My Child Finds it Hard to Sleep at Night! Parent’s Advice Please!

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With their small and developing bodies, choosing a mattress for kids is a different story. Even though your child is young, he or she needs enough support while having a quiet slumber. In fact, experts say that kids need more body support, more than ever, as they grow taller. This is the reason why the best twin mattress for toddler beds is a must for parents to get.

The potential of the kid outgrowing the bed is one reason why parents shy away from investing on quality kid mattresses. What they do is get the cheapest piece and then change it once their kid’s feet are inches off the bed. This is a practical scenario, but when it comes to sleep quality and growth support, it can be problematic.

Toddlers and sleep

According to the National Sleep Foundation, a kid will spend 40% of his childhood sleeping. Those with the age of two will spend most of their time asleep than awake. This phase is important as sleep aids their mental and physical development.

Kids at the preschool age will have sleep cycles every 90 minutes. When this becomes disrupted, the toddler will experience agitation and other sleep-related problems. Toddlers need to have a consistent bedtime to develop a healthy sleeping hygiene. It’s also best to let them nap at least once a day to get enough sleep for their development. One thing that you should consider is getting a good twin mattress for toddler.

Also, it’s when the child is asleep that the growth hormone is released in massive numbers. Lack of sleep among kids is proven to result in stunted growth, poor immune system, unbalanced temper, and other issues. Obesity and behavioral problems are also associated with a lack of quality sleep. The hormone ghrelin becomes inefficient in controlling appetite which makes kids eat more.

Kids at the age of two-three years old should have 11.5 hours of nighttime sleep and day nap time of 1-1.5 hours. It’s important that your child get this amount of sleep or else, he will be extremely lethargic. The following are some of the common problems associated with sleep among kids:

Common problems associated with sleep

Your grumpy kiddo might be cute when he’s angry, but it should concern you when the rash behavior is lingering for weeks. Here are some of the usual problems associated with sleep and lack thereof among toddlers:

Misdiagnosed ADHD

The alarming fact about lack of sleep among kids is that some are diagnosed with ADHD even if they don’t have the condition. According to a study, it turns out that some kids are just overly tired and in fact free of ADHD. This poses a big problem since doctors may administer treatments and medications. If you suspect that your kid is hyperactive, check first if they are sleeping properly at night. They might need a good twin mattress for toddler right now.

Obesity

Like what’s said earlier, kids who don’t get enough sleep would have messed up hormones. So aside from discipline and proper diet, sleep is a defining factor here too.

Mood swings

We’re all familiar with the tantrums and grumpiness, but if it starts to affect your kid’s activities, it should be a cause of concern. He or she might act rashly toward other people. That spells trouble for them and you as the parent.

Lack of focus

Is your toddler daydreaming lately? Sleep is a key factor in improving kids’ focus and concentration. If they don’t get enough shuteye, they would have problems with learning and remembering things. Also, their motor skills will be affected.

There are more health and behavioral issues associated with lack of sleep among toddlers. It’s imperative that you exhaust all means to make nights comfortable and conducive for sleep. That includes getting the best twin mattress for toddler.

Signs that your toddler doesn’t get enough sleep

If you notice the aforementioned problems on your kid, he or she might be wide-eyed at night. Here are some signs that your kiddo is actually spending their bedtime as a night owl:

Whiny and fussy

Hyperactive

Constant desire to doze off

Snoring

Groggy and falls asleep after being woken

Unusually quiet

Lack of interest

Restlessness at night

Academic struggles

Separation anxiety

All these can be observed from a toddler or preschooler who isn’t catching Zzz at night. But the question here is why the kiddies stay awake at night. Considering their sleepy and active nature, it’s puzzling why they tend to be little insomniacs. This leads us to our next point:

Why your kid can’t sleep at night

The key to finding a solution to your kid’s sleeping problem is knowing what causes the nighttime disruption. Here are some of the common reasons:

Pediatric insomnia

Yes, even your toddler can experience insomnia. Pediatric insomnia can stem from unsatisfied pre-sleeping habits, forced bedtime, or poor sleep hygiene. More often, these external factors are the causes of insomnia. But if you’ve tried everything but your child is still awake, you might want to consult a doctor about idiopathic insomnia. This is a very rare condition that affects less than 1% of the children’s population.

Bedtime resistance

It’s normal for kids to resist bedtime because they still want to watch their favorite cartoons or they still want to play. The stress of this forced sleeping can keep them awake. However, letting them stay up late wouldn’t be good either. The key here is enforcing a positive approach and not just getting a good twin mattress for toddler.

Nighttime fears

The monsters under the bed are probably the reason why your kid is still awake at night. He might be afraid of being separated from his or her parents or the place is too dark. No amount of sleep training can diminish nighttime fears. All you have to do is to remove the causes of fear and give assurance to the child. You may also opt for the best twin mattress for toddler that doesn’t harbor the “monsters”.

Messed up circadian rhythm

Letting your child nap too close to bedtime is a recipe for nighttime sleeplessness. Also, don’t let them nap for too long during the daytime. This could be a bit difficult to do but if you keep the toddler occupied, he would be down by bedtime.

Inconsistent bedtimes

A lot of parents tend to be lenient when it comes to bedtime. But even if it’s the weekend or it’s someone’s birthday, it’s not healthy to keep the child awake. This will start inconsistent bedtimes that will wreak havoc on their circadian rhythm.

Too much caffeine

Even adults know that a dose of caffeine before bedtime is a guaranteed way to have sleepless nights. Your kid might be consuming drinks with caffeine without your knowledge. Canned soda, energy drinks, and coffee flavored snacks could keep them awake at night.

Overusing gadgets

A study among fourth graders found out that kids who stay late due to gadget overuse tend to have more sleeping problems. The more appalling finding of a separate study is that even passive viewing can cause bedtime woes. If you’re letting your kid stick around while you watch TV, you’re making their bedtime a big disservice.

Uncomfortable sleeping space

If everything seems to be fine, one thing you should check is the bedroom of your child. It should be conducive for sleeping. A very stiff mattress that gives your kid backaches will keep them awake. It might be time to invest in a quality bed and remove the distractions. If the room is too lit up, you should use a low light lamp that will keep the “monsters” away.

What to consider when getting a mattress for your kid

If you have a toddler transitioning from a cot to an actual mattress, the choice of bed becomes more crucial. Dr. Havard Bergby, a chiropractor from Sydney, says that innerspring mattresses are excellent for kids. It provides excellent back support and just enough conformity to your kid’s body. However, it’s also important to note that each child will have varying needs. It’s best to consider the following:

Body support

A growing toddler requires spine support. Therefore, a good twin mattress for toddler that will help align their back will be excellent. The right firmness is key here but take note that it will differ based on the child’s condition. But generally, it’s either innerspring mattress or a purefoam with moderate firmness.

Thickness and size

If you have a small kid, a bed that’s 12-inch or less thick would be perfect. It’s easier to get on and off in case they have to pee in the middle of the night. And since your kid would be growing fast, it’s best to get a larger mattress than their actual height.

Temperature

A mattress that’s too hot to sleep on would likely disrupt the sleeping cycle of your child. Memory foams could be very hot, but there are some models that have cooling gels. If your kid tends to sleep hot, make sure that you’ll get a temperature-neutral mattress.

Motion isolation

In case you have two kids sharing a bed, it’s best to get a mattress with outstanding motion isolation. As you know, kids can have quirky sleeping positions.

Sleeping position

For sure, there’s one sleeping position where your kid gravitates. Back sleepers will be comfortable with both soft and moderate firmness. However, for those who are side and stomach sleepers, its best to opt for a soft and the best twin mattress for toddler.

Odor

Little kids are prone to skin irritations. Make sure that the mattress doesn’t emit any odor. Although mattresses will normally have a smell to it, avoid a unit that has excessive off-gassing.

Flippable design

A mattress with double firmness is excellent if you’re not sure where your little one will be most comfortable at.

Options for a good twin mattress for toddler

Comparison Chart

61qX HYLKML
Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Twin Size
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Modway Aveline Mattress, Twin, White

Signature Sleep Memory Foam Twin Mattress

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If you prefer a memory foam bed for your child, check out the Signature Sleep Twin Mattress. It comes in 6, 8, 10, and 12-inch thickness so you can pick what suits your kid’s size. As a memory foam mattress, it conforms very well to the body but without the usual harmful chemicals. This Signature Sleep piece is cleared by the CertiPUR-US. It also passed the federal flammability standards so it’s guaranteed to be safe if ever your kid decided to have a little play with the sparks.

This mattress will help relieve pressure on the hips, neck, and feet of your child. They would have a more comfy slumber and no more tossing and turning just to get the best spot on the bed.

It has a light smell, but not as overpowering as chemical scents. The odor wears off fast and you can use a bed spray or protector to get rid of it in an instant.

Modway Aveline 6-Inch Memory Foam Twin Mattress

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Is your kid a hot sleeper? If so, this mattress from Modway will be excellent. It offers the support and spine alignment of memory foams but with added cooling gel. This is CertiPUR-US certified and about 98% of all their customers are satisfied with the bed.

This twin mattress comes in 6, 8, and 10 inches thick which both adults and kids can enjoy. It also bears an excellent fire-resistance and moderate firm to firm feel. It has a nice feel which is perfect for bedtime reading. A lot of parents had attested to its comfy and cozy nature which gives their kids a nice slumber.

The Modway bed is best for almost any sleeping position due to the conforming nature. And since it’s a bed-in-a-box like the first mattress, delivery and setup won’t be a problem. The mattress will last long without sagging and compacted spots.

There’s also a little odor here which will go away after two days tops. Such a thing is normal for compressed beds. As for the price, it’s the right bargain for quality, comfort, and durability.

The best twin mattress for toddler beds will help your kid have restful nights. It’s a good way to improve their sleep hygiene while arresting bad habits. As long as you maintain a positive approach, they can outgrow their nighttime fears and beat their sleeping problems.

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