The Best Beds for Every Age

Our bodies change as we age, and so do our sleep requirements. It’s obvious that a mattress that works for an infant doesn’t work for a teenager. But as you move into adulthood, age still plays a factor in which mattress is best suited to your needs. Here are the most important considerations, and our top recommendations, for every age:

The best mattress for infants

Infant mattresses have specific safety requirements, and in 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) set strict standards regarding crib safety for manufacturers and retailers. The CPSC also cautions against soft infant mattresses, or any type of mattress that conforms to pressure. Infant mattresses should be firm and fit tightly in the crib to prevent suffocation. Also, make sure your baby sleeps on her back, and don’t put pillows, blankets, plush toys, or cushions in the crib.

The best mattress for toddlers

Today, many baby mattresses can be flipped over and used as toddler mattresses in a toddler bed. Toddlers don’t need as firm of a mattress, and might enjoy a little less bed rigidity.

When your toddler (between 18 months and three years) is able to climb out of his crib, or is over 35 inches tall, it’s time to move to a toddler bed or a twin bed with a rail. Your toddler can start sleeping with a thin blanket, small stuffed animal, or even a pillow at this age, and she can sleep in any position she prefers.  

The best mattress for teens

Teens need 9 to 9 ½  hours of sleep each night! That’s about an hour more than they needed at age 10. Good sleep supports brain development and physical growth spurts, so it’s important that teens have a comfortable place to sleep.

If you your teen is smaller — under 5’5” — a twin bed might continue to work fine. However, the taller your teen, the larger his mattress needs to be. If bedroom size makes it difficult to fit a full or queen bed, try a twin XL mattress, which is five inches longer than a standard twin. If your teen tosses and turns or likes to sleep with a family pet, consider an upgrade to a double (full) bed.

The best mattress for adults

Adults who share a bed will be most comfortable on a queen or king size mattress. Depending on a number of factors, like the size of your bedroom, your height, whether or not you let pets sleep with you, a queen bed might feel like a tight squeeze.

Find out when you should upgrade to a king size mattress.

Adjustable foundations are also a great option for adults who suffer from sleep apnea or congestion, experience aches and pains, or simply want to get better sleep.

The best mattress for seniors

For seniors, adjustable beds are our top choice. And adjustable base can put you in a position that places minimum weight on your body’s pressure points, allowing for relaxation and restful sleep. As we age, sleep can feel more and more elusive. Getting your body into a comfortable position, even in the face of aches and pains, is the best way to ensure you’ll get quality rest.