Latex mattresses for your children present a tremendous value because of their durability. A small child will only need about four inches of medium latex for support. An additional layer of latex in the form of a latex “topper” can be added to the mattress as your child gains size and weight. The incredible durability of latex assures that your initial investment in a latex mattress will continue to pay dividends.

A latex core utilized in your child first mattress, generally a twin, will show almost no effect from its first years of use. The fact that latex is anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic, and naturally resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites creates a mattress that does not suffer the contamination from the possible “accidents” common to a infant’s first mattress. When your child’s first twin is protected with a moisture barrier, such as an organic wool pad, you have the advantage of the safest of all sleeping environments for your children.

The advantage of purchasing a starter latex mattress is that the four inch latex core can then be used as the primary component in building a thicker and more supportive mattress for your children as they grow. The original four inch mattress should offer plenty of support until your child reaches about 100 pounds. At that point the addition of a two or three inch “topper” layer of latex will provide an even more comfortable mattress for your child, until they outgrow the size of mattress.

It’s not necessary to laminate this additional layer to the latex core. In fact, it’s advisable to avoid adhesives and their off-gassing in any mattress. The “topper” can be placed right on top of the existing mattress, covered by a mattress pad and under the sheets. Some manufacturers make custom covers available that effectively create a new mattress by incorporating the existing core and the additional latex layer into the new mattress cover. In either case, your children will be sleeping on a “new” mattress.

The durability of latex makes the future upgrade of your child’s mattress possible. Latex will maintain its form and gentle support for up to twenty years, without any noticeable change. A quality latex mattress is an investment and will outlive two or three high end conventional inner-spring mattresses. However, the benefits of latex do not end with its durability. The feel of a latex mattress is unsurpassed, conforming gently to the nuances of body shape and weight to distribute weight and relieve pressure points, just the perfect surface to cradle your growing infants.

Generally the search for a latex mattress is a result of very real concerns about toxic off-gassing from chemical fire-retardants used in conventional mattress ticking or to saturate polyurethane foam. Many consumers are developing an interest in natural mattresses and that choice is never more important than for your developing children. When you consider how much time your children spend on their mattresses, you certainly don’t want them in close proximity with any harsh chemicals.

In many ways your child’s mattress is the most important health concern in your home. Children are just beginning to develop their respiratory and immune systems and are much more susceptible to problems created from contact with or breathing of toxic chemicals, which leach through mattresses treated with fire-retardants. The choice of a latex mattress protects your children and provides a long term solution to keep them sleeping safely.

Latex creates the opportunity for a long term strategy to provide your children the best possible mattress surface. Latex is far too valuable a material to waste, unlike conventional inner-spring mattresses which loose their ability to comfortably support body and must be regularly replaced. With a little planning, your child’s first latex mattress becomes a building block for many years of safe, comfortable sleep. No planned obsolescence, as your latex core will not lose value and will last for up to twenty years, or more! For those concerned about the environment, it’s nice to know that natural latex is a sustainable resource and is biodegradable.

As your child grows and gains weight, a latex mattress distributes weight and reduces pressure points even better than memory foam, without the off-gassing from polyurethane foam. Air circulation is enhanced by the pin cushion construction used for all latex mattresses, and when combined with a wool mattress pad or cover, no mattress does a better job of regulating moisture and controlling body temperature. Latex is simply nature’s most comfortable mattress material and can be customized to grow with your child, providing a mattress that does not need to be replaced until your child moves to a larger mattress.

KC Ennis – Marketing Manager -

http://www.foamsource.com and http://www.naturesbedroom.com Foamsource, offering innovations in restful sleep since 1985, is a direct manufacturer of latex and memory foam mattresses, toppers and pillows.

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