In our quest for a good night's sleep, the mattress we choose plays a pivotal role. But when it comes to selecting the perfect mattress for our children, what factors weigh most heavily on our minds? A recent study by Teddybed Australia conducted in late 2023 delved into the preferences and priorities of Aussie parents when it comes to purchasing kids mattresses for their children aged 2 to 18. Here's what the survey revealed:
1. The Backbone of Comfort: The Importance of Spinal Support
It turns out that nearly nine in ten Aussie parents—87% to be exact—agree that the support a mattress offers their child's spine is a key consideration when making a mattress purchase. Moreover, a remarkable 45% of them strongly agree with this statement.
The significance of spinal support becomes even more evident when parents have encountered complaints from their children regarding issues like sagging, back pain, or uncomfortable bed texture. In such cases, a staggering 93% of parents prioritize spinal support when choosing a mattress.
Surprisingly, only 7% of parents disagree that spinal support is a vital consideration when buying a mattress, with 6% remaining unsure. Notably, dads are more likely to strongly agree with this statement than mums, at 54% compared to 38%.
Parents with children aged 5-18 also tend to emphasize spinal support more than those with children aged 2-4. The survey found that 46% of the former strongly agree, compared to 39% of the latter.
Even parents who haven't received complaints about their children's current mattresses place a premium on spinal support, with 84% agreeing, and 40% strongly agreeing. This suggests that parents are proactive in ensuring their child's well-being, even in the absence of issues.
Not surprisingly, nearly all parents (95%) who consider a good mattress's importance and suitability for their child's spinal needs to be greater than other aspects (e.g., room layout, design) agree that spinal support is a key consideration when purchasing a mattress. It's clear that spinal health is paramount in the minds of Aussie parents.
2. Prioritizing Ethical and Non-Toxic Materials
A considerable 74% of Aussie parents agree that they are more inclined to purchase a mattress for their children from a brand that uses ethically sourced and non-toxic materials. Among them, 32% strongly agree with this statement.
This preference for ethical and non-toxic materials becomes even more pronounced (85%) among parents whose children have experienced complaints about mattress odors, allergies, or itchiness.
However, 15% of parents disagree with this statement, and 11% remain unsure. Notably, dads are more likely to strongly agree with this preference than mums, at 39% compared to 27%.
Furthermore, the generational divide is evident, with Millennial parents (78%) showing a stronger inclination towards purchasing mattresses made from ethical and non-toxic materials compared to Gen X (70%) and Baby Boomer (64%) parents.
It's interesting to note that 78% of parents whose children wet the bed weekly also prefer mattresses made from ethical and non-toxic materials. This suggests that parents are deeply concerned about the health and well-being of their children, even in the face of bedwetting challenges.
3. The Rise of Online Retailers with Return Policies
In today's digital age, the convenience of online shopping is hard to ignore. The survey revealed that over two-fifths (42%) of Aussie parents agree that they would rather buy a mattress for their children from an online retailer with a return policy than visit a physical store. Among them, 19% strongly agree with this sentiment.
This preference for online shopping is even more pronounced (53%) among parents who consider online reviews (whether on social media or other websites) among their top three most trusted sources when seeking advice on the best mattresses for their children.
However, nearly half of parents (49%) disagreed with this statement, and 9% remained unsure. Dads were more likely to agree with buying mattresses online with a return policy (51%) compared to mums (36%).
The generational differences also played a role, with Millennials (48%) and Gen X parents (37%) being more inclined towards online mattress shopping than Baby Boomers (19%).
Working parents also showed a preference for online mattress shopping, with 45% agreeing with the statement, compared to non-working parents at 37%.
In conclusion, this survey by Teddybed Australia reveals that Aussie parents are deeply invested in their children's sleep quality and well-being. They prioritize spinal support, prefer mattresses made from ethical and non-toxic materials, and often opt for the convenience of online shopping with return policies. It's a clear sign that parents are willing to go the extra mile to ensure their children's comfort and health, from their backs to their beds.