Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can bring excitement and drama to a child's room. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf for books or a reading light in each sleeping nook to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our bunk beds for kids can be transformed into two twin beds. This is ideal for those who plan to make them move to their own bedroom at some point. Choose from finishes such as brushed gray, cream white, and rich walnut.
Stairs or ladders
When choosing kids beds bunk, you have the option to select between stairs or ladders. Ladders are cheaper and easy to install, and they provide an easy method of climbing into the top bunk. They are also considered to be safer than staircases, as they have a wider area for children to step on and a built-in handrail. Ladders also tend to have grooves in the steps which can prevent slippage while climbing up or down the bed.
If you like the design and look of stairs, then they can make an elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases can also be used in rooms that are small as they do not protrude like ladders. They can be constructed from metal or wood and are able to match the wide variety of bedroom designs. Some staircases are equipped with storage drawers that can be an ideal way to expand the space of bunk beds.
Another factor to consider when deciding between stairs or a ladder is the age of your child. While it is recommended that no one sleeps on the top bunk below the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with climbing vertically might be better off using stairs instead of a ladder. If you plan to use your bunk bed to accommodate guests, such as younger children or adults who have limitations in mobility, it's recommended to use stairs.
A straight staircase on the side of the bed requires 95" of space each side. If you don't have that much space, you could opt for a u-shaped staircase that doesn't need as much space but still provides a safe and secure method of getting to the top bunk. Certain beds let you disconnect the stairs when they're not in use. This reduces the footprint of the bed, making it more adaptable to multi-purpose spaces. You can also find stairs that connect to the end of the bed, which eliminates the requirement for a separate handrail and makes it easier for children to climb up and down.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give children the confidence and the freedom to climb in and out of bed on their own. However, they must be placed properly, making sure that there are no gaps or sagging occurs between the guard rails and the bed frame. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing guard rails and ensure that you check them regularly to ensure that they aren't loose or have holes that could cause entrapment.
One of the most important safety considerations for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices and any other items that could become projectiles while your children play or sleep. Place bunk beds away from windows to avoid an injury to fall risk when your children climb up on the upper floor.
You may want to install an evening light on the ladder to light the ladder's climb and descent when your child awakes at night to use the bathroom, or are woken by a storm to leave their bedroom.
A safety net can be placed at the top of the bunk to keep children from falling off while they sleep or play. This is a great idea for older kids, 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 shall not be greater than 3.5 inches to prevent entrapment and strangulation. To test this, insert the wedge block as shown in Figure 1 into each of the openings on the lower edge of the uppermost guardrail member and above the mattress's underside foundation. Apply 33 lbf (147 N) in a direction perpendicular the plane of the largest edge of the block for a minute.
It is also recommended to teach kids not to hang anything on the ladders or guardrails, like clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead, a clothes rack is recommended to ensure that the objects aren't a strangulation risk for your child(ren). Also, make sure that more than one kid does not sleep on the top level of the bunk, since this can create an unsafe imbalance that could result in falling.
Mattresses
When selecting a mattress for bunk beds, take into account the size of your child and their age. A bunk mattress should last at the least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing a bedroom. You'll want to select one that grows with your child, and still provide enough comfort as they age.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are usually twin or full size. If your child suffers from asthma or allergies you should choose an allergy-free mattress with a dust mite barrier as well as an wicking cover for moisture. Mattresses with an antimicrobial coating will protect the foam against harmful bacteria and germs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the feel of your mattress. Children typically weigh less than adults, which means they require mattresses that feel firm but is also comfortable. Many hybrid and latex mattresses come with one side that is firm and the other soft side to accommodate both children's requirements.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for kids, but we don't recommend them because they tend not to cool properly and could be a strain on the spines of small children. Consider a latex or hybrid mattress that provides solid support and cooling infusions to your child or guests to rest comfortably.
A low-profile mattress is often the best choice for kids bunk beds. These are designed to be slimmer than regular mattresses and to increase the height of the safety rail for the top bunk. They minimize "filler" material to offer premium quality with a slim design.
If your child is looking to try a mattress thicker than a regular bed, consider an hybrid or innerspring mattress with comfort layers above that can be removed or 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 an extra bed skirt or mattress pad to prevent it from sliding. Some beds have side rails or lip built in to prevent this.
Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent option for saving space in rooms shared by children. Bunk beds are also a less expensive alternative to buying two full-sized single beds. Many bunks also offer the option of adding a trundle bed that can be hidden beneath the bottom bunk when it is not being used.
Consider putting up a kids' bedroom furniture combination set that includes bookcases, desks, and/or dressers to maximize storage and space in a bedroom with a bunk bed. This will allow you to keep all your child's personal items, clothing and toys in one location without having to cram them into overstuffed closets or chests. These bedroom furniture sets are available from a variety of retailers and generally comply with all safety standards of the federal government.
The stacking bunks provide an opportunity for creativity as kids can transform the spaces below into secret hideaways or cosy play areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room for the ultimate play space for kids that can be used for playing, sleeping and even twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to install a staircase to your bunk that is stacked, a ladder can be a simple solution. They are constructed using a combination of Single Socket Tee, Flange and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings. They can be easily adjusted to alter the distance between rungs of a ladder to make it easier for little ones to climb. The rungs of the ladder are also positioned so that they're flush with the ground rather than above it, to make climbing less intimidating.
Another way to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is to put up loft kids beds which can be lowered to just above the floor. This lets you slide dressers, desks or toy chests under the beds. This is a great way to maximize the space in smaller bedrooms or in large family homes where beds must be sufficient for multiple people to sleep.