What to Know About Adjustable Firmness Beds

Couples and even singles might be interested in purchasing a bad with an adjustable firmness. A queen, king, or full mattress of this type can even be separately adjusted on each side in order to suit a couple who sleeps in the same bed. The electric controls to make the adjustment are usually fairly easy to use. They allow the user to simply select a level of firmness.

This sounds like a great idea because people may prefer a soft, medium, or hard mattress. Some people may even prefer a different firmness at different times. However, because these mattresses are usually more expensive than similar mattresses without this feature, many consumers wonder if they are worth the extra money.

What to Know About Adjustable Firmness Beds

There is a a lot to like about a bed that can be adjusted. This is particularly true for couples who share a bed and may prefer different types of mattresses. However, these beds are likely to be a lot more expensive than conventional mattresses, so the price is one consideration. There are also some tricks that people can use to make regular mattresses more firm. For example, placing a board between the box spring and soft mattress may make it firmer. Adding a pad on the top can make a mattress make it softer. If these hacks work, there might not be a need to spend extra money on an adjustable mattress.

Another consideration is the way that the mattress gets adjusted. This is actually quite simple. There are air cells inside the mattress that can be inflated or deflated by using the controls. However, these air cells don't tend to last forever. Over time, mattress owners may use their ability to adjust the mattress to their exact specifications.

Do Most People Actually Adjust Their Mattresses Often?

Another thing that people find is that they tend to set the mattress one time and then never change it. If this is true, it might make just as much sense to simply purchase a mattress that is the right firmness in the first place. It will probably be a lot cheaper, and there won't be concerns over air cells deflating over time.

Top Tips for New Parents

When it comes to raising a child for the first time, there are many things to consider. From knowing when to switch to soft foods to decorating a child's room in the correct manner, there's much that goes into giving a child the best life possible. For those who are raising their first child, here are a few things to consider.

Introducing soft foods

Soft foods should be introduced between four to six months. A physician will be able to direct a new parent on the exact month that an infant is ready to progress to soft foods. These foods usually come in jars or plastic containers, or if a mother wants, she makes her own for the baby. It's important that soft foods be introduced on time because it will influence when the child is able to move up to solid foods.

Switching from a crib to a bed

When an infant or toddler is able to pull up on a crib and climb out, this means that it's time to make the switch to a toddler or full bed. Fortunately, there are many toddler beds that turn into full beds. All that needs to be purchased is a full mattress. By buying a crib that turns into a toddler bed and then a full bed, it becomes possible to save thousands of dollars on children's furniture.

Switching from car seat to booster seat

All car seats come with weight restrictions. Never should a child be placed in a car seat that he or she doesn't qualify for the weight requirements. Many children are able to switch from a car seat to a booster seat by the time they are five years old, but this isn't always the case. 

To determine what the weight requirements and restrictions are on a specific car seat, a parent can turn the seat upside down and look at its labeling. It's also important to look at the date on the car seat. It should have an expiration date. If the expiration date has already passed, then a new car seat should by purchased.

5 Essential Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing a New Full Mattress

Years ago, the concept of a full mattress didn't exist in any significant way. Instead, there was the twin for a single person, and the aptly-named double for a couple. Anything bigger was considered luxurious. Younger people likely know exactly what they'll get when they see an ad for a full mattress, but those who have kept their old bed for a few decades can find themselves baffled by the new sizing. Here are a few pointers that are essential to know about this mattress size.

 

1. A full bed isn't a replacement for a double. This is the most essential thing to remember. This mattress is bigger than a twin, but it's narrow enough that two people would not comfortably fit - and depending on the people's sizes, two may not fit at all. A full is more like a luxury-sized twin.

2. Mattress thickness has generally increased. Sheets now have larger pocket depths to match. The catch is that low-end mattresses are the same thickness as always. This makes it so that most sheets will end up being too loose on the less-expensive mattress options.

3. It is now possible to get "green" mattresses. These use fireproofing methods and preservatives that are milder, and ideally, natural. Environment aside, it can be a good idea to get one of these in order to avoid the new mattress smell.

 

4. It's a good idea to get this mattress size instead of a twin bed. Twin mattress sizes have decreased. Someone used to the old size is likely to end up rolling over onto the floor a few times before compensating for that change. Better to skip that by getting one that's a bit bigger instead. 

5. Mind the frame. Cheap frames are excellent examples of getting what is paid for. If the old frame is to be replaced, make sure to get a sturdy replacement. Avoid anything that's overly cheap or lightweight.

These are some of the key things to keep in mind when shopping for full mattresses. Another important thing to do is lay down on the prospective mattress in the store before buying. While it can take a night or two for the full experience, it is very possible to spot an exceptionally good or bad one within just a couple of minutes of reclining.

Crib to Bed: Finding the Right Bed for Toddlers

One of the hardest decisions for parents to make when it comes to their toddlers night time routine is when is the right time to change from the crib to the bed, and what size bed to transition to. While children will normally let their parents know it's time for the change by escaping their crib on any given night throughout the week, finding the right bed to meet their needs is a trickier task to complete.

Choosing between a standard toddler bed, a twin sized or even full sized mattress, depends on several different factors. This decision can be very time consuming for first-time parents, but with a few helpful tips and tricks, it is easy to find the right bed to suit every toddlers needs.

How to Make the Transition form Crib to Bed


Timing is Everything

Most toddlers are ready to move on to a regular bed between the ages of one and a half to 3 years old. Many new parents make the decision to move their toddlers after many night of crib jailbreaks. A toddler "escaping" from their crib is a good sign that they have outgrown their sleeping situation and are ready for the next step in life, a full sized mattress.

Finding the Right Size

Depending on family needs, a toddler bed is a good transition to begin with. These beds are low to the ground, can normally fit crib sized mattresses and are the perfect size for a 2 year old. Unfortunately for new families, the option of another baby on the way usually means the crib mattress will need to be reserved for later use.

While toddler beds are often preferred due to their height and size, other full mattress options will work as well. If using a larger mattress be sure to set the bed up properly with a safe frame and guard rails that will help to keep little ones safe during the night.

Spend Wisely

When it comes to a toddlers room it can be easy to over spend on cute accessories and other items to fill the space. But it is important to remember that safety and comfort are most important for transitioning sleepers. Invest in a quality mattress, bed frame and railings before splurging on the finishing touches.

Changes In Mattress Selections

Choosing a mattress in the 21t century is no longer about simply picking one of three sizes. Consumers have plethora options when selecting the ideal mattress.

Mattress Sizes

A full mattress was once ideal for adults and couples, and twin mattresses were the popular choice for children. Fast-forward to the 21st century, and full mattresses are fast becoming the popular selection for children and larger couples are now selecting larger mattresses for themselves. 

The good news for many is that all sizes are still available and consumers can select from old sizes as well as a few new ones. For example taller people might appreciate the following sizes:

• Extra long twin mattresses - about five inches longer than a standard twin and are the same length as standard king-sized mattresses.

• California king mattresses - narrower than the eastern king by about four inches and longer by four inches.

Mattress Types

A traditional mattress has an inner spring that use steel coils as its base support system. These coils covered by various materials including more springs, foams and fiber. In contrast, foam mattresses use materials such as polyurethane foam or visco elastic foam as the support system. These materials lend flexibility so that consumers can select a mattress that matches their individual needs.

Besides traditional coil and foam mattresses, consumers also can choose other mattresses that suit their life styles. For example they might select gel mattresses, airbeds, latex mattresses and adjustable foundations.

Choosing A Mattress

With all the available choices, consumers might find mattress buying overwhelming. Experts suggest getting a mattress that offers support of the body in its natural position. This means that the mattress must allow a good curvature for the spine while allowing for proper alignment of the rest of the body.

Although some people might trust one brand over another, brand selection isn’t necessarily the best reason for electing a mattress. A top reason might be the degree of firmness. A mattress that’s too support might not offer enough support and a mattress that’s too firm might not allow for body alignment. In both cases, the person is likely to wake up with aches and pain.

Experts suggest that the best way for consumers to choose on a mattress is to take a pillow to the store, and lay on selected mattresses for at least 15 minutes. The person needs to lie in a similar position as he or she would at home to get a true idea if the mattress is suitable.

Yoga for Sleep

Although a full mattress that's comfortable and supportive will help a person to sleep better, there are other ways to enhance further sleep. For instance, yoga has the potential to relieve insomnia naturally. It's an excellent way to manage stress to help a person get a better, more restful sleep.

Why Yoga Helps

Yoga has the ability to reduce stress, which is oftentimes a cause of insomnia. It calms the mind and relieves tension. It has the potential to boost self-esteem and make a person feel better overall. All of these can lead to a person being in a better state of mind and being able to go to sleep and stay asleep easier.

Best Yoga Postures for Better Sleep

The Child's Pose, also known as balasana, consists of a person's torso being over a person's legs. Arms should be on the side or extended. In this pose, a person's forehead should touch the ground. To further extenuate the relaxation properties, a person should give him or herself a forehead massage, by massaging from left to right at the end of the brows.

Plow Pose

The Plow Pose, sometimes called halasana, is recommended by Yoga Journal to make it easier for a person to fall asleep. It starts with the individual lying on his or her back. Next, he or she should lift his or her legs over his or her head. He or she can put his or her hands on his or her back for support. 

He or she may also opt to just rest them on the floor. The tips of the person's toes should touch the ground. This pose should be held between one to five minutes. This pose will alter the way the blood is flowing. Therefore, it gives the body vitality and just makes a person feel better overall.

Legs Up the Wall Pose

The Legs Up the Wall Pose, called viparita karani, is a simple pose with plenty of benefits. Because the blood runs back to the heart in this pose, it's soothing. This position requires a person to lay down on the floor close to the wall. 

He or she puts his or her feet up the wall with his or her buttocks still on the floor. The person should be in a 90-degree angle. The person needs to stay in the position for up to five minutes for optimal results.

7 Cool Headboard Ideas

A headboard turns a simple bedframe and full mattress into a polished-looking bedroom set and can complete the look and feel of a bedroom by giving it a focal point. Try these 7 ideas for cool headboards. 

7 Cool Headboard Ideas

1. Upholstered headboard - An upholstered headboard is soft, stylish and utterly customizable to style trends. Home owners can simply cover the upholstery with new fabric to change the piece's look and feel. 

2. Reclaimed wood headboard - The DIY rustic aesthetic is a major style trend right now. Incorporating reclaimed wood into a headboard is not only stylish, it's eco-conscious. By using reclaimed wood instead of freshly felled wood (or manufactured alternatives), this conserves natural resources. 

3. Mirrored headboard - A mirrored headboard is a definite statement piece. While these are costly to buy, they're also simple to recreate from small square or circular mirrors or even mirrored tiles. Pick up mirrored tiles online to DIY a headboard from mirror tile that works with the space and size of the full mattress. 

4. Textile headboard - Cloth makes an elegant, easily changeable headboard for all size beds. Whether using cloth to highlight a favorite textile, mimic mosquito netting for a tropical vibe, or create a bohemian nest, there are so many ways to use cloth and a simple curtain rod to mimic a headboard. This technique is perfect for renters and people on budgets, who might not want to invest in furniture. 

5. Salvaged metal headboard - Wrought-iron headboards add instant glam to the bedroom, yet can be too costly for many. A creative and cost-effective alternative is salvaged metal, which can be found at thrift stores, yard sales, building materials exchange stores, salvage yards, and many more places. 

6. Storage headboard - Small bedrooms may benefit from headboards that offer additional storage space in the form of shelves. These styles also work well for students and studio dwellers who need to maximize small spaces or for children's bedrooms. 

7. Painted headboard - For a cheap alternative that doesn't involve putting together furniture, try painting a headboard on the wall behind the bed. This fun headboard alternative can be completed in any color or shape to create the perfect headboard for any size bed. 

These 7 ideas represent a few ways to incorporate a headboard into the bedroom - get creative to personalize these.