Your baby’s sleep is very important and even essential for their development. And one of the biggest thing that all parents should consider is the type and size of the mattress that they should be using for their child’s bunk bed. So what size is a bunk bed mattress?
[alert type=”info” close=”false” heading=”Answer”] Generally, a child’s bunk bed is made of two twin mattresses of 39 inches wide and 75 inches long each. [/alert]
When shopping for a bunk bed mattress you should avoid choosing the first one that looks right because appearances might be deceiving. The market offers such a wide variety of beds and mattresses that you might find it hard to make the best choice in one shot.
But with this guide, you should be on top of things and be able to choose the best size and quality of bunk bed mattress for your little one! As there are many aspects to consider when you are shopping for such a mattress, I will make sure to present you with all the options you have, so keep on reading!
Consider the type of your bunk bed
Obviously, the most important aspect to consider when you buy a mattress for your child is the type of bunk bed they are using. These types of beds come in different sizes as well so you have to pay close attention to that before making a purchase.
Typically, there are two types of bunk beds:
Twin over twin bunk bed
The twin over twin bunk bed is formed of two equal sized beds placed on top of each other and supported by a sturdy structure. A twin size mattress is 39 inches wide and 79 inches long. And for a twin over twin bunk bed, you will need two of these mattresses.
Twin over full bunk bed
As for the twin over full bunk bed, these beds are formed of a twin size bed on top and a full-size bed on the bottom. Both beds are connected by a metal or wood structure built by following high safety standards.If this is the type of bunk bed that you have, you will need two types of mattresses of different sizes: one twin mattress for the top bed and one full mattress for the bottom bed. The full mattress is typically 54 inches wide and 74 inches long.
There is also a fairly new type of twin mattress that comes in the same width of 39 inches but it has a length of 80 inches. This twin mattress is called a twin XL. You can purchase it if your child is of a bigger size than the average children but you can also purchase this size if you want to offer them more space to sleep. The advantages of this twin XL mattress is that you will be able to use it for a longer period of time!
Sometimes, bunk beds are made of a twin bed on top and a bottom one that is made of a futon. Usually, you can fold the futon into a chair if you want. If this is the case for your bed, you will need a futon mattress that can be folded out and shaped in the way you need it to.
Measuring the mattress size
To determine exactly what size of mattress you need for your child’s bed, some measurements might need to be taken. Start by measuring the length of the area inside the bed where the mattress will be placed.
A perfect bunk bed mattress will have to fit exactly within the frame of the bed. This is important for your child’s safety as well so don’t neglect the measuring part!
Choose the right type of bunk bed mattress for your child
Besides the size of the bunk bed mattress, you also need to think of the type of mattress that your child needs and prefers. Not a long time ago, chiropractors were recommending firm mattresses for the comfort of your child’s bones and back.
But nowadays, it all comes down to an individual choice and personal preferences. This is why it is important to talk with your child and see what they are more comfortable using in terms of bed mattresses. If they are not sure what they prefer, it is worth to take a trip to the store and have them lay down on different types of mattresses.
When it comes to bunk bed mattresses you want to make the best decision because it is a long-term investment. The most common characteristics to consider when purchasing your mattress are:
Foam mattresses
Foam mattresses are fairly popular because they provide a high level of comfort for children. But in order to take advantage of this comfort, you need a mattress with a high foam density. If you are shopping for these mattresses, choose one with a 4.0lb to 5.0lb density or even higher than this in order to reach more comfort.
Sometimes, your pediatrician can suggest you a density type that would be recommended for your child and this is not a universal rule as all children are different and have different needs.
Also, you will have to choose between memory foam and natural latex foam. Both of these are comfortable and healthy for your child but they also have their differences.
The memory foam mattresses were originally designed for astronauts because they offer a superior level of comfort. The natural latex foam mattresses are also very comfortable and they are eco-friendly as well. Which one you choose will most likely be a matter of personal taste and what your child feels more comfortable being in.
Innerspring mattresses
The Innerspring or coil mattresses come in different levels of firmness that you can choose from. Generally, this firmness level is determined by the number of coils incorporated in it. The more coils a mattress has, the more firm the mattress will be.
These types of mattresses are still very popular and there are many people who prefer innerspring mattresses to the foam mattresses. They are comfortable and safe for children but they do tend to have a shorter lifespan than the foam mattresses.
Thickness
The thickness of the mattress is also important for the comfort of your child. Usually, thicker mattresses provide more comfort than the thinner ones. A twin size mattress can have a thickness between 7.5 and 12 inches. It is important to consider the weight of your child as well when you choose the level of thickness of the bunk bed mattress.
When it comes to safety, the top mattress should be less thick than the bottom one. The reason you don’t want a very thick mattress on the top bed is that it can stretch taller than the guardrails that come with the bed. However, if you know that your child prefers a very thick mattress, you should modify the bed’s guardrails just to be on the safe side.
To choose the best thickness for your mattress, you might need to compromise on certain aspects. While thick mattresses are recognized for their increased comfort, the thin ones are considered to provide more safety. However, with a good research, you will be able to choose the best bunk bed mattress for your child.
Check other reviews
Before spending on a quality mattress, you might want to read what other people have to say about different mattresses. But also, keep in mind that what is good for others might not be the best for you. You need to keep an objective judgment when scrolling through different reviews and be able to extract the objective ideas out of them.
Also, while you are checking different reviews, you might end up finding new things about a certain mattress than you didn’t know. Some producers also offer a call center line to use just in case you have extra questions regarding a specific product.
Warranty
Warranty offered by the producer for the bunk bed mattress is also an important thing to consider. Generally speaking, you should purchase a mattress with several years of warranty as that speaks of the trust manufacture has in their product. A good mattress will need no replacement for at least three years of daily use.
If you notice that the producer only offers you a one year warranty, this can be a red flag when it comes to its quality. As on the market, you can find mattresses that come with almost ten years of warranty! If you don’t neglect this aspect, you should end up with a bunk bed mattress that can last enough to cover your child’s entire childhood!
Cost of a quality bunk bed mattress
When shopping for the bunk bed mattress for your child, the financial aspect is also very important. And when it comes to the quality of your baby’s sleep, you shouldn’t make the cheapest choices. In general, foam mattresses are known for being more pricey than the coil mattresses. But it also depends on the brand that you are shopping for.
You can find a quality bunk bed mattress in between $100 to $200, but there are plenty of more expensive ones out there to choose from. The good news is that most mattresses that are on the market nowadays, will offer a good quality sleep for your child. So in order to choose one, you will have to look into details such as which one has a longer lifespan or which one is more resistant.
Should you get a Bunkie board?
Before deciding if you need a Bunkie board or not, let’s define the terms for a better understanding. A Bunkie board is made of wood and it is placed under the mattress in order to offer more structure. Such a board will also increase the level of comfort for your baby as it will keep the mattress in place during their sleep. People who use Bunkie boards also use them because they prolong the lifespan of the mattress and this can be a great way to save yourself from future expenses.
If you are planning to purchase a foam mattress, you might want to consider using a Bunkie board along with it. Foam mattresses tend to be heavier than the other types of mattresses which is why Bunkie boards can offer them just the structure and support that they need. Also, consider that you might need to replace the Bunkie board more often than you replace your mattress because they usually tend to wear out faster.
When you are looking for a Bunkie board, the most important thing to consider is the size. For a child’s bunk bed mattress of 39 inches wide and 74 inches long, you need to consider a Bunkie board that is roughly the same size. If you are choosing your Bunkie board right, your child will only benefit from it!
Conclusion
Now that you know exactly what mattress to get for your child in terms of size and material, all you have left to do is study the market. Remember that the size of the mattress has to be closely related to the size of the bunk bed that your child will sleep in. This is not just a matter of comfort for your child but also a matter of safety. If the mattress is too big, it can slide out of the bed and put your child in danger. And if the mattress is too small for your bed’s frame, your child can get injured in the frame during their sleep.
This is why no compromises should be made when it comes to the size of the bunk bed mattress! Your child will definitely thank you later for considering all the aspects above when choosing their bunk bed mattress. And since they will use the bunk bed mattress for several years, it is well-worth it to spend the time you need before purchasing the best one for your child’s needs.
Sources:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/
https://www.cymax.com/
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