September 23, 2021, 2:25 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Well-supported children ensure a peaceful night’s sleep for parents too. Stiftung Warentest, a German consumer organization, tested a range of children’s mattresses. The results show that some small parts can come loose on certain models.
The Stiftung Warentest tested 14 children’s mattresses of the standard size 70 by 140 centimeters. Five mattresses impressed the testers with a “good” performance, while four failed.
The testers examined the mattresses for sleeping properties, durability, safety, cover, handling, labeling, as well as health and environmental factors. In terms of sleeping properties, all mattresses achieved at least a “satisfactory” rating. However, significant deficiencies were found in the safety tests. Although providers whose overly soft mattresses failed the October 2018 test due to suffocation risks have made improvements, the risk now stems from other issues with four providers.
Related: 9 Mistakes When Setting Up Children’s Rooms
Manufacturers Offer Replacements Upon Request
For the Aro Traumwolke Kids, Baumberger Cocolana, Prolana Kindermatratze Ronja Plus, and Träumeland Polarstern mattresses, manufacturers used grip plates on the mattress cover zippers that can detach when twisted or pulled. Since toddlers could swallow these parts and suffocate, the mattresses failed the test.
All four manufacturers told Stiftung Warentest that they would replace the covers for parents free of charge upon request. Alternatively, parents can remove the grip plates themselves.
The Paradies Mariella Hygienica children’s mattress (159 euros) emerged as the winner of the test. It impressed with good sleeping properties and excellent durability. The Ikea Himlavalv (139 euros) offers the best sleeping properties. The current price-performance winner is the Dänisches Bettenlager Jonas model (100 euros).
Children’s Mattress: Time for a Change as They Grow
In addition to the right firmness, the best possible air circulation should be considered when choosing a mattress, says the Federal Association for More Safety for Children. Therefore, it is better to avoid waterproof mattress pads.
Some manufacturers designate a baby and a toddler side for their mattresses. According to Stiftung Warentest, the differences are not significant, but the baby side is always slightly firmer. The decision to switch to the toddler side is at the parents’ discretion. Manufacturers provide guidelines such as body weight or age. It’s time to switch to an adult mattress when the child’s head and feet are each less than ten centimeters from the mattress edge.