Why Does My Child’s Mattress Need a Mattress Protector?

We strongly recommend always using a mattress protector with any mattress, but a mattress protector on a child’s mattress is crucial. Using a mattress protector on a child’s mattress is more hygienic and will result in improved durability and hygiene of the mattress.  Mattress protectors do just that — they protect your mattress. They also protect against allergens and irritants like dust mites, mould, bed bugs, and dead skin.

Why does my child’s mattress need a mattress protector?

1. They protect your investment

We don’t need to tell you that a quality kids mattress isn’t cheap. So really, a mattress protector is designed to ensure your child’s mattress lasts at least 7 – 10 years as it should. Most mattress protectors are water-resistant, which helps avoid stains and odours which will likely void a mattress warranty.

2. They improve your child’s hygiene and prevent allergies

Our kids (hopefully!) spend least 8 – 10 hours a day in their beds, sometimes even more. So, it’s essential to keep their mattresses clean and hygienic. Critters like bed bugs and silverfish can hide in your child’s mattress, and pathogens that cause allergies can soak into your child’s bed. But a mattress protector provides another layer of defence.

3. They prevent bad odours and stains

Chances are if you’re a parent, you’ve either had to toilet train or care for your child while they’re unwell. You know what kind of smells and stains vomit and urine can produce, and best if they don’t come into contact with your child’s mattress. Instead of having to clean your whole mattress when there’s an accident, just chuck your protector in the wash. Done.

4. They improve your child’s sleep all year round

From staying warm to keeping cool, mattress protectors keep your child comfortable in all seasons. Does your child sweat a lot in the summer? A mattress protector stops that sweat from reaching and being trapped in your child’s mattress. In the winter, your child’s mattress protector will give you that extra warmth beneath the sheets.

Which mattress protectors are waterproof?

Most mattress protectors are waterproof, and specifically, cotton blends are known to be suitable for water resistance. If you’re looking for a waterproof mattress protector, you’ll want a fabric that absorbs moisture and blocks liquid from passing through to your mattress.

1.    Pick a mattress protector that fits the size of your child’s mattress.
2.    Consider thickness and material as you don’t want to change how your child’s mattress feels.
3.    Get a mattress protector with anti-allergy protection, waterproofing and temperature control.
4.    Consider how you’re going to wash your child’s mattress protector and what’s easiest for you.

We’ll save you some time and point you in the right direction.  Our Tencel Mattress Protector is perfect for your child’s bed as it is breathable, silent & waterproof, hypoallergenic: ideal for severe allergy and asthma, machine washable and comes with a 10 Year Stain Proof Guarantee when purchased with any of our mattresses.

How many mattress protectors do I need for my child’s bed?

As parents of small children we say at least two- trust us! Have you ever had to get up in the middle of the night with a sick or toilet training kid? If you have – you know why you’ll need two! Imagine having to get up in the middle of the night, care for your sick or toilet training child AND have to clean their bed at the same time.  No thank you.  With two mattress protectors you can strip the bed, chuck the soiled linens and protector in the wash, remake the bed with your spare set and you are good to go.

Pro tip: Layer your child’s bed with two protectors and sheet sets at the same time.  So it would go in this order: mattress, protector, sheets, 2nd protector, 2nd set of sheets.  This way if there’s a middle of the night accident you can just strip off the top layer and not have to worry about making the bed again, it’s already done!  You can thank us next time when you’re not having to make the bed at 2am!

Lucky for you we’ve created the Kids Protector Bundle which includes the Sleep Republic Kids Mattress and 2 Tencel Mattress Protectors, bundled together for 15% off.