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[Flika13]

I am in charge of buying a full-size mattress for a six-year-old. I haven't bought a "regular "mattress for  probably 35 years.( hubby and I have a waterbed). 
Are there any differences between mattresses for adults or children?

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions?

Thank you.

[Kachina624]

Ones first instinct when buying for a child is that they're lightweight and don't need the best quality.  However, keep in mind that the child may be sleeping on the same mattress until early adulthood, so I wouldn't go cheap.

[Tinkrbl44]

ITA with @Kachina624 

A good quality Twin size mattress is the best option. 

@Flika13 

[Mz iMac]

@Flika13  Take the 6 yr old with you to the mattress store(s).  Let the child test it by "jumping up & down" & laying on the mattresses.  Let the child make the decision which one she likes.

It's what I did w/my children.

[Kachina624]

@Mz iMac. lol, Did you ever get thrown out of a mattress store?

[Mz iMac]

@Kachina624   Actually, mattress stores want you to do that to test out the firmness & softness.   If it's good enough for adults to do that, it's good enough for children.

I always made sure my children had their shoes off & socks on.

[Janey2]

Google mattresses for children. There are articles and what you should take into consideration when you go  shopping.

[PA Mom-mom]

Don't spend a lot of money, and make sure you buy a waterproof mattress cover. Even 6-year-olds emit all sorts of bodily fluids and spill drinks, etc. while in bed.

[Carmie]

I once bought three mattresses for my children that were sold as "children's mattresses."

.

I would never do that again.  My kids used to sit on the edge of the mattress probably as much as  they slept on it.

The mattress broke down right where they sat.  

I wasted my money.  After that, I bought good mattresses that could withstand the kids and even their sitting on the edge while talking, reading or playing the guitar.

You should always buy the best mattress you can afford.  I would allow the kids to pick out the firmness and always make sure the mattress will hold up to "sitters."

[gardenman]

Don't discount the bed-in-a-box options. They're often very good mattresses at a very good price. I bought a 10" thick, queen-sized Rimensy from Amazon two and half years ago (June 30, 2023) for $206, and it's still like new. It's a hybrid gel memory foam and coil spring mattress, so you get the best of both worlds. I'd buy it again tomorrow if I needed another mattress. I couldn't be happier with it.