- This article gives you in-depth details about the different types of beds for kids, including individual beds to bunk beds.
- You find how to make the best selection for your kids’ next bed.
- You will learn about how to decide between the various frames, sizes, cost, and ease of assembly.
- You will feel confident in your decision knowing that your child will be comfortable and safe in the bed you choose.
Choosing a new bed for your child is a massive step for you and your child. There was a time when there were not many options available for your child. Today, there are numerous options from which you and your child can select. It is helpful to know all of the options when making such a big decision. Continue reading this article to find out the different types of beds for kids.
What to Look for in a Bed for Kids
When looking for a new bed for your kids, there are some features you want to consider before making a final selection.
Size
There are some things to consider when deciding what size bed to get for your child. First, you have to consider the space where you will place the bed and how long you want your child to stay in this bed. There are standard size beds that have the exact measurements no matter where you purchase the bed.
For example, a small single bed is 30 inches by 75 inches. A standard single is 36 inches by 75 inches. A small double bed is 48 inches by 75 inches.
Frame
There are a variety of materials from which bed frames are constructed. First, solid wood frames are made from all types of wood, from pine to oak. Wood beds are durable and beautiful.
Second, there are bed frames made from metal and plastic, also. Metal beds are heavy and resistant to whatever your child might dish out. Each one provides different features, but some are more durable than others.
Price
Price is always important. You want to stay within your budget. At the same time, a bed is an investment. You do not want it to fall apart. You want it to last, and you want it to be secure.
Therefore, you may have to pay a little more for a bed that you find confident in. However, if you are buying a bed for a small child, and it is meant to only last a few years, then you do not want to invest in something that is expensive.
Assembly
You always want to find out if you have to assemble the bed or if that service is provided when you purchase it. It is not always a guarantee. If you have to build it, you want to understand how difficult it is to assemble it before purchasing it.
Types of Beds for Kids
Bunk Bed
The standard bunk bed that you are most used to seeing is one bed on top of the other. There are usually about 15 inches between the two beds. These beds are ideal for saving space, although it is difficult to make the bed on the top bunk. If your child moves a lot in their sleep, you may not want them on the top bunk.
There are many variations on the bunk bed. There is a train bunk bed where the top bunk is not in alignment with the base. This allows for storage space on one end.
Some have steps for the child to get to the top bunk, while others have a ladder. There are L-shaped bunk beds, which also provide storage space. You can also find custom made bunk beds that look like a castle, a car, or a superhero.
There are twin bunk bed options with a twin bed over a twin bed. There is also a twin over full option. You can even find a futon bunk bed that has a bed on top and a futon underneath.
Cabin Bed
A cabin bed provides storage underneath the area where your child sleeps. These are ideal for smaller rooms where you may not have a lot of storage space. A cabin bed is higher than a standard bed but not high enough that your child needs a ladder to climb into bed.
The space underneath can hold drawers for clothes, a desk, or a tiny cupboard. A cabin bed may have a headboard and/or footboard. Some even have bookcases built-in.
Cot Bed
A cot bed is another term for crib. It is a term that is primarily used in British English. It can also be a term used for a cradle. These beds are smaller and intended for babies, infants, and small children. A cot bed has end panels and sides that can be removed.
Indoor Hammock Bed
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A hammock is constructed of canvas or rope and is suspended in the air by connecting the rope to higher support. Hammocks, which are often associated with outside lounging or camping, have lately become popular interior beds.
Indoor hammock beds are perfect for older children who want a more alternative sleeping space. They can be used as a replacement for a bed or simply as an extra sleeping space.
Loft Bed
A loft bed is a style where there is a bed on top, in the upper bunk area, but underneath is an open space for many uses. This helps to save space. For example, your child can have a desk underneath or extra storage space. In addition, your child could have an area where they can sit, relax, and read. This type of bed is often confused with a bunk bed, but they are not the same thing.
Novelty Bed
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Children’s novelty beds are unusual beds, such as beds designed like boats or pirate ships. They may include beds designed like everything from princess castles to spaceships, making going to bed exciting for youngsters.
Novelty beds can be a bit pricey, but if you have a child who hates going to bed, they might be encouraged to go to bed without a fight if they think their beds are exciting or “cool.”
Platform Bed
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A platform bed has a low profile. The frame has solid support or a slatted surface to support the mattress. A platform is usually 5 to 12 inches off the ground. The bed frame of a platform bed has a foundation that is built-in. These types of beds have a more modern look to them and can support most mattresses. You do not need to purchase a box spring with this type of bed.
Single Bed
This individual bed is the classic style of bed that you are used to seeing. It is a mattress in a frame. It may have a headrest and footboard. It may have only one of them.
The single bed is the classic style that will always be in fashion. This style of bed will be able to grow with your child, but you can still have a unique twist to them by finding a designer bed in a bold color. This type of bed can be a twin bed or a double bed.
The difference between the two is the size.
Toddler Bed
A toddler bed has a smaller bed frame and uses a crib mattress. This is typically the next step for a child after moving from a crib. These beds are often transformed into something incredible for the child, like a race car or a princess castle.
You can also find a toddler bed that fits a twin sized mattress and has a safety bed rail that can be removed. These beds have a weight limit and are meant to be a short term option. This kids bed is helpful when your toddler is ready to transition to a regular sized children’s bed.
A toddler bed is often the kids’ bed that parents choose when it is time to take their toddler out of their crib.
Travel Bed
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A travel bed is a bed that you can take on the go with you. When you have a child, and you want to travel, you need to make sure you have a safe and comfortable space for them to sleep. There are many different travel bed options available, from travel tents to inflatable travel beds.
You can fold travel beds and easily carry them wherever you go. Many are inflatable and come with pumps to quickly fill them with air when your child is ready for bed.
Treehouse Bed
Treehouse beds are a unique way to provide a distinct sense of fun and eccentricity to your children’s sleeping quarters. This type has a sleeping compartment that is supposed to look like a treehouse and is situated on an elevated bed frame that can be accessed via ladders or steps.
Additional design components and accessories, including windows, slides, and storage units, may be included with some beds.
You can combine the design of treehouse beds with other types of beds to suit your child’s needs.
Trundle Bed
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A trundle bed is ideal when you have two children but not enough space for two beds. This type of bed also keeps the children close to the ground and is not up in the air like a bunk bed. A trundle bed has an extra bed with wheels stored under the regular bed.
During the day, when the trundle is stored, it looks like a standard bed. However, in the evening, you pull out the trundle, and there is an additional bed. Most often, the mattress on the trundle is thinner than the top bed.
Wall Bed
If there were an award for space-saving furniture, wall beds would undoubtedly be the winners. They are hinged at one end and maybe stowed vertically within a cabinet or against a wall and are sometimes known as pull-down beds.
When not in use, wall beds may be quickly folded away, leaving plenty of room in the room for other activities.
Wall beds are perfect for kids who love to run around in their rooms and require a lot of space. That said, extra precautionary measures should be implemented for younger kids, as they may try and pull their beds down and injure themselves.
These beds are best suited for ages ten and up.
What Mattress Can I Use On a Bed for Kids?
Innerspring Mattress
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These tend to be a more firm mattress type and ideal for babies and small children. A firm mattress helps them feel safe and protected. An innerspring mattress is a durable type of mattress, which makes them popular. They stand up better to wear and tear. There are two different types of innerspring mattresses. These are open coil mattresses and pocketed coil mattresses.
Open coil is the least expensive option as they are not as durable. The coils of the mattress are padded with the top layer of the mattress. Pocketed coil means that each coil is wrapped individually. This individual wrapping makes the mattress more expensive. However, this mattress can handle all the jumping and playing that your child wants to do.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattress options provide you durability and a lot of support.
Memory Foam Mattress
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Memory foam mattresses are constructed of a material that responds to pressure and body heat. The more you lay on this type of mattress, the more it learns the contours of your body and conforms to them. It is often said that these mattresses hug your body. Memory foam is able to isolate motion, and if you have two children sleeping on the same bed, the movement of one does not disturb the other.
Hybrid Mattress
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A hybrid mattress is an excellent choice for any parent who is looking for the sturdy support of a traditional innerspring mattress with the cushier feel of foam. They are durable and comfortable, making them the perfect combination of other mattresses’ best features.
Hybrid mattresses utilize the airflow offered by the frame’s cooling characteristics, as well as newer, more modern gel-infused memory foam with phase change elements to control your child’s body temperature while they sleep.
Hybrid mattresses are a fantastic option for kids who prefer the feel of a spring mattress but want more motion isolation or for kids who prefer the feel of foam but want more ventilation.
Both foam and hybrid mattresses’ motion isolation properties make them perfect for siblings who share a bed. This way, the movement of one child won’t wake the other.
Organic Mattress
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Some mattresses, particularly foam and hybrid types, may strongly emphasize the importance of “organic materials.” These mattresses are usually chemical-free, hypoallergenic, flame-resistant, and biodegradable.
Organic crib mattresses are highly recommended for newborns’ safety. It is never a waste of effort to look for a mattress that prioritizes the quality of its materials and construction.
Because natural fabrics and materials are healthier for babies, organic crib mattresses are an excellent choice. Organic crib mattresses may be on the pricier side, but you will have the peace of mind that your baby isn’t exposed to harmful toxins and chemicals that are sometimes used to manufacture mattresses.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned about some of the most popular kids’ bed designs, you can let your imagination go wild as you construct a fantastic environment for your youngster. However, always keep in mind that quality and safety are just as vital as design innovation and amusing elements for children’s beds.
It would be best if you considered the individual needs of your child before deciding on a bed. While some beds may be inexpensive, you should never cut corners when it comes to something that will directly influence the quality of your child’s sleep.
References:
The Spruce: What’s the Right Size Bed for You?
Fatherly: Baby Crib Buyer’s Guide: 9 Things to Look for When Buying a Crib
