this reason alone, if the mattress is hand-me-down from a much older sibling (or even a decade-old leftover from a guest room or spare bedroom), it’s worth considering a replacement. Especially if you detect any of the serious issues above.
Still Have Unanswered Mattress, Bedding & Sleep Questions? We'd Love to Help!
Keep in mind that your child’s sleep environment can impact everything from their mood and ability to focus, to their mental development and physical well-being. If their current mattress or bed isn’t keeping up with their growth, lifestyle, or sleep needs, it might be time for an upgrade.
Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, we’ve made it our mission to help families and individuals of all ages make informed decisions about their sleep — from advice on mattress shopping, to pillow fittings, to tips on how to combat some of the most common sleep issues. Whether you're looking for kid-friendly mattress options, space-saving furniture that will grow with your child, or just want some mattress advice from a trustworthy voice in the industry, the experts on our team would love to help! Stop by any of our North Georgia and Atlanta area furniture and mattress stores, shoot us a message on our convenient live webchat, or give us a call whenever you're ready to get started. See you soon!
