Long-term floor bed or futon mattress search woes

I’m looking for a long-term mattress for my kiddo, and am having so, so much trouble finding the right choice.

Currently I co-sleep with my 15month old on an old futon that is pushed up to his crib. It’s terrible for both of us.

I’d like to move us onto a mattress, likely a Full, that would just be on the ground, until he’s sleeping by himself where we’ll then buy some fun frame.

I’m hoping to find something that’ll last him the next 17 years, though I realize this is a lot of unknowns to ask a mattress to satisfy.

We have no particular budget range, if it’ll truly last and be cozy, we’ll consider spending whatever. I just have no idea where to start.

Welcome samalama,

Thanks for joining the Mattress UnderGround.

Today’s parents view a variety of areas much differently than they did 20, 30, and 40 years ago. Patients, physicians, health care providers are much more conscientious regarding VOC’s in mattresses, chemical exposure in general and trying to live healthier lifestyles. The sleep environment for babies, toddlers, early and middle childhood and adolescent children has shifted over the years and lean more heavily toward natural, breathable fabrics, fabrics, foams and bedding products.

When shopping for a mattress for their children today, parents prioritize several key factors to ensure both comfort and safety. One of the most important considerations is the use of non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials. Many parents are concerned about chemicals and allergens, so they seek mattresses that are free from harmful flame retardants and have certifications like CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX to guarantee low levels of volatile organic compounds and other harmful substances.

Comfort and support are also crucial, with most parents opting for mattresses that offer the right level of firmness to promote healthy spinal alignment as their child grows. For younger children, pressure relief is important to ensure a comfortable sleep, while durability is another key factor. Kids can be tough on mattresses, so parents look for options that are long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear, often made with materials like high-density foam, innerspring coils, or natural latex.

As children grow, the mattress size becomes important, and many parents opt for mattresses that allow for growth, such as Full size models, while some even choose models with adjustable features for added flexibility. Ease of cleaning is also a priority, with parents favoring mattresses that have removable and washable covers or are made from stain-resistant materials to handle spills or bedwetting.

Another concern is temperature regulation—mattresses with breathable materials or cooling technology are popular to help keep kids comfortable throughout the night. For eco-conscious parents, sustainability plays a role in purchasing decisions, with many opting for organic cotton, natural latex, or bamboo mattresses and looking for certifications like GOTS or GOLS to ensure the materials are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

Affordability is always a consideration, and while many parents are willing to invest in a higher-quality mattress, they still seek good value for money.

Fortunately, the majority of the Trusted Members here offer mattresses that meet or exceed many of these certifications. Although, admittedly, parents are typically driven toward products specifically categorized for children.

Much like the Pure Eco from @My_Green_Mattress, this mattress (and others like it) takes the guesswork out of the equation for parents. While there are a plethora of other mattresses that offer similar benefits, removing the worrisome research makes the purchasing process much more relaxing, knowing someone else has done all the due diligence.

Many companies like Avocado Kids, Helix Kids and others offer mattresses that have dual sided firmness. This provides firmer support for kids as they grow, and slightly less firmness as they get older and notice the need for changing preferences. While these are nice options, most kids will rarely end up flipping the mattress and continue with what is familiar.

And while the mattress is designated as a “kids” mattress, feel free to continue to co-sleep until you feel it is time to he is ready to sleep on his own.

I hope this gives you some food for thought and offers some direction.

All the best,

Maverick

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This is perfect, I hadn’t even thought about dual sided mattresses, nor was I aware of those brands though I had been looking at Helix.

Thank you so much!

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Hi Samalama,

Comfort and longevity are two of the big factors in choosing a mattress for children. Ideally, the mattress will take them from toddler to teen, if it is well maintained.

Here’s a few options to think about.

Naturepedic Kids’ Mattresses

Naturepedic provides several options for children, emphasizing the use of non-toxic, organic materials:

  • 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress: Features a waterproof side for younger children (ideal for potty training) and a quilted side for older kids. It’s made with organic cotton and non-GMO sugarcane waterproofing, ensuring no harmful chemicals are used. It also includes an innerspring design for breathability and support​

Verse Organic Mattress: Offers a firmer support suitable for growing kids. It uses organic cotton and is free from adhesives, flame retardants, and polyurethane foam. This mattress is ideal for bunk beds, platform beds, and trundles​.


Healthy Choice Lotus Kids Mattress
The Lotus Organic Latex Mattress is designed with your child’s health and comfort in mind. With two 3″ organic latex cores – one medium and one firm – you can easily customize your mattress to your desired level of firmness simply by flipping it. To finish the bed, the layers are surrounded with a soft, certified organic jersey cotton cover, quilted with organic wool.

The Lotus mattress is durable and can support up to 150 pounds.

Obasan Kids’ Mattresses

Obasan specializes in customizable, organic mattresses for kids, prioritizing health and longevity:

  • Obasan Kids Mattress: Made with organic rubber and organic cotton, it provides firm support for spinal alignment and includes layers tailored to a child’s needs. The materials are breathable and hypoallergenic, perfect for temperature regulation and sensitive skin.
  • Customization Options: Obasan mattresses can be adjusted for firmness as the child grows, ensuring they remain suitable over time. The mattresses are handcrafted.

All of these mattresses have a 10-year warranty.

Best of luck with your search! Let us know if we can help.

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Thank you, @TheCleanBedroom, for offering a few more great options. I’m especially fond of the Naturepedic with its dual-sided design, perfect for children as they grow. The Obasan is another great choice with its similar dual-sided feature.

The truth is, all of these are high-quality options. I appreciate you highlighting them and introducing them to the forum!

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Hi Samalama,
We’d be happy to go over our mattress options for you for children. Our Pure Eco Organic Kids mattress is an 8’ mattress and works on regular bed frames as well as bunk beds. We also have a Kiwi mattress that is 10" and can be used by children or adults. Please reach out with any questions.

Have a good day!
My Green Mattress

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