Benefits of Waterproof Mattress for Children

The toilet training stage can be a difficult period for many parents. While this stage involves encouraging your child to go to bed without a nappy on, you also want to avoid having to sanitise their mattress or deal with changing numerous layers of bedding in the middle of the night.

As a parent, you’ll also know that urine is one of many spills and stains that can happen during in a child’s bed. Illness can often lead to sweating or vomiting; while a spilled bottle or eating in bed can lead to permanent stains and odours that can impact their sleep quality.

So while you know a good quality mattress is important for their sleep, spending money on something that may need to be replaced in only a few years can seem like a waste. Thankfully, there are options that can meet both your needs.

Waterproof mattress protector vs waterproof mattress for children

A mattress protector is often used to guard against stains and odours that can affect standard mattresses. Typically fitted with an elasticised edge, mattress protectors are slipped on over the mattress and sit below the sheets to guard against urine and other liquids.

And while waterproof mattress protectors are often a low-cost solution, they may not be the best option.

For one, a mattress protector only works when it is on the bed. If your child has an accident in the night that requires you to wash the mattress protector, you’ll need to ensure you have a spare to place on right away to guard against another accident.

Many of the cheaper mattress protectors are made from vinyl which can sweat and release a noticeable odour. Polyurethane laminate is a better option, in that it doesn’t release fumes, but it can be more fragile and needs to be washed carefully to prolong its life. Cheaper plastic protectors can be noisy when your child rolls around on them, and can have a stiff feel that’s less comfortable to lie on.

Another issue is that mattress protectors can have a tendency to slip out of place, particularly when the elastic gets older. This can cause uncomfortable bunching, or even lead to it moving out of place and leaving the mattress unprotected.

On the other hand, with a waterproof mattress you can simply place your sheets right on top, meaning there’s nothing to bunch up or slide around. This can also make midnight changes easier – simply pull off the wet sheets and place the new set straight on top with less layers to deal with.

BedGuard waterproof mattresses repel liquid, preventing odours and stains from penetrating the top layer. To clean, just wipe with an absorbent cloth. This also helps to impede the entrance of moisture and keep the mattress free from allergens and dust mites – particularly important for children with respiratory issues or illness.

And because there is no plastic layer between the sheets and the mattress, more air can circulate through the mattress, helping to keep your child cool and avoid excessive sweating.

At BedGuard, we offer a selection of high-quality waterproof mattresses as well as waterproof doona and pillow covers for children. Browse the range or get in touch with us to chat about your requirements.