How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep as a New Parent: Choosing the Right Mattress

Quality sleep becomes like precious gold for parents with newborn babies. Between midnight feedings and diaper changes, every moment of rest counts. Unfortunately, most parents don’t get that luxury. Sleepless nights become the norm, and the exhaustion starts to pile up.

A survey found that seven out of ten parents lose around three hours of sleep every night during their baby’s first year. That adds up to roughly 133 sleepless nights a year. This sacrifice reflects parents’ deep love and dedication to caring for their little ones. (1) 

To help ease exhaustion, investing in a good mattress could be one of the best ways to support yourself. But how do you know which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn what to look for when choosing your sleep companion. 

 

Check the Mattress Type 

Selecting the right mattress starts with understanding your options. These days, there are so many styles, designs, and materials available. In fact, the global mattress market was valued at over USD$46 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by 6.5% annually through 2030. With numbers like that, it’s easy to see why finding the perfect mattress can feel overwhelming and exciting simultaneously! (2) 

While you can directly go to a local home store or visit Ecosa to see their mattress range, it’s a good idea to have a clear sense of what you’re after before you go. Here are the most common types of mattresses to help you figure out which one might be the best fit for new parents like you:

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the classic choice, known for their coil-based support and firm, bouncy feel. They’re often budget-friendly and ideal if you prefer a traditional bed style.

One major perk of innerspring is the strong edge support, which makes sitting on the bed (like when soothing a baby) more stable.

Just a note: some models can transfer movement across the bed. If you or your partner shift positions, the other person might feel the motion. So, it’s something to keep in mind before making a purchase.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is all about comfort. It gives you that cozy, “hugged” feeling, which is perfect after long days and nights with a newborn. It’s excellent for relieving pressure on sore spots, especially if you’re dealing with back or shoulder pain from all the daily routines like rocking and carrying your baby. The best part? It absorbs movement really well, so any tossing and turning won’t disturb the whole bed.

Hybrid

This mattress truly offers the best of both worlds. It combines the solid support of innerspring coils with the soft feel of memory foam or latex layers. The result is a perfect balance—firm enough to support your body but plush enough to keep you relaxed.

A hybrid mattress is ideal if you want a classic feel but with extra cushioning for pressure relief.

Latex

A latex mattress is recognized for its eco-friendly qualities and natural bounce, which makes it easier to move around. It contours to your body without that “sinking in” feeling you get from memory foam.

But the real standout feature of latex? It’s naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. That means a cleaner, healthier sleep environment, which is especially important if you’ve got a little one at home.

Now, which type of mattress appeals to you most? Whatever you decide, the key is finding one that supports your bedtime routine and promotes the restorative sleep you need as a new parent. For more detailed information on these options, you can visit the Ecosa website or other retailers.

 

Evaluate Temperature Regulation

Have you ever found yourself tossing and turning at night, feeling either melting or freezing under the covers? Those midnight temperature swings can disrupt your quest for deep sleep and transform a peaceful night into a real challenge.

But here’s some good news: mattress technology has come a long way. You can find mattresses designed to help keep you at just the right or comfortable temperature. So, look for ones that have materials like cooling gels or breathable fabrics that promote airflow. No more waking up in a sweat or shivering under the blankets.

 

Consider the Size

It’s hard to imagine how much space you need until you become a parent. While you might initially think a standard-size mattress will suffice, it likely won’t provide the restful night you need.

In the early days of parenthood, some new parents, particularly mothers, choose to co-sleep with their newborns for easier nighttime feedings. If you anticipate this, selecting a larger mattress may be essential for giving everyone enough room to sleep comfortably.

Here’s a helpful size guide for you:

Full

54” x 74”

Queen

60” x 80”

King

76” x 80”

California King

72” x 84”

As you’ve noticed, the Single and Twin sizes aren’t on the list since we’re looking for ample space here. (3)

The next step is to check your floor space. Just like preparing your home for the new addition to the family, it’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a sprawling king-size bed. But will it actually fit?

Now, don’t just measure where the bed will go—think about the space around it, too. You’ll want enough room to move freely without bumping into furniture. The goal is to create a peaceful sleep setup that feels open and comfortable so you can make the most of whatever rest you can get.

 

Wrapping Up

Waking up refreshed can seem out of reach for first-time moms and dads. However, the right mattress can bring you closer to that goal. And it doesn’t mean choosing a random mattress off the shelf—consider what works best for your body, sleep preferences, and even your room setup.

Remember, a well-rested parent is more energized and ready for the ups and downs of this exciting new chapter.

 

References: 

  1. “Survey Shows Parents Lose a Total of 133 Nights of Sleep in Baby’s First Year”, Source: https://www.parents.com/news/survey-shows-parents-lose-a-total-of-133-nights-of-sleep-in-babys-first-year/ 
  2. “Mattress Market Size & Trends”, Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/mattress-market 

“King Size Bed Dimensions”, Source: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/king-size-bed-dimensions