It was during one of those symbolic ‘light bulb’ moments in 2021 that Lance Metz, a fourth-generation mattress maker and one-half of teddyBed, had the bright idea of building a New Zealand-based business that specialises in unique mattresses, designed with one primary goal: to help families sleep better.
Lance and Gabi Metz, parents themselves, intimately understand the trials of parenting, particularly the challenges associated with establishing healthy sleep habits. Observing these challenges in their own home and among friends transitioning children from firm cots to their first beds, the couple identified recurring issues such as bedwetting, sleep concerns, sustainability, affordability, and the need for comfort during growth phases.
As the global pandemic unfolded, Lance, Gabi, and their children made the bold decision to relocate from Africa to New Zealand. Arriving in their new home, they recognised a gap in the market for sustainable, cost-inclusive solutions that prioritise comfort for both young children and adults.
The ‘light bulb’ idea emerged from this fresh perspective in a different location: the creation of teddy, a family brand building on two decades of expertise to address parental concerns and redefine children’s sleep. Lance envisioned teddy as a brand that evolves with families, supporting them from toddlerhood to adulthood.
Teddy’s mission is clear: to aid Kiwi families in achieving deep, restful sleep, waking up with high energy, mental clarity, and vibrancy. Recognising the crucial role good sleep plays in productivity, family connectedness, and presence, Lance and Gabi designed revolutionary mattresses that are affordable, adaptable from floor to bunk base or trundle, and feature a unique double-sided sleep surface catering to firm and medium-firm preferences. The mattresses are equipped with a washable outer cover for bedwetting and a waterproof inner layer to maintain hygiene and safety for children.
One of teddybed’s core values is promoting a child’s independence, starting with their sleep.
Fostering sleep independence empowers children to face daily tasks with confidence and capability, instilling a sense of excitement and pride in their growing abilities – Lance Metz
Teddy offers practical tips for families to improve sleep:Encourage Independence: Arrange the bedroom so that children can access their bed, toys, and essentials independently, promoting a sense of control.
Use a Floor Bed: A low bed encourages toddlers to manage their sleep routine independently, fostering freedom and self-regulation.
Keep the Bedroom Simple: Minimise clutter and stimuli in the bedroom to help toddlers focus on winding down for sleep in an organised environment.
Offer Choices: Allow children to choose their pyjamas, bedtime story, or a stuffed animal, giving them a sense of control.
Consistent Bedtime Routine: Establish a regular bedtime routine with calming activities like reading or a warm bath to signal to toddlers that it’s time to wind down.
Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: Ensure the bedroom is dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature, using soft bedding to make the bed inviting.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Discourage screen time at least an hour before bedtime to avoid interference with sleep; encourage quiet, screen-free activities instead.
How do teddybeds differ from other brands?
– The mattress was designed utilising the experience and knowledge of both being a parent of young children combined with the knowledge and experience gained with over four generations in bedding manufacturing.
– teddy beds were specifically designed with children first and foremost in mind, from the height of the mattress to the removable cover
– The key difference is that teddy beds offer dual comfort sleep with two variations of comfort levels when you flip the mattress
– A waterproof inner that keeps your mattress hygienic and odour free
– Second life fabric which is made from 55% up-cycled plastic that would usually have found their way to oceans and landfill
– The Junior range is a lower profile mattress which makes it an ideal height for bunk beds, trundles or any slatted bed frame and fosters your child’s independence making it easy for them to climb on and off
– Lastly in the teddy Lux range, Naturflex and Zonescape technology is used. Naturflex is a bamboo charcoal infused memory foam which regulates your child’s temperature and Zonescape contours to your child’s body offering additional support as they grow and their weight changes over time.
To find out more, visit their website.
