Why A Futon Mattress Is Not Good For A Toddler

When we switched Claire from crib to big girl bed, we needed a new mattress for the captain's bed we have. The old mattress belonged to Ethan, who used it as a trampoline. He pretty much showed that mattress he was there to jump, and he meant business. The result? Springs. Springs poking out everywhere.

David and I discussed out mattress budget, and one day the local furniture store (Slumberland) was having an incredible sale. Seventy dollars for a twin mattress. David called his dad for help to pick it up and away they went. I excitedly got Claire's brand new sheet set out and got things ready for her new big girl bed.

Thirty minutes later, David came through the door.....Carrying a futon mattress. I looked at the mattress. I looked at David. I looked at the mattress. I looked at David, who was kind of beaming with pride. I looked at the mattress. I said, "Uhhh..." and David said, "Yeah, I know, it's awesome. It was a great deal. Only $40!" I said, "Well, 'awesome' isn't really the word I was going for. Crazy and not a good idea are more my speed." He said he couldn't take it back because it was a final sale. "Awesome..." I said, in the most sarcastic way possible. Apparently, awesome was a word for me.

I got it all set up and she was SO excited. She went to bed happily in her brand new bed. It was a much easier transition than Ethan's transition from crib to bed. And then we all lived happily ever after.....Until....

About a week ago, Claire discovered that the bed rail she has on the side of the bed, moves. Then she discovered that if she moved the mattress a little bit, she could take the bed rail off. Then she discovered that her mattress was light. So, what does she do? She completely strips the bed of all it's linens. Pillows are thrown across the room. Then there is giggling, and that's when I know it's happening. She takes the mattress completely off the bed, and dances on the platform it sits on. Then she rushes out into the living room (as fast as a three year old with tiny legs can over a mattress rolled at the foot of the bed) runs to Grayson and shouts, "Grayson! Grayson! Come on! Come on!" and they go bounding together over the mattress and dance on the platform. It's a unison of tiny feet hitting wood and fits of giggles.

And then I have to go in and break up the party. Put the bed back together. Walk past two crestfallen faces after having broken up their fun.

It doesn't last long though. I can guarantee that within two hours (sometimes even within 30 minutes) the process repeats itself. Unless, of course, Grayson is napping. Then she waits.