Cabin beds – also known as a mid-sleeper bed – are a popular choice for many parents with young children. The raised bed design allows children to make the most out of a smaller bedroom, with space underneath designed to allow them to play and relax.
But, what exactly is a cabin bed? What age are cabin beds suitable for? What are the main advantages of a cabin bed and are there any downsides?
Find out the answers to the questions and much more in this cabin beds guide put together by the Bunk Beds experts.
What is a cabin bed?
Cabin beds are a range of kids' beds that are elevated off the floor, but not quite as high as bunk beds or high sleepers.
A child's cabin bed is designed to provide additional features to a bedroom, such as built-in drawers or space underneath the bed for a child's play area.
Cabin beds are also called mid-sleepers because the bed frame is elevated off the ground, but not as high as standard bunk beds.
Cabin beds are available in a variety of designs. For example, you could purchase a cabin bed that's slightly higher than traditional single beds but has built-in drawers as handy storage solutions.
There are also types of cabin beds that have a hollow bed frame to allow for additional play or relaxation space underneath, and designs that feature a pull-out trundle bed that acts as a guest bed.
What age are cabin beds suitable for?
A raised children's bed, like a cabin bed, should only be used for children aged four and above.
This is because younger children may not find it as easy to climb in and out of the cabin bed, especially if there is a ladder to navigate. It's much safer to wait until a child is four years of age to purchase a lower cabin bed, but six for bed frames that feature a ladder. This is because they're taller and more aware of the dangers of climbing.
There is no upper age limit for cabin beds, though, so your little one could use their mid-sleeper bed from six up to 10 and above.
How high are cabin beds?
Cabin beds do vary in height, but they're generally designed between 110 and 140cm tall. A loft bed, high sleeper or bunk bed are generally between 170 and 200cm tall, so there's quite a big difference.
If you're worried about a bunk bed being too tall for your children, a cabin bed offers a lot more peace of mind.
Why choose a mid-sleeper bed?
To help you find the perfect cabin bed, we've compiled a list of their main advantages.
Fortunately, there are plenty of benefits to choosing mid-sleepers, including their space-saving capabilities and creating an exciting sleeping area.
More floor space
If your children's bedroom is small, you can create more space simply with a cabin bed.
You can do this in two ways. One is choosing a cabin bed with plenty of space underneath the bed, creating more room for your little one to play.
The other is the extra storage you can gain from certain types of cabin beds with built-in shelves and drawers.
Additional space underneath the bed
Many cabin beds can help to keep a room tidy by providing ample room underneath the bed frame for your child to either play, relax or store their toys.
This handy nook allows you to keep everything in one place, rather than scattered around their bedroom. It also provides younger children a private place for imaginative play with their toys, reading books, or doing homework.
Elevated bed provides excitement
No matter their age, children love beds that are raised off the floor.
Whether they're high sleepers like bunk beds or mid-sleeper beds like cabin beds, simply being high off the ground adds another dimension to their bedroom and sleeping area.
Struggling at bedtime with your little one? Consider purchasing a cabin bed to get them excited to sleep in their 'big' new bed.
Additional storage space
It has already been mentioned but additional storage options that many cabin bed designs offer can revolutionise a bedroom.
Small bedrooms can be made even smaller with storage furniture taking up space, but cabin beds with drawers and shelves can transform the space.
Option for trundle beds
If you often have a guest over, like a young family member or your child's friend, pull-out trundle beds are brilliant.
Many cabin beds offer a trundle bed option, allowing you to quickly and easily create an extra sleeping space for your guest.
Excellent weight capacity
While cabin beds are designed for children, you'll be delighted to know that most models can handle weights of up to 70kg, so your child will always be safe.
Safe options than some alternatives
While a raised bed can pose some safety risks for younger children, cabin beds are safer compared to some alternatives.
If you have a six-year-old and you're looking for lower beds that are still raised off the ground, cabin beds are ideal. Bunk beds and high sleepers are much higher and require a ladder or steps to reach the top bunk.
Many cabin beds can be climbed onto without a ladder, though.
Are there any downsides to cabin beds?
While cabin beds are, generally, excellent, they do have some small downsides to consider before purchasing, such as:
- Being too high for small bedrooms - For some small bedrooms, the height of cabin beds can become a problem. If a child stands on the bed (or bounces!) they could be at risk of bumping their head.
- Not enough space underneath - While some cabin beds offer space underneath the bed for playing and storage, they may not be large enough for some homes or children. This is a consideration to take into account before purchasing.
- Changing the bedding - Changing the bedding on a raised bed can be tricky at times as you're halfway between reaching and climbing. If you have mobility issues, changing bedding could become an issue on a cabin bed.
Safety tips for cabin beds
If you're certain about purchasing one of our cabin beds, here are some tips to ensure your child's safety:
- Don't play on the bed
- Stick to the age limits
- Only one child is allowed on the bed at one time
- Ensure you use the included guard rails
- Install a carpet or rug next to the bed to cushion any tumbles
- Check you have enough space
- Install the cabin bed away from windows
Purchase high-quality kids' cabin beds
Ready to purchase a cabin bed for your little one? You're in luck! At Bunk Beds, we stock a huge range of exciting, reliable, high-quality cabin beds at affordable prices.
Our kids' beds are available in a range of colours, and unique designs and are built using durable materials.
If you'd like some more information about our range of children's beds, don't hesitate to contact us today.
