Kids 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 shelf to store books or an reading lamp in each sleeping space.
Many of our beds for kids bunks can be converted to two twin beds in one which is ideal if you intend to move your children into their own bedrooms at some point. Choose from finishes such as brushed white, gray and rich walnut.
Ladders and Stairs
When choosing kids beds bunk, you have the option to select between ladders or stairs. Ladders can be installed easily and are also less expensive. They also provide an easy way to get into the top bunk bed. They are also considered to be safer than staircases, as they have a larger area for children to step on and a handrail built-in. Ladders also tend to have grooves in the steps which help prevent slippage when climbing up or down the bed.
If you prefer the look and design of stairs, they can be a more elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases are also ideal for rooms that are limited in space since they don't obstruct the room like ladders do. They are typically made of metal or wood and can match a variety of bedroom styles. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers that can be an excellent way to expand the size of bunk beds.
Another thing to consider when deciding between stairs or a ladder is the age of your child. It is recommended that children under 6 years old should not be sleeping on the top bunk. Children older than 6 years old who can climb vertically may be better off with stairs than climbing a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed to accommodate guests, for example, older children or adults with limited mobility, it is recommended to use stairs.
A straight staircase that runs along the side of the bed requires 95" of space on each side. If you don't have that room, you can opt for a u-shaped stairs that doesn't require as much space but still provides a safe and secure way to access the top bunk. Some beds have the option of removing the stairs when 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 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 beds on their own. They must be set in a proper way to ensure that there are no gaps or loosening between the guardrails and the frame of the bed. If you choose to use guard rails, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions and check them on a regular basis for any holes or looseness which could cause the entrapment.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to keep them away from electrical devices and any other objects that could turn into projectiles while your children play or sleep. Make sure you place bunks away from windows, as they could cause a risk of falling when children climb up to the top level.
One safety feature you might want to consider is a night lighting for the ladder; it can help to illuminate the ladder's path up and down in the event that children awake at night to go to the bathroom or are woken during a storm, and need to make their way out of their rooms in a safe manner.
Another excellent security feature for bunk beds is a safety net, that can be put up on the top of the bunk to prevent children from falling down while asleep or playing. This is a great idea for older children, who may be more likely to sleep in the top bunk.
The guardrails must be secured to the bunk beds and cannot be removed without tools. Openings in the guardrails above the mattress foundation shall not be greater than 3.5 inches to avoid entrapment and strangulation. Place the wedge block as shown in Figure 1 in each of the openings in the topmost guardrail member, and above the mattress foundation. Then apply 33-lbf (147-N) force in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the larger end of the block, and maintain it for a period of 1 minute.
It is also an excellent idea to instruct kids not to hang anything on the ladders or guardrails for example, such as clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead a rack for clothes should be used to ensure that these items don't become a strangulation hazard for your child(ren). Make sure that no more than one child can sleep on the top bunk. This could lead to a dangerous imbalance and falls.
Mattresses
Take into consideration the age and size of your child when selecting a mattress for a bunk beds. A bunk mattress should last for at least eight years or until siblings no longer share bedrooms, so you'll want to choose a mattress that is designed to expand with your child, while providing adequate support as they grow older.
Bunk mattress sizes are usually full-size or twin, and there are many options that can be suitable for either. If your child suffers from asthma or allergies, choose an allergy-free mattress that has an anti-dust barrier and a moisture-wicking cover. A mattress with an antimicrobial layer will protect the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
The comfort of your mattress is important. Kids are usually heavier than adults, and require mattresses that are firm but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses have a firm and a soft side to accommodate the needs of both children.
Memory foam mattresses are great for kids, but we don't recommend them as they tend not to cool effectively and can be a strain on the spines of small children. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which offer solid support and cooling infusions to ensure that your child or guest sleeping cool and comfortable.
Low-profile mattresses are typically the best option for bunk beds for children. They are designed to be slimmer than standard mattresses and increase the height of the safety rails for the top bunk. They eliminate "filler" materials to provide top quality and durability with slim lines.
If childrens bunk bed would like to try a mattress more substantial than a standard bed, consider an innerspring or hybrid model with comfort layers above that can be removed or replaced as the child grows. These models will give you a good idea of how the mattress will stand up as your child grows and you can always add a mattress pad or bed skirt to prevent it from slipping 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 also can be a cheaper alternative to purchasing two separate, full-sized single beds. Many bunks offer the option to add a trundle, which can be tucked underneath the bottom bunk when not in use.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture set that has bookshelves, desks, or dressers to maximize storage space in a room with a bunk bed. This will let you store all of your child's clothes along with toys and other personal items in one location instead of cramming everything into overstuffed chests or closets. The sets of kids bedroom furniture are sold from a variety of retailers. They are safe to use and meet federal standards.
Stacked bunks can be an ideal playground for the imagination as kids can transform the space beneath into cozy hidden play areas and hideaway spaces. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked six bunks to create the ultimate children space. It can be used for sleeping, playing or even for superhero cape twirling. The room is decorated with bubble walls covered with Chasing Paper and a ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Blue Jean to create the perfect escape.
If you're unable to construct a staircase to your bunk beds A ladder is an option. 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 alter the distance between ladder rungs to make it easier for children to climb. The ladder rungs can also be positioned directly on the ground instead of above to aid in climbing.
Another method to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is by installing loft kids beds which can be lowered to just above the floor. This lets you slide dressers, desks, or toy chests underneath the beds on top. This is an excellent way to maximize the space in smaller bedrooms or large family homes where beds need to be able to accommodate multiple sleepers.