The People Closest To Kids Beds Bunk Have Big Secrets To Share
kids double bunk bed Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add excitement and drama to a child's space. To make bunk beds more appealing to children Ms. Keenan often includes a bookcase or a reading lamp in every sleeping space.
A lot of our kids' beds bunk are convertible to two beds that are complete, perfect if you plan to move your children to their own bedrooms at some point. Pick from finishes like brushed white, gray and rich walnut.
Stairs or Ladders
You can pick between stairs and ladders when choosing bunk beds for children. Ladders are more affordable and simple to put in and provide an easy way to climb into the top bunk. They are also considered safer than stairs, since they have a larger area for children to step on and have a built-in handrail. Ladders often have grooves in the steps to avoid slips when climbing up and down the bed.
If you like the design and appearance of stairs then they can make a more elegant addition for your bunk bed. Staircases are also suitable for rooms that are small on space, as they don't obstruct the room like ladders do. They can be made from metal or wood and can be matched to an array of bedroom designs. Some staircases are equipped with storage drawers that are an excellent way to expand the space of a bunk bed.
Another thing to take into consideration when deciding between stairs and a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that children younger than six years old do not sleep on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who can climb vertically may be better off with stairs than a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed for guests, for example, older children or adults with limited mobility, it's best kids bunk beds to choose stairs.
A straight staircase on the opposite side of the bed will require 95" of space each side. If you don't have that room, you can opt for a u-shaped stairs which doesn't require as much space, but offers a secure and safe method of getting to the top bunk. Some beds have the option of distancing the stairs when they're not in use, which further reduces their footprint and makes them more suited for rooms that can be used in multiple ways. There are also staircases that connect to the ends 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. They must be set in a proper way to ensure there aren't any gaps or loosening in between the guardrails and the bed frame. If you choose to use guard rails, be sure to follow the directions of the manufacturer and examine them frequently for any holes or looseness that could lead to the entrapment.
One of the most important safety concerns for bunk beds is to keep them free from electrical devices and any other objects that could turn into projectiles if your children play or sleep. Be sure to place bunks away from windows, which can be a danger to fall in the event that children climb on the top level.
You may want to install an evening light on the ladder to illuminate the steps up and down when your child awakes at night to use the bathroom, or are awakened by a storm to leave their bedroom.
Another great security feature for bunk beds is a safety net which can be installed at the top to prevent children from falling over when they're asleep or playing. This is a great idea for older kids, who are more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails must be secured to the bunk beds and cannot be removed without tools. The openings in the guardrails that are above the mattress foundation must not be greater than 3.5 inches to avoid entrapment and strangulation. To test this, insert the wedge block in Figure 1 into each opening 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 perpendicular direction to the plane of the larger edge of the block for one minute.
It is a good idea to instruct your children not to hang any items on the guardrail or ladder, such as belts, clothes, or sports equipment. Instead, you should use a rack for clothes to stop these objects from becoming a strangulation hazard for your child. Be sure that not more than one child can sleep on the top bunk. This could lead to a risky imbalance and even falls.
Mattresses
Consider 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 no longer share the same bedroom, so you'll want to pick one that's designed to grow with your child while still providing adequate support as they get older.
Bunk mattress sizes are typically full-size or twin, and there are a variety of options that can accommodate either. If your child suffers from allergies or asthma choose an hypoallergenic mattress with a dust-mite barrier as well as a moisture-wicking cover. Mattresses with an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam against harmful bacteria and germs.
The feeling of your mattress is also crucial. Children typically weigh less than adults, so they require a mattress that feels firm, but also comfortable. Many latex and hybrid mattresses have a firm side and a soft side to accommodate the needs of both children.
Memory foam mattresses are good for kids but we don't recommend them due to their tendency not to cool well and can be a strain on the spines of young children. Think about a hybrid or latex mattress, which provides strong support and cooling infusions to your guest or child to sleep comfortably.
Low-profile mattresses are usually the ideal choice for bunk beds for kids beds for children. They are designed to be smaller than regular mattresses and maximize the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They also reduce "filler" materials to offer top quality and a slim design.
Consider an innerspring model or hybrid that has upper comfort layers that can be removed and replaced as your child develops. These models will give you a good idea of how the mattress will perform as your child grows, and you can always put in the mattress skirt or mattress pad to keep it from sliding off the frame. Some beds come with a side rails or a lip built-in to stop this from happening.
Storage
Bunk beds can be an excellent option to free up space in shared rooms for kids. Bunk beds can also be a cost-effective alternative to buying two full-sized single beds. A lot of bunks have the option to add a trundle that can be placed under the bottom bunk when not in use.
Consider putting up a kids' bed bedroom furniture set that includes bookshelves, desks, or dressers to maximize storage and space in a room that has a bunk bed. This will allow you keep all your child's clothing as well as toys and personal belongings in one place instead of stuffing everything into overstuffed closets or chests. These kids bedroom furniture sets are available from a range of retailers and usually meet all federal safety standards.
Stacked bunks can become an ideal playground for the imagination as children can transform the space beneath into cozy hidden play areas and hideaway spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room to create the ultimate play space for kids that can be used to sleep, play and even superhero cape twirls. The room is decorated with the bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the ultimate getaway.
If you are unable to construct a staircase for your bunk bed that is stacked with kids the ladder could be a simple solution. They are constructed using a combination of Single Socket Tee, Flange and 90 Degree Side Outlet Tee fittings and can be easily adjusted to alter the distance between rungs of a ladder to make it easier for toddlers to climb. The rungs of the ladder are also placed in a way that they are flush with the ground rather than above it, to make climbing less intimidating.
Installing loft beds that can be lowered to just above the ground is another method to maximize the space of the bunk bed room. This allows you slide desks, dressers, or toy chests under the elevated beds. This is a true maximization of space and it 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.