Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds provide drama to children's rooms and also give them an excitement. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold books, or a reading light in each sleeping space to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our kids beds can be converted into two twin beds in one which is ideal if you intend to have your children move to their own bedrooms in the near future. Pick from finishes like brushed gray, cream white, and rich walnut.
Stairs and ladders
You can choose between ladders or stairs when choosing bunk beds for kids . Ladders are more affordable and easy to install, and they provide a straightforward means of climbing into the bed at the top. They are also more secure than stairs as they provide a wider surface for children to walk on and have an integrated handrail. They also have grooves on the steps which can prevent slippage while climbing up or down the bed.
If you prefer the style and look of stairs, they can be a more elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases are also suitable for rooms that are tight in space since they don't protrude into the room like ladders do. They can be constructed of wood or metal and can be matched to a wide range of bedroom styles. Some staircases are even equipped with storage drawers, which are a great way to add more space to the bunk bed.
When deciding between a staircase and a ladder it is important to consider the age of your child. It is recommended that children under 6 years old should not be sleeping on the top bunk. Older children who are able to climb vertically may prefer stairs than using a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed for guests, such as younger children or adults who have limited mobility, it's best to use stairs.
A straight staircase on the sides of the bunk requires a minimum of 95" of space on each side. If you do not have enough space, you can opt for a u shaped staircase which does not require as much space however it still allows you to get access to the top bunk in a safe and securely. Certain beds let you detach the stairs when not in use. This reduces the footprint of the bed, making it more versatile for multipurpose spaces. There are stairs that connect to the end the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails, and makes it easier to climb up and down to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give children the confidence and independence to climb into and out of beds on their own. But they must be positioned properly, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or loosening occurs between the guard rails and the bed frame. If you choose to use guard rails, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and check them regularly for any holes or looseness which could cause the entrapment.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices and other objects that could be projectiles when your kids play or sleep. Place bunk beds away from windows to avoid a potential fall hazard if your children get up on the upper level.
A safety feature you may want to consider is a night light for the ladder; it will help illuminate the path up and down in the event that children awake at night and need to go to the bathroom or are woken by a storm and have to make their way out of their room in a safe manner.
Another excellent security feature for bunk beds is a safety net that can be put up on the top level to stop children from falling off while asleep or playing. This is a great idea for older children who may be more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds and can't be removed without tools. The openings in the guardrails that are above the mattress foundation must not be more than 3.5 inches to avoid strangulation and entrapment. To test this, insert the wedge block shown in Figure 1 into each of the openings on the lower edge of the highest member of the guardrail and above the mattress's underside foundation. Apply a force of 33 lbf (147 N) in a direction perpendicular the plane of the larger edge of the block for 1 minute.
It's also recommended to teach youngsters not to hang things on the guardrails or ladder for example, such as clothing, belts and sports equipment. Instead a clothes rack should be used to ensure that these items aren't a strangulation risk for your child(ren). Also, make sure that more than one child should not sleep on the top floor of the bunk, as this could create a dangerous imbalance which may lead to falling.
Mattresses
When selecting a mattress for bunk beds, take into account your child's size and age. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing the same bedroom. You'll want to choose one that can grow with your child, and still provide adequate comfort as they age.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are usually twin or full size. If your child is suffering from asthma or allergies, choose an hypoallergenic mattress with a dust-mite barrier and moisture-wicking cover. Kids are likely to experience many accidents and spills, so a mattress with an antimicrobial layer will to shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the feeling of your mattress. Kids are usually heavier than adults, and require mattresses that are firm, yet comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses have a firm and a soft side to accommodate the needs of both children.
Memory foam mattresses can be a great choice for children, but they're not our first recommendation because they tend to hold heat and are too harsh on young spines. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which offer strong support with cooling infusions that will keep your child or guest resting cool and comfortable.
A mattress with a low profile is typically the best option for kids bunk beds. These mattresses are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses, and maximize the height of the safety rails on the top bunk. They reduce "filler" material to offer the highest quality and a slim design.
Consider an innerspring model or a hybrid with upper comfort layers which can be removed and replaced as your child develops. These models can provide you with an idea of the longevity of the mattress as your child grows. You can also put in a mattress skirt or bed pad to prevent it from sliding. Some beds have a side rails or a lip built-in to prevent this from happening.
Storage
Bunk beds are a great option for saving space in shared children's rooms. Bunk beds can also be a cheaper alternative to purchasing two large single beds. A lot of bunks have the option to add a trundle which can be placed under the bottom bunk when not in use.
To maximize storage and space in a space with bunk beds, consider installing a mix kids bedroom furniture set that includes dressers, desks or bookcases. This will let you store all your child's clothing as well as toys and personal belongings in one spot instead of cramming everything into chests or closets that are overstuffed. These sets of kids bedroom furniture can be found at a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can be a playground for the imagination as kids can turn the space beneath into cozy hidden play areas and hideaway spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate kids' space. It can be used as a place for sleeping, playing or even for superhero cape twirling. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering from Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to install stairs for your bunk bed that is stacked with kids the ladder could be a simple solution. The ladders are constructed with a combination of Single Socket Tee, Flange and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings and can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for toddlers to climb. The ladder rungs are also positioned flush with the ground, rather than higher to aid in climbing.
Loft beds that can be lifted to just above the floor is another way to maximize the space in a bunk bedroom. This allows you to move desks, dressers or toy chests beneath the beds. This is an effective way to maximize space and can be a great option for smaller bedrooms, or in a huge family home where beds have to be able to accommodate several people sleeping.