Kids Beds Bunk
Bunk beds can bring excitement and drama to a child's room. Ms. Keenan adds a shelf to hold books, or a reading light in every sleeping nook to make bunk beds more appealing to children.
Many of our bunk beds for kids can be made into two twin beds. This is a great option when you plan to make them move to their own bedroom at some point. Choose from finishes like brushed white, gray and rich walnut.
Ladders or Stairs
You can pick between stairs and ladders when choosing bunk beds for children. Ladders are easy to install and are also less expensive. They also offer an easy way to get into the top bunk bed. They are also safer than stairs, because they offer a larger surface for children to walk on and have an integrated handrail. Ladders also tend to have grooves on the steps, which can prevent slippage while climbing up or down the bed.
If you prefer the style and appearance of stairs then they can make an elegant addition to your bunk bed. Staircases are also ideal for rooms that are tight on space, as they don't protrude into the room like ladders do. They are typically made of metal or wood and can complement a variety of bedroom styles. Some staircases have integrated storage drawers that are a great way to increase the size of a bunk bed.
When deciding between a ladder and stairs it is important to consider the age of your child. It is recommended that children less than 6 years old should not be sleeping on the top bunk. kids bunk beds who can climb vertically might do better with stairs rather than using a ladder. If you intend to use your bunk bed for guests, like young children or adults with limitations in mobility, it's recommended to use stairs.
A straight staircase along the sides of the bunk requires at least 95" of space on each side. If you don't have that much space, you can choose a u-shaped staircase which doesn't require as much space but still offers a secure and safe method of getting to the top bunk. Some beds come with the option of detaching the stairs when not being used, which reduces their footprint and makes them more suitable for multipurpose rooms. There are also stairs that connect to the bottom of the bed. This eliminates the need for separate handrails and makes it easier to climb up and to the bottom for kids.
Guard Rails
Guard rails allow kids to climb in and out of their beds without assistance, giving them a sense of independence and security. But they must be positioned properly, ensuring that there aren't any gaps or sagging occurs between the rails that guard the bed frame. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer when installing guard rails and be sure to inspect them on a regular basis to ensure that they're not loose or have holes that could lead to trapping.
One of the most important safety tips for bunk beds is to keep them away from electrical devices as well as other objects that could be projectiles while your children play or sleep. Be sure to place bunks away from windows, which can cause a risk of falling in the event that children climb on the top floor.
One safety feature you might want to consider is a night light for the ladder; it can help illuminate the path up and down in the event that kids awake at night and need to go to the bathroom, or wake up by a storm and have to make their way out of their rooms in a safe manner.
A safety net could be put up on 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 are more likely to sleep on the top bunk.
The guardrails must be securely attached to the bunk beds and can't be removed without tools. The openings in the guardrails over the mattress foundation shall not be more than 3.5 inches to avoid strangulation and entrapment. To test this, insert the wedge block in Figure 1 into each opening in the lower edge of the highest guardrail member and above the mattress's underside foundation. Apply 33 lbf (147 N) in a perpendicular direction to the plane of the large edge of the block for 1 minute.
It's also recommended to teach children not to hang things on the ladders or guardrails for example, such as clothing, belts and sports equipment; instead a clothes rack should be used to ensure that these items don't become a strangulation hazard for your child(ren). Also, make sure that more than one kid is not sleeping on the top level of the bunk, as this can create an imbalance that could lead to falls.
Mattresses
Consider the age of your child and their size when choosing a mattress for bunk beds. A bunk mattress should last at the least eight years or until siblings stop sharing the same bedroom. You'll want to select one that will grow with your child, but still provide enough comfort as they get older.
There are many options for bunk mattress sizes. They are typically twin or full size. If your children suffer from asthma or allergies you should choose an allergy-free mattress with a dust mite barrier and a cover that wicks moisture. Mattresses with an antimicrobial coating will shield the foam from harmful bacteria and germs.
Another factor to consider is the mattress's feel. Kids are usually heavier than adults and require a mattress which is firm, but also comfortable. A lot of hybrid and latex mattresses come with a firm and soft side to meet the needs of both kids and adults.
Memory foam mattresses are a good choice for children, but we wouldn't recommend them because they tend not to cool effectively and can be a strain on the spines of young children. You should consider a hybrid or a latex mattress instead, which offer solid support and cooling infusions that will ensure your child or guest is resting cool and comfortable.
Low-profile mattresses are typically the ideal choice for bunk beds for children. These are designed to be smaller than standard mattresses and increase safety rail height for the top bunk. They also reduce "filler" materials to offer top quality and slim designs.
You can consider an innerspring or hybrid that has upper comfort layers which can be removed and replaced as your child grows. These models will provide an idea of the mattress's durability as your child grows. You can also add a mattress skirt or bed pad to stop it from sliding. Some beds even have an integrated lip or side rails to prevent this from happening.
Storage
Bunk beds are a great 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 put under the bottom bunk when not in use.
Consider installing a kids bedroom furniture combination set that includes desks, bookcases, and/or dressers to maximize storage space in a room with bunk beds. This will let you keep all of your child's personal items, clothing and toys in one place without cramming them into overstuffed chests or closets. These kids bedroom furniture sets are available from a range of retailers and typically meet all federal safety standards.
The stacking bunks provide a playground for imagination and children can transform the spaces below into secret places to play or cozy areas. Designer Elizabeth Georgantas stacked 6 bunks in this room to create the ultimate kids space that can be used to sleep, play and even twirling superhero capes. The room is decorated with a bubble wallcovering made of Chasing Paper, and the ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Blue Jean.
If you're unable to install an stairwell for your stacked kids bunk the ladder could be a simple solution. They are constructed using 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 toddlers to climb. The rungs of the ladder are also set so that they're flush with the ground instead of above it, to make climbing less intimidating.
Another way to maximize space in a room with bunk beds is to put up loft kids beds that can be moved down to just above the floor. This lets you slide desks, dressers and toy chests right under the beds. This is a real maximization of space and it can be a great option for smaller bedrooms or in a big family home where beds have to be able to accommodate many sleepers.