Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add excitement and drama to a child's bedroom. To make bunks more appealing to children Ms. Keenan often includes a shelf to store books or a reading lamp in each sleeping nook.
Many of our kids beds can be converted into two complete twin beds which is ideal if you intend to move your children to their own bedrooms at some point. Choose from finishes such as brushed gray, cream white, and rich walnut.
Ladders or Stairs
If you're looking for bunk beds for kids there is the option to select between stairs or ladders. Ladders are less expensive and simple to put in, and they provide a straightforward means of climbing into the bed at the top. They are also considered to be safer than stairs, since they have a bigger surface for children to walk on and a handrail built-in. Ladders often have grooves in the steps to avoid slips when climbing up and down the bed.
However, if you prefer the design and style of stairs, they could be a beautiful addition to your bunk bed. Staircases are also great for rooms that are small in space since they don't protrude into the space like ladders do. They are often made of metal or wood and can match various styles of bedrooms. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers that can be an excellent way to expand the space of a bunk bed.
Another factor to consider when deciding between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. While it is recommended that nobody sleep on the top bunk under the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with vertical climbing may be better off with stairs than a ladder. If you plan to use your bunk bed for guests, for example, young children or adults who have limitations in mobility, it's best to use stairs.
A straight staircase that runs along the sides of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you do not have enough space, you could opt for an u-shaped staircase that doesn't require as much space but still allows you to access the top bunk safely and securely. Some beds allow you to remove the stairs when they are not in use. This reduces the size of the bed and makes it more adaptable to multi-purpose spaces. You can also find stairs that connect to the top of the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails, and makes it easier to climb up and down to the bottom for children.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give children the confidence and independence to climb in and out of bed on their own. However, they must be set properly, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or movement occurs between rails of the guard and bed frame. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing guard rails, and be sure to check them regularly to ensure they are not loose or have holes that could cause the entrapment.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to ensure they are kept away from electrical devices and other objects that could be projectiles if your children play or sleep. Also be sure to position bunks away from windows, which can pose a fall risk when children climb up to the top of the bed.
A safety feature you may think about is a night light for the ladder. it can aid in illuminating the path and down in the event that kids awake at night and need to go to the bathroom or get woken during a storm, and need to make their way out of their rooms safely.
Another excellent security feature for bunk beds is a safety net, which can be installed at the top to keep children from falling over while asleep or playing. This is a great idea particularly for older children who are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
Guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk bed structure and not removable without the use of tools. The guardrail openings above the mattress foundation should not be more than 3.5 inches wide to prevent strangulation or entrapment. To test this, place the wedge block as shown in Figure 1 into each of the openings on the lower edge of the topmost guardrail member and above the underside of the mattress foundation. Apply an amount of 33 lbf (147 N) in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the large edge of the block for one minute.
It's a good idea instruct your children not to hang any objects on the ladder or guardrail like belts, clothing, and sports equipment. Instead you should make use of an organized rack to keep these items from becoming an injury to your child. Be sure that not more than one child sleeps on the top bunk. This can lead to an unsafe imbalance and fall.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress for bunk beds, take into account the size and age of your child. A bunk mattress will last for at least eight years, or until siblings do not share the same bedroom, so you'll want to choose a mattress that is designed to grow with your child while still providing adequate support as they get older.
There are a myriad of options for bunk mattress sizes. They are typically full or twin size. If your kiddos suffer from asthma or allergies choose an hypoallergenic mattress that has a dust mite barrier as well as a moisture-wicking cover. Kids are likely to experience a lot of spills and accidents, so a mattress that has an antimicrobial layer will to shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the feel of your mattress. Kids are usually heavier than adults and require a mattress which is firm but also comfortable. Many latex and hybrid mattresses come with a firm and softer side to meet the needs of both children and adults.
Memory foam mattresses can work well for kids however they're not our first choice since they can trap heat and may be too harsh on young spines. Consider a hybrid or latex mattress instead, which can provide strong support with cooling infusions to keep your child or guest asleep cool and comfortable.
Low-profile mattresses are often the ideal choice for bunk beds for children. These mattresses are designed to be thinner than normal mattresses, and maximize the safety rail's height on the top bunk. They minimize "filler" material to provide the highest quality and a slim design.
If your child would like to test a mattress that's thicker than a regular bed, consider an innerspring or hybrid model with upper comfort layers that can be removed or replaced as your child grows. These models will give you a clear idea of how the mattress will perform as your child grows and you can always add an extra mattress pad or bed skirt to prevent it from sliding off the frame. Some beds have side rails or lip built-in to prevent this.
Storage
Bunk beds are a great option to make space in rooms shared by children. They also can be an affordable alternative to buying two separate full sized single beds. A lot of bunks have the option to add a trundle which can be tucked under the bunk that is not in use.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture set that includes desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage and space in a room with bunk beds. This will let you store all of your child's clothes as well as toys and personal belongings in one spot instead of cramming everything in overstuffed chests or closets. These combination kids bedroom furniture sets are available from a number of retailers and typically meet all federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can provide an opportunity for creativity and children can transform the spaces below into hidden hideaways or cosy play areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room to create the ultimate play space for kids that can be used for playing, sleeping and even superhero cape twirls. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you are unable to build an entryway to your stacked bunk beds then a ladder is an option. They are constructed with a combination Single Socket, Flange, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between ladder rungs. The ladder rungs are placed directly on the ground instead of above to facilitate climbing.
Another method to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is by installing loft kids beds which can be lowered to just above the floor. This lets you slide desks, dressers and toy chests right under the beds. This is a great way to maximize space in bedrooms that are small, or in large family homes where beds have to be capable of accommodating multiple sleepers.