The use of bunk beds for kids is becoming increasingly popular since the basic premise of such a bed is to allow two people to sleep in the same room whilst using the floor space of only a single bed. This principle feature means that they are popular in children’s rooms where more than 1 child will sleep since they allow the space to be optimized to best effect.
The upper bed is supported over the lower bed and access is normally gained to the upper bed via a ladder. The ladders come in many different types but common ones include wooden flat faced steps and also the well known metal cylindrical type. Since the upper bed is normally some height from the floor, they are more suitable for older children over the age of six. The top bunk also usually has a safety rail which surrounds the bed for added safety.
Bunk beds for kids come in many different types apart from the standard which comprises one single bed over another. It is also possible to buy a futon style bunk bed, which has a futon style couch underneath a single bed. Again these are used to conserve space in smaller rooms since the futon can be converted into a single bed at night. Some bunk beds are arranged as loft beds which consist of only an upper bed, underneath which sits either a work area or storage units. These types of bunk beds are more expensive than the traditional bunk beds due to their extra complexity.
When shopping for such a bed you have a number of choices from the cheapest option which is a flat pack which is assembled by the purchaser to more expensive ready built units made from metal or softwoods. The most expensive bunk beds are ready built and finished and made from expensive hard woods such as oak or mahogany.
You should consider what you need from a bunk bed before purchase. For example, think about your childs’ age and how long the bed will need to last. Although popular with children, this type of bed quickly loses its attraction as the child gets older and therefore a cheaper bunk bed might be a more appropriate purchase than a more expensive longer lasting one. Don’t be afraid to take the child with you and watch carefully how they get into the bed, looking out for any danger signs. The upper bed should have a guard rail all the way around it and not just on one side. Although it is common to place bunk beds against a wall, this is not always the case and its better therefore to have a rail that surrounds the bed.
If the upper bed will be used by a younger child, check the gap between the guard rail to ensure that they cannot slip between the gaps or become trapped in the gaps. The guardrail should be high enough to prevent a child from falling out of the bed, and you should expect that the guardrail will extend at least five inches above the height of the mattress.
Also check the ladder carefully, and in particular the way it secures to the bed. The ladder should ideally not be able to be removed easily and certainly not become dislodged when in use, resulting in serious injury of the child.