Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add drama to kids’ rooms and provide a sense of adventure. To make bunks more appealing to children, Ms. Keenan often includes a shelf to store books or an reading lamp in each sleeping nook.
A lot of our bunk beds for kids can be converted into two twin beds. This is ideal if your plan is to move them into their own bedroom in the future. Choose from finishes such as brushed white, gray and rich walnut.
Ladders or Stairs
You can pick between stairs and ladders when it comes to bunk beds for kids. Ladders are cheaper and easy to install, and they provide an easy method of climbing into the bed at the top. They are also safer than stairs, since they provide a greater surface area for children to walk on and have a handrail that is integrated. There are grooves on the steps to avoid slips when climbing up and down the bed.
If you prefer the look and design of stairs, they may be a more elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases can also be used in rooms that are small as they aren’t as imposing as ladders. They can be made from wood or metal, and they can match a wide range of bedroom designs. Some staircases are equipped with storage drawers that are an ideal way to expand the size of bunk beds.
Another thing to consider when deciding between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that children under six years old do not sleep on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who can climb vertically may prefer stairs than using a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed to accommodate guests, for example, young children or adults who have limited mobility, it is best to use stairs.
A straight staircase on the side of the bed will require 95″ of space on each side. If you don’t have the space, you could opt for a u shaped staircase which does not require as much room but allows you to access the top bunk in a safe and securely. Some beds come with the option of detaching the stairs when not in use, which reduces their footprint and makes them more suited for rooms with multiple uses. You can also find stairs that connect to the end of the bed and eliminate the need for a separate handrail and makes it easier for children to climb up and down.
Guard Rails
Guard rails give children the confidence and freedom to climb into and out of bed on their own. However, they must be set properly, making sure that there are no gaps or sagging occurs between the rails of the guard and bed frame. If you decide to use guard rails, follow the instructions of the manufacturer and inspect them frequently for any holes or looseness which could cause entrapment.
One of the most important safety considerations for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices and any other objects that could be projectiles if your children play or sleep. Make sure you place bunks away from windows, which can pose a fall risk in the event that children climb on the top level.
It is possible to install an evening light on the ladder to light the steps up and down if your child wakes at night to use the bathroom, or if they wake up due to an erupting storm and have to leave their room.
Another great safety feature for bunks is a safety net which can be placed on the top level to prevent children from falling off while asleep or playing. This is a great idea for older kids, who are more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
Guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk bed structure and are not removed without the use of tools. The openings in the guardrail above the mattress foundation should not be larger than 3.5 inches wide to avoid strangulation or entrapment. 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 underside of the mattress foundation. Then apply a 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the large end of the block, and keep it there for 1 minute.
It is a good idea to tell your children not to hang anything on the guardrail or ladder, such as belts, clothing, and sports equipment. Instead you should make use of a clothes rack to prevent these objects from becoming a strangulation hazard for your child. Also, make sure that more than one child should not sleep on the top level of the bunk, as this can create a dangerous imbalance which may lead to falling.
Mattresses
Take into consideration the age of your child and their size when choosing a mattress for bunk bed. A bunk mattress will last for at least eight years, or until siblings are no longer sharing a bedroom So, you’ll want to choose a mattress that is designed to expand with your child while still providing adequate support as they get older.
There are many options for bunk mattress sizes. They are usually twin or full size. If your child is suffering from asthma or allergies, opt for an hypoallergenic mattress with an anti-dust barrier and a moisture-wicking cover. Kids tend to have many accidents and spills, which is why a mattress that has an antimicrobial layer will to shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another factor to consider is the feeling of your mattress. Children are typically heavier than adults and require mattresses that are firm, yet comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses come with an extra firm side as well as a soft side to meet children’s needs.
Memory foam mattresses are great for kids, but we don’t recommend them as they tend not to cool effectively and can be hard on the spines of infant children. Consider a latex or hybrid mattress, which offers strong support and cooling infusions for your child or guests to sleep comfortably.
Low-profile mattresses are usually the best option for bunk beds for children. These are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses and to increase safety rail height for the top bunk. They also minimize “filler” materials to provide the highest quality in a slim design.
If your child would like to try a mattress that’s more hefty than a regular bed, consider an hybrid or innerspring model with comfort layers above that can be removed or replaced as your child develops. These models will give you an idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows and you can always include the mattress pad or bed skirt to stop it from sliding off the frame. Some mattresses have side rails or a lip that are built-in to stop this.
Storage
Bunk beds are an excellent alternative to save space in shared children’s rooms. They can also be a cheaper alternative to purchasing two separate full sized single beds. A lot of bunks have the option to add a trundle which can be placed under the bunk that is not being used.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture set that has bookcases, desks, and/or dressers to maximize storage space in a bedroom with bunk beds. This will allow you to keep all your child’s personal belongings, clothing and toys in one location without having to cram them into overstuffed chests or closets. These bedroom furniture sets are available from a range of retailers and typically meet all federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can provide an opportunity for creativity, as children can transform the spaces below into hidden spaces for play or cozy spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room to create the ultimate kids space that can be used for sleeping, playing 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 construct an stairwell to your bunk beds, a ladder is an option. 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 alter the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for toddlers to climb. The ladder rungs are set in a straight line with the ground instead of above to facilitate climbing.
Another way to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is by installing loft beds for kids bedroom furniture that can be moved down to just above the floor. This allows you to slide dressers, desks, or toy chests beneath the beds that are elevated. This is a great way to maximize space in bedrooms that are small, or in large family homes where beds need to be capable of accommodating multiple sleepers.
