What to look for in a "big girl" mattress?

I know the whole big bed transition thing has been covered quite a bit but what I've never seen is discussion on mattress choice. Bedding choice was easy - not much doubt which one DD liked best in the shop yesterday :D

What do you choose for a mattress that will hopefully see her through for many years? I'm a huge believer that there are some things that just shouldn't be compromised on for kids and a good mattress is one of them, but I don't know what that is for a toddler through child. Not as if something that's comfortable for me will necessarily be comfortable and appropriate for my daughter's growing body.

So, any advice would be great.

lulu
i got DD's big girl mattress from forty winks and it is a low allergen one.
It wsant cheap (about $600) but it is excellent and will last her well into her teens.

Often the cheap ones are only for toddler weights etc and there fore you will need to replace it as they get much heaper to prevent back problems

best IMO to get a good one from the get go :)

i just checked the brand is simplee kids and it has a 5 year warranty on it :)

I have no idea hun but we just used a single mattress that we have had for a while as a single bed for guests so it has hardly been used. Maybe go to a bedding place and have a chat to them and see what they say? I would think not too soft or firm! Big help aren't I! :p

We bought DS' mattress from Snooze. The salesman directed us to a mattress that was specially designed to support a small child's back and said it would last him until he was in his teens and had his feet hanging over the edge of the bed. It cost us $250. I've laid on it, it's very comfy!

Thanks ladies. PP - that's exactly what I'm trying to avoid too. I don't see the point in buying a cheap mattress now only to have to replace it in another couple of years or so when she gets heavier.

I'll head into some bedding stores tomorrow and see what Iz likes to jump on best ;)