Kids' Loft Beds

Kids' loft beds provide a practical solution for families with space limitations. Loft beds pack several uses into a small space, leaving the rest of the child's bedroom free and uncluttered.

Loft beds are unique, space-spacing beds. They combine several aspects to create a multi-purpose bed. Loft beds, like bunk beds, are elevated off the ground. However, a true loft bed utilizes the space under the bed. A bunk bed, on the other hand, has additional sleeping space on the bottom. There are a wide variety of bed types available, but most offer some of the following:

• A full- or twin-sized bed on the top.
• A built-in desk or computer area.
• Book shelves.
• A playhouse, tent, or play area.
• Pull-out drawers.
• A "living area" under the bed, with space for chairs, a table, a futon, or beanbags.

The simplest versions feature only an elevated bed on a basic frame, leaving the space under the bed empty. This space can be used for any purpose you see fit, but many families place desks or bookshelves there. Others use it as an under-the-bed entertainment area, complete with television, DVD player, and video game system.

For many families, loft beds are the most economical use of space. Since several uses are packed into a compact area, the rest of the room is still available for extra storage or play space.

It is an undeniable fact that children are often injured in falls from bunk or loft beds. However, most of these accidents are easily avoidable. The most important issue is readiness. Some kids are simply not developmentally ready to sleep elevated off the ground!

Most experts and bed manufacturers agree that children under the age of 6 should never be allowed to sleep on the top of a bunk or loft bed. Even if your child is over age 6, he might not be ready. An elevated bed is probably not the best choice for your family if your child:

• Sleep walks.
• Has sleep disturbances.
• Frequently falls off the bed.
• Has night terrors.
• Suffers nighttime seizures.

After you have determined that your child is, in fact, old enough and mature enough for a loft bed, there are steps you can take to ensure the bed is safe. These are:

• Make sure that the bed you purchase meets your state's safety regulations. Current regulations state that there should be less than 3.5 inches between the guard rail and the mattress.
• Make sure the mattress fits properly. Although standard size mattresses should fit most loft beds, the measurements are sometimes "off." This can create a dangerous situation for a child.
• Buy a bed with guard rails on both sides. If your bed does not have guard rails, you can buy safety rails at department stores, furniture stores, and children's stores.
• Make sure guard rails are high enough to prevent your child from rolling off of the bed.
• Make sure that the ladder is properly installed.
• Make sure all of the nuts, bolts, and screws are appropriately tightened.
• Check the bed periodically to make sure it isn't wobbly.
• Teach and enforce proper use of the bed. Jumping off of the bed and playing rough on the bed should not be allowed.

Kids' loft beds are available at most traditional furniture stores, but the selection is usually greater at children's furniture stores. Since loft beds are an extremely popular choice for dorm rooms, they can also be purchased from retailers targeting the college crowd. Some online retailers offering the versatile, elevated beds include:

• Timber Nest
• Kids Quarters Online
• Roomville
• Great American Bunkbed
• Everything Furniture
• JC Penney
• Pottery Barn Kids

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