Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add excitement and drama to a child's room. To make bunks more appealing to children, Ms. Keenan often includes a bookcase or an reading lamp in each sleeping space.
Many of our kids beds can be converted into two twin beds in one which is ideal if you intend to let your children move into their own bedrooms in the near future. Pick from finishes such as the brushed gray, creamy white and rich walnut.
Ladders and Stairs
You can choose between stairs and ladders when it comes to bunk beds for kids. Ladders are more affordable and easy to set up and provide an easy way to climb into the top bunk. They are also considered safer than staircases, as they have a wider surface for children to walk on and a built-in handrail. Ladders also tend to have grooves on the steps which prevent slippage when climbing up or down the bed.
If you prefer the style and appearance of stairs, then they can make a more elegant addition for your bunk bed. Staircases can also be utilized in rooms that are small as they aren't as imposing as ladders. They can be made from wood or metal and can be matched to the wide variety of bedroom designs. Some staircases come with storage drawers that can be a great way to increase the space of bunk beds.
Another factor to consider when deciding between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. While it is recommended no one sleep on the top bunk below the age of 6, older children who are comfortable with vertical climbing may be better off with stairs instead of a ladder. Also, if you're planning on using your bunk bed as guest beds for smaller children or for adults with a limited mobility stairs are the best option.
A straight staircase on the side of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have this much space, you could opt for a u-shaped stairs that doesn't require as much space but still provides a safe and secure method of getting to the top bunk. Some beds allow you to disconnect the stairs when they're not being used. This reduces the footprint of the bed, making it more versatile for multipurpose spaces. There are also staircases 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 allow kids to climb into and out of their beds without assistance and provide them with an experience of independence and confidence. They must be positioned correctly to ensure that there aren't any gaps or loosening between the guardrails and the frame of the bed. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines when installing guard rails, and be sure to inspect them on a regular basis to ensure that they aren't loose or have holes that could result in the entrapment.
Keep bunk beds clear of electrical appliances and other things that can become projectiles while your children are playing or sleeping. Also be sure to position bunks away from windows, which could pose a fall risk if kids get up on the top of the bed.
You may want to install a nightlight on the ladder to light the way up and down in the event that your child gets up at the night to go to the bathroom, or if they are awakened by an erupting storm and have to leave their bedroom.
A safety net can be placed at the top of the bunk to prevent children from falling out while they're sleeping or playing. This is a great idea especially for older children who tend to sleep on the top bunk.
Guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk bed structure and not removed without the use tools. The openings in the guardrails over the mattress foundation shall not be larger than 3.5 inches to avoid strangulation and entrapment. To test this, place the wedge block shown in Figure 1 into each opening on the lower edge of the uppermost member of the guardrail and above the underside of the mattress foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the largest end of the block, and keep it there for 1 minute.
It is a good idea to tell your children not to hang any objects on the guardrail or ladder like belts, clothing, and sports equipment. Instead you should make use of a rack for clothes to stop these items from becoming an injury to your child. Also, make sure that more than one kid does not sleep on the top level of the bunk as this could cause a dangerous imbalance which may lead to falls.
Mattresses
When choosing a mattress for bunk beds, take into account the size of your child and their age. kids bunk beds should last at the least eight years or until the children are no longer sharing the same bedroom. You'll want to select one that grows with your child, and still provide enough comfort as they grow older.
Bunk mattress sizes are typically full-size or twin, and there are many alternatives that will be suitable for either. If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, opt for a hypoallergenic mattress with a dust mite barrier as well as an wicking cover for moisture. Mattresses with an antimicrobial coating will protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
The comfort of your mattress is important. Kids generally weigh less than adults, so they require an item that is firm, but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses come with one side that is firm and the other soft side that can accommodate both children's needs.
Memory foam mattresses can work well for kids however they're not the first choice because they tend to trap heat and may be too hard on young spines. Consider a hybrid or a latex mattress, which offers strong support and cooling infusions for your child or guests to sleep comfortably.
Low-profile mattresses are typically the best option for bunk beds for children. They are designed to be smaller than standard mattresses, and increase the height of the safety rails on the top bunk. They also eliminate "filler" materials to offer the highest quality in an ultra-slim design.
You can consider an innerspring or hybrid with upper comfort layers which can be removed and replaced as your child develops. These models will give you a clear idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows and you can always put in an extra mattress pad or bed skirt to stop it from slipping off the frame. Some beds have side rails or lip that are built-in to stop this.
Stores
Bunk beds are an excellent alternative to save space in rooms shared by children. Bunk beds can also be a cost-effective alternative to buying two full-sized single beds. Some bunks offer the option of an trundle bed that can be tucked away beneath the bunk that is not in use.
To maximize space and storage in a room that has bunk beds, consider installing a combination kids bedroom furniture set which includes desks, dressers or bookcases. This will allow you to keep all of your child's personal items such as clothing, toys and clothes in one spot without cramming them into overstuffed closets or chests. These sets of bedroom furniture are available at a variety of retailers. They meet federal safety standards.
Stacking bunks can provide a playground for imagination, as children can transform the spaces below into hidden hideaways or cosy play areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room for the ultimate kids space that can be used for sleeping, playing and even twirling superhero capes. The room has bubble walls covered with Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the perfect escape.
If you cannot install a staircase to your stacked bunk beds then a ladder is a good alternative. These ladders are built with a combination of Single Socket Tee Flange, Single Socket Tee, and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings. They can be easily adjusted to increase or decrease the distance between rungs of a ladder to make it easier for toddlers to climb. The ladder rungs are placed in a straight line with the ground rather than higher, to make climbing easier.
Another way to maximize space in a room that has bunk beds is to install loft beds for kids which can be lowered to just above the floor. This allows you to slide desks, dressers and toy chests directly under the beds. This is an excellent way to maximize the space in smaller bedrooms, or in large family homes where beds need to be sufficient for multiple people to sleep.