Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can add excitement and drama to a child's bedroom. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf for books, or a reading light in every sleeping nook to make bunk beds more attractive to children.
Many of our beds for kids can be converted into two beds that are complete, perfect if you plan to have your children move into their own bedrooms at some point. Choose from finishes like brushed gray, cream white and rich walnut.
Stairs or Ladders
If you're looking for bunk beds for kids, you have the option to choose between ladders or stairs. Ladders are more affordable and simple to put in and provide an easy method of climbing into the bed at the top. They are also considered safer than staircases, because they have a larger surface for children to walk on and a handrail built-in. There are grooves on the steps to prevent slipping when climbing up and down the bed.
If you prefer the design and style of stairs, they can be a more elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases can also be used in rooms that are small as they don't protrude as ladders. They are typically made of metal or wood and can be a great match for a variety of bedroom styles. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers, which are a great way to add more space to the bunk bed.
When choosing between a staircase and a ladder, you should also consider the age of your child. It is recommended that children younger than 6 years old should not be sleeping on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who are able to climb vertically may be better off with stairs than a ladder. In addition should you be planning on using your bunk bed as guest beds for smaller children or adults who have limited mobility stairs are the most suitable option.
A straight staircase on the side of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have the space, you can choose a u shaped staircase which does not require as much space, but allows you to get access to the top bunk safely and securely. Some beds come with the option of removing the stairs when not being used, which reduces their footprint and makes them more versatile for multipurpose rooms. There are 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 let kids climb in and out of their beds on their own, giving them an experience of independence and confidence. They must be positioned correctly to ensure that there are no gaps or loosening between the guardrails and the bed frame. If you decide to use guard rails, be sure to follow the directions of the manufacturer and examine them frequently for any holes or looseness which could cause entrapment.
Keep bunk beds out of electrical appliances and other things that could become projectiles when your children are playing or sleeping. Make sure you place bunks away from windows, which could be a danger to fall when children climb up to the top floor.
It is possible to install a nightlight on the ladder to light the ladder's climb and descent if your child wakes at the night to go to the bathroom, or if they are awakened by a storm to leave their room.
A safety net could be placed on the top of the bunk to keep children from falling out when they're sleeping or playing. This is a great idea for older children, who are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds. They cannot be removed without tools. The openings in the guardrails over the mattress foundation shall not be larger than 3.5 inches to avoid 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 topmost guardrail member and above the underside of the mattress foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the large end of the block, and keep it there for 1 minute.
It's also an excellent idea to instruct children not to hang anything on the ladders or guardrails for example, such as clothing, belts and sports equipment. Instead a rack for clothes is recommended to ensure that these items don't become a strangulation hazard for your child(ren). Make sure that no more than one child sleeps on the top bunk. This can lead to a risky imbalance and even falls.
Mattresses
Be aware of the age of your child and their size when selecting a mattress for a bunk beds. A bunk mattress will last for at least eight years or until siblings are no longer sharing bedrooms and you'll need to choose a mattress that is designed to expand with your child and still provide adequate support as they grow older.
There are kids bunk beds of bunk mattress sizes. They are typically full or twin size. If your child has allergies or asthma choose 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 help protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
The feel of your mattress is important. Children typically weigh less than adults, so they require mattresses that feel firm, but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses have a firm side and a 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 well and can be hard on the spines of young children. Consider a hybrid or latex mattress instead, which offer strong support with cooling infusions to ensure that your child or guest resting cool and comfortable.
A mattress with a low profile is typically the best choice for children's bunk beds. They are designed to be slimmer than regular mattresses and maximize safety rail height for the top bunk. They also minimize "filler" materials to provide premium quality in a slim design.
If your child is looking to try a mattress 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 a good 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 beds have a an integrated lip or side rails to prevent this from happening.
Storage
Bunk beds are a great option to make space in shared children's rooms. Bunk beds are also a less expensive alternative to purchasing two large single beds. Many bunks also offer the option of adding a trundle bed that can be tucked away beneath the bunk that is not being used.
Consider putting up a kids' bedroom furniture set that includes desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage space in a room that has a bunk bed. This will allow you to keep all of your child's clothes, toys and personal items in one location instead of stuffing everything into overstuffed closets or chests. These sets of kids bedroom furniture are available at a variety of retailers. They are safe to use and meet federal standards.
Stacking bunks can be a playground for imagination as kids can transform the spaces below into hidden places to play or cozy areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate kids' space. It can be used for playing, sleeping or even for twirling superhero capes. The room has the bubble wallcovering of Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the ultimate escape.
If you cannot install a staircase to your bunk beds A ladder is a simple 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 ladder rungs to make it easier for children to climb. The ladder rungs can also be positioned flush with the ground, rather than higher to facilitate climbing.
The installation of loft beds that can be lowered to just above the floor is another method to maximize the space in a bunk bedroom. This allows you to slide dressers, desks or toy chests right beneath the beds. This is an excellent way to maximize space in bedrooms that are small, or in large family homes where beds have to be able to accommodate multiple sleepers.