How to Choose a Kids Bed

Choosing a kids bed can be like walking into a minefield with so many options available on the market. It’s so important to consider all the aspects and features of a bed because sleep is crucial to your child’s development. We’ve come up with some tips and considerations to take into account when choosing your child's bed.

Age

The age of your child matters. You wouldn’t put a one year old in a bunk bed due to safety concerns and similarly, you wouldn’t suggest a teenager should, no matter how small they are, sleep in a toddler bed. Your child needs to be able to sleep comfortably and safely in their bed and bedroom. In addition to this, your child might be at high school and need space to study for homework and exams, or perhaps your child might want a play area space, in which case, a mid or high sleeper bed may be suitable for an all-in-one solution. For toddlers that are ready to transition to a ‘bigger’ bed, a starter or ‘shorty’ bed might be best for them at that age.

Purpose

Of course the main purpose of a bed is to sleep in it, but you may also want to explore your options further and consider secondary uses. Take a mid sleeper or a high sleeper bed, these types of beds are perfect for saving space and the extra space can be used for a variety of different things. Whether it’s a study space, storage space or play area, these types of beds allow you to create a versatile space in your child's bedroom. Alternatively, you may want to purchase a bed that’s great for hosting guests – this style of bed could be a bunk bed, a guest bed or day bed. There are thousands of beds on the market, so understanding all the reasons why you want to purchase a child's bed is paramount to finding the right bed for your child’s space.

Safety

No matter how old a child is or the purpose of the bed, safety comes first. Ensuring a safe and secure night’s sleep should be at the top of any parents list. There are a number of regulations that have to be met by furniture manufacturers in the UK. For newborns and toddlers, moses baskets, cots and cot beds are the safest option as they come with safety rails to prevent your toddler from climbing out of their bed. Another bed design feature for these types of beds is teething friendly rails which help to protect your baby’s gums.

Design

The design of a kids bed can spark creativity and imagination, at Room to Grow we have house beds, tent beds, gaming beds, captain beds and so much more. Alternatively, we also have a collection of beds for children in a more traditional style to match the rest of your child’s furniture. If your child has a room on the smaller side you may want to maximise the space where you can, in this case we would suggest purchasing a child’s storage bed, so bedrooms can be kept tidy and free of clutter.

Price

Some beds are more cost effective than others, such as a bunk bed or triple bunk bed which allows your child to have multiple guests stay in one room. These types of beds are also a lot more comfortable than blow-up-beds and sleeping bags for your guests! Another cost effective bed is a cot bed which can be used from birth, until the age of around five years old.The longevity of this type of bed eliminates the need to buy a cot, a starter bed and then a ‘big bed’ making a cot bed a worthwhile investment for babies and toddlers.

Materials

Whether you choose a metal, upholstered, fabric or wooden bed frame for your child’s bed is a personal preference, there’s no right or wrong type of bed frame. Metal bed frames tend to be lighter and easier to move which is great for when your child wants to rearrange their room, they are also easier to assemble! On the other hand, with metal bed frames, there’s a chance that over time they’ll creak and squeak, which can make for a noisy night's sleep. On the other hand, wooden bed frames are more robust, sturdy, sustainable and eco friendly, as well as also being easy to clean, but they do tend to be heavier. Upholstered or fabric beds come in a variety of colours, fabrics and sizes and are suitable for toddlers through to teens!

Space

Your child may have limited space in their bedroom which means searching for a suitable bed for their room can be made that little bit more difficult. There are however, a number of bed options available for smaller sized rooms, that save on space but are also multi-functional. Some beds have space for underbed storage whereas others are better for built-in storage such as an ottoman bed, or a selection of our mid and high sleeper beds. If you are struggling for space, these bed options are a perfect space saving solution.

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing your child’s bed, but it’s important to consider all of the factors before making your final decision. If you’re searching for the perfect bed for your child, Room to Grow has a large selection of kids beds to choose from.