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​Back to School: is it Time to Upgrade Your Child’s Mattress?

Emma CarltonEmma Carlton
August 23, 2023

It doesn’t seem two minutes since they were breaking up for the summer holidays and we’re already talking about back to school preparations! But, the truth is in just a few short weeks, your children will be headed into a whole new school year. Whether they’re transitioning from nursery to school, from infants to juniors, from primary school from high school, or simply just from one year to the next, the fact remains, your little ones are growing up. Fast. And as they grow, their sleep needs change. Which is why, along with everything else a new mattress should be considered in your back to school prep.

Your child’s mattress provides support for their growing bodies. It also ensures they’re comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay asleep. And so, a child’s mattress has a lot of responsibilities. As does your child as they enter a new school year. With more challenging subject matter to tackle than the school year before, a new mattress could set them up for success. Or it could at least ensure they get a great night’s sleep each and every night so that they are better prepared to take in and digest all that new information.

So, along with pencils, pens, new shoes, and uniforms, your back to school shopping list may also need to contain a new mattress. In this guide we’ll explain the importance of a proper mattress at back-to-school time. We’ll also help you identify whether or not it’s time to replace your child’s mattress. Read on to learn more.


Back to school: why is a child’s mattress important?

Sleep is vital for children. Your little one’s growth, development and overall health are all reliant on them getting enough sleep (1). Your child's sleep needs vary depending on their age, but they need anywhere between 10 and 17 hours sleep every single day (2). And to ensure they get the sleep they need,it's vital your child's mattress delivers the proper levels comfort and support.

If you’re hoping that this school year will be a success, put checking the health of your child’s mattress on your list of back to school preparations.

A mum walking hand in hand with her 4 children as they walk to school


How do I know if my child needs a new mattress before going back to school?

If you’re not entire sure whether your child needs a new mattress before going back to school this time, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many of us don’t know if it’s time to replace our own mattresses, let alone our children’s. So, we’ve lined up a few sure signs to look out for:

Before embarking on a back to school mattress shopping spree for your child, consider the following:

    1. How long have you had your child’s current mattress? If the answer is more than eight years, it’s extremely likely they’re in need of a new one. And at Bensons, we have plenty to choose from in our children’s mattress collection. Plus, with options to suit every budget, finding a sleep solution for your child’s new back to school routine is easier than ever.
    2. Can you see any visible signs of wear and tear? Inspect your child’s mattress for visible faults that happen to all mattresses over time. If you can actually see that their mattress is sagging, or there are any tears, holes or stubborn stains there’s a good sign that this year’s back to school shopping includes a mattress upgrade.
    3. And what about invisible signs of wear and tear? For this exercise, you’ll need to lie down on your child’s mattress. Try to feel for any lumps or bumps that could disrupt their sleep. Also check that the support is adequate and whether or not you’re able to feel springs poking through. Lumpy mattresses, sharp springs, or a poor support system are all signs that your child is in need of a new mattress. A good question to ask yourself is whether or not you would be happy to sleep in their bed for a night. If the answer to that question is no, get a new mattress on that back to school shopping list right now.

      At Bensons, we fully understand the importance of a proper support system to promote better sleep. And better sleep is exactly what you child needs to achieve their very best each and every day.

      So, if you’re shopping for a back to school mattress for your child, check out our How to Choose a Mattress guide. Here you’ll learn everything you need to consider before purchasing a new mattress for your little (or not-so little anymore) ones. From their preferred sleep position to your child’s personal sleep needs, there’s plenty of advice to steer you on the road to a successful shopping spree.

      And if you want to know which firmness is right for your child, check out our How Firm Should Your Child’s Mattress be? Sleep Hub post.


      Back to school mattresses: our top pick

      Raising kids is a pricy task. And the annual back to school shopping list is a constant reminder of that. From new clothes and school trips to their endless appetites, persistence to have the latest tech, and beyond, costs will soon mount up.

      So, when it comes purchasing a new mattress for your child, value for money is an absolute must. So, what if we were to tell you that you can achieve the right comfort and support levels to help your child achieve the right amount of sleep that will last them right through to their teens? Well, the Slumberland Flip 2-in-1 Mattress does just that. And that is why this mattress is our top pick for your back-to-school shopping spree. Learn more about the Slumberland Flip mattress below.

      Two sided for variable comfort and support levels as they grow

      Designed to provide comfort and support from their pre-teen years right through to their mid-late teens, the Flip mattress has an innovative two-sided support system.

      For those pre-teen years, the softer side of the mattress cradles lighter bodies. And all the while, a firmer side is waiting in the wings. The firmer side of the mattress offers an enhanced support system that will continue to support your child as they transition into adulthood.

      All you have to do is flip the mattress over when the time comes. And, once your child reaches the 55kg mark, the time for the big flip has arrived!

      The Flip’s spring system integrates variable geometry. This allows it to offer two very different responses to weight and pressure. And you can switch things up with the simple flip of a mattress. This means you won’t need to spring for another new mattress when your child suddenly grows a foot taller seemingly overnight!

      Support that continues right up to the edge of the mattress

      The Slumberland Flip incorporates everything you need to support your child’s growing and developing body. And so, the two different sides of the mattress provide the appropriate support levels to keep their spine correctly aligned as they sleep at different ages. It also ensures they receive the comfort every child needs to achieve a revitalising night’s sleep from primary school age right through to college.

      What’s more, the Flip mattress also features a Comfort Edge system. This uses four firmer outer rows of pocket springs to minimise the potential for roll-off while delivering edge-to-edge comfort.

      Assured comfort and durability for all types of sleepers

      The Slumberland Flip mattress also features a New Life foundation layer on its firmer side. This enables it to feel like a brand-new mattress with a single, simple flip.

      This resilient foam layer is both responsive and super comfortable to ensure that your child achieves a great night’s sleep every night. What’s more, this foam layer also features Temperature+ technology. This will keep your child’s body regulated at a reliable 37C. And the perks of the Flip mattress don’t stop there either. Temperature+ also wicks away moisture, helps to regulate temperature and even helps to rehydrate the skin.

      The Flip is also our top back to school mattress pick for children who suffer from asthma or allergies too. It’s treated with Pro-bio, which acts as a natural defence against harmful pathogens and nasty smells.


      Final thoughts

      If you need help choosing a back to school mattress for your child, pop into your local Bensons store or give our customer service team a call on 0333 222 6800. We’re always happy to assist however we can. Plus, our Sleeppro technology is adept at helping all sleepers find the right mattress for them.

      And, should you have any worries about your child or children getting enough sleep to succeed in their school exams, check out our Guide to Mastering Exam Sleep.


      Sources:

        1. https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/The-importance-of-sleep-for-kids
        2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep.html

        Emma Carlton - Buying and Merchandising Manager