Kids' Beds

From LoveToKnow Kids

Inevitably every parent faces the task of replacing a child’s beloved crib with his first kids' bed. This milestone usually occurs between the ages of 18 months and three years, depending on a child’s size, weight, sleeping habits, and individual needs. Once the time has come to choose a child’s first bed, parents are faced with numerous options.

Toddler Beds

There are many benefits to choosing a toddler bed to follow a crib. Toddler beds are low to the ground, include some level of roll-out protection, and utilize a crib mattress. These features all serve to ease the transition from crib to kids' bed for a young child. Toddler beds also come in very child-friendly, appealing designs. You can find specialty beds shaped like cars or animals, princess beds, cowboy beds, Spiderman beds, or you can choose from various traditional designs. Toddler beds also fit easily into small nurseries. Toddler beds are recommended for ages 18 months to four years. Economically, parents may see the toddler bed as an unnecessary expense since it has a limited life span.

Twin Bed or Double

If parents choose to skip a toddler bed, the obvious choice may be the standard twin bed. This bed can serve the child from his toddler years through his college years. For very young children, removable side rails can be purchased to prevent the child from rolling out of bed. When choosing a children's bed, parents should keep in mind other uses for the child’s room. Will the child have sleepovers in this room? Two twin beds may be the way to go if the room is large enough. Will this room also serve on occasion as a guest room? If so, a double bed may be the best choice.

Bunk Beds

Just about every child loves the idea of a bunk bed. This option can serve many purposes. It can accommodate guests while freeing up space in the room. A young child can start out in the lower bunk but move to the upper bunk in time. This is also an excellent choice if eventually a sibling will share the room. There are many styles of bunk beds to consider, but safety should be the deciding factor. Bunk beds should be sturdy enough to handle the rough play of children. Ladders should be mounted to the bed securely and used consistently. Children who sleepwalk or fall out of bed should never sleep on the top bunk. Roll-over protection should always be a part of the top bunk design. If placed against a wall, the upper bunk frame should rest very close to the wall or be mounted to it. Wooden slats or Bunkie Boards should be used under the mattresses in place of box springs.

Trundle Beds

Trundle beds are a versatile choice for a kids' beds. A trundle bed consists of a twin bed with a separate twin bed stored underneath on a collapsible metal frame or a rolling drawer. Trundle beds can accommodate overnight guests but don’t always take up the space of a second bed. The two beds can be used close together or can be spaced apart, depending on the need. They are excellent for occasional sleepovers or guests, but cumbersome for daily use if two children share a room.

Loft Beds

Loft beds are a smart choice when space is limited or when two children share a small room. They also appeal to and lend themselves to the needs of the older child. Loft beds come in various designs; in general, a loft is a bed raised off the ground allowing use of the space below. A loft bed can include one or two twin beds, one double bed, a double and a single bed, a dresser, desk and bookcase. Some designs incorporate one bed with a spacious study space below for the older child or creative play space for the younger child. You can even choose elaborate designs which include sliding boards or couches. When choosing a loft, safety should be the main consideration. Lofts should be sturdy, preferably made of solid wood, assembled correctly, and properly mounted to the wall if necessary. Ladders should be sturdy, mounted or built in to the frame, and regularly used. Lofts can be rather expensive, but they can also be the only furniture needed in a child’s room.

Where to Purchase Kids' Beds

There are a myriad of options for choosing kids’ beds and just as many places to choose from when buying them. The most expensive place to buy kid’s furniture is from a specialty kid’s store like Pottery Barn Kids. Toddler beds can be found easily at stores like Target, K-Mart and Walmart. Simple twin and double beds can be bought in department stores or from bedding stores like Sealy or Sleepys. Large furniture stores like Raymour & Flanigan and Mealey’s sell children's beds at reasonable prices and offer many different design options.

Shopping Online

There are thousands of on-line stores selling kids’ furniture as well. When buying on-line, make sure the company has an acceptable return policy before buying. Stick with familiar big-brand names and try to see the actual furniture at a store before ordering. On-line auction sites, like e-Bay offer hundreds of options for used and even new kids' beds and can be the most affordable option if you feel comfortable with the bidding system. One of the drawbacks of using auction sites is that many sellers only offer pick-up instead of shipping on large items. Local thrift or consignment stores often sell kids’ furniture, and checking in the local paper or visiting local garage sales can also yield affordable kids' bed finds.

Summary

Choosing a child's bed can be a daunting task for parents because there are so many options in style and design from which to choose. When faced with the decision, considering other uses and future uses for the child’s room, space limitations, safety, budget, and finally, your child’s wants and needs should lead you to the perfect selection!