Buying Bunk Beds For Kids
Among bunk beds, the most common are bunk beds for kids. Bunk
beds made for adults differ with children bed bunks, since the
former serves a more functional purpose, similar to military
bunk beds. On the other hand, childrens' bunk beds are built for
another purpose - an entertaining one - and that is, for kids to
be excited in going to sleep. Childrens' bunk beds are
undoubtedly exciting. For many children, especially those who
just grew up from sleeping in cribs, they want a bed for bigger
kids. Plus, bunk beds are not difficult to play in and allow
another sibling to sleep with another.
I. Special Precautions For Children
Bunk beds are fun, but bunk beds for children have safety risks.
Children might fall from their beds. That is why it is important
to put up the side guardrails on the upper bunk's two sides.
These must be secured firmly whenever the child is sleeping.
Another rule that you should follow is not to permit kids below
six years of age to sleep or stay in the bunk's upper part. It
is also important to have a safety ladder. You could teach your
kids on safely using the ladder. Discourage playing on the
ladder to avoid accidents. Lastly, if your kid sleeps in a bunk
bed, it is advisable to have a nearby light on, just in case the
kid wakes up at night and has to get out of the bed. If think
your baby is too old enough for a crib, consider first the
following before you buy a bunk bed.
II. Is Your Child Old Enough For A Bunk Bed?
1. Assess if your kid is really ready to have a bed.
Transferring to the bed from the crib may be difficult for some
kids, especially preschoolers or toddlers. Make it slow and
assess if the kid is having apprehensions moving.
2. When you shop, you could ask the store staff if the bed has
met the standards required by the American Society of Testing
Materials. If it does, then you could buy it.
3. Plan ahead. Your kid will most likely sleep in the bed you
will buy for many years to come. Consider the size of the bunk
bed, since your kid might grow faster than you expected.
4. Shop around for choices. There are bunk beds ranging from
toddler sizes to full-size ones. There are also beds shaped like
castles or cars. Some even have the contemporary or antique
look.
5. Do not be surprised if you are paying more than $100. The
more fancy or elaborate models have prices ranging from $300 to
as high as $1,500, and that is for the frame alone. Some beds do
include a mattress, but you have to shell out more for it and
box spring.
6. Purchase a top quality mattress. Measure it. The mattress
should fit perfectly in the bunk. The measurement should be at
most one inch of space from the mattress to the bunk bed's
frame. Check out the slats on the lower bunk which holds the
mattress to ensure that they give strong support and are
properly and securely screwed into the bed frame side.
7. Consider buying guard rails. The kid who slept in a crib may
feel assured of the crib's security. It may take some time for
the kid to get used to the bunk bed. There are guard rails that
are attachable to the bunk bed using screw or can be slid under
the bed's mattress. Check the sturdiness of these guard rails
before you allow your kid to sleep in the bed.
8. Check the spaces between the bed frame and guard rails, as
well as in the footboard and headboard on the upper bunk. The
space should be at most 3.5 inches of space in all these areas.
This is to avoid smaller kids from becoming trapped or slipping
through.
9. Inspect all the bed's edges and corners. Make sure that the
corners and edges are smooth. 10. Check the bed's stability by
shaking it vigorously. 11. See if one can climb the ladder
easily. The ladder should be also wide enough and not narrow for
your kid.
12. At the bottom bunk, sit. Your head must not hit or reach the
top. 13. If possible, make the store install the bed for you.
14. From time to time, inspect the screws and bolts to ensure
that they are still firmly in place.