It can feel easy to purchase your own bed because you likely already know exactly what you want and what your space requires.
However, when choosing children's beds, it can be a little trickier as they vary so much depending on age and bedroom space. Do you buy bunk beds, cabin beds or trundle beds? What about high sleeper beds like loft beds? Or, do you need to be looking at toddler beds?
Whatever age range your little ones are, we can help you find the ideal bed frame in our kids' beds buying guide.
Find the perfect kids' bed for your child's bedroom with a little help from the experts at Bunk Beds.
As a parent, you'll know how many different options there are for beds for your little one. Cot beds, toddler beds, mid-sleeper beds, all the way up to bunk beds – there are so many to choose from.
They differ in size, though, and have recommended age ranges. Here's a list of the different mattress sizes available to purchase, as well as their age range.
While these age recommendations should be followed, they're not exactly set in stone and can vary depending on different situations.
If a household only has enough room for a bunk bed and their youngest is just turning three, they may feel it necessary and safe enough to allow that child to sleep on the bottom bunk, leaving the top bunk for the older sibling.
However, younger children will generally transition from a cot or cot bed into a toddler bed around the age of two. A toddler bed is low enough to the ground to ensure their safety when using the bed, but also big enough to give them space to grow and offer them a feeling of independence and growth.
The above mattress sizes – from single beds to double beds – can each be used on a wide range of beds, including cabin beds, bunk beds, and loft beds.
When your little one outgrows their cot, it can be tempting to upgrade them quickly to a big kid's bed, if only to save a little money in the long run too. However, you must understand the difference in bed frame size so you don't give your child something too big too soon.
Children under the age of two should remain in their cot beds. They offer safety and comfort with high sides so they cannot roll out in the middle of the night.
When your little one reaches the age of two, they're able to move into toddler beds. A toddler bed does not have high safety rails on all four sides but they do still have raised sides to reduce the risk of falling and making the bed a little safer for a small sleeper.
Low-sleeper beds are suitable for children once they reach the age of four. They're low to the floor so are easy to get in and out of, making them ideal for small children.
In terms of mid-sleepers – otherwise known as a cabin bed – these are higher off the ground but not as high as high-sleeper beds or a bunk bed. However, because they are still raised and require a ladder for children to access, this particular bed frame is suitable for children aged six and over.
Bunk beds have different age ranges because there is a big difference between the lower bunk and the top bunk.
Children aged three and above can use the bottom bunk, while the top bunk requires children at least six and above.
The difference between the ages for bunk bed frames is because a three-year-old cannot climb the ladder safely, nor be trusted to remain safe at the top. A six-year-old is taller and can better understand the dangers of the top bunk.
In terms of low-sleeper, mid-sleeper, high-sleeper beds and bunk beds, you can opt for a single bed or a double bed. Depending on the space available in your child's bedroom, you may be able to fit a double bed frame.
However, if floor space is scarce, you can make the most of it with a single bed. If your child is old enough, a loft bed is a great idea because it opens up space underneath the bed – creating the ideal space-saving solution.
Generally speaking, you want a mattress that's both comfortable and firm to give your little one the best possible sleep and keep them safe.
A child's mattress should be comfortable and firm to reduce the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). They need a firm mattress because children tend to move about a lot during their sleep and a soft mattress conforms to their shape more, creating the potential for suffocation.
As they grow older, they can move themselves out of compromising positions, so can have a softer mattress. However, it's wise to ensure they still have a good level of firmness.
For children who move a lot at night, a pocket-sprung mattress, which contains individually pocketed springs that operate independently from one another, is a good choice.
You must also ensure their mattress is breathable and made from natural materials so they can regulate their heat. If there's nowhere for the heat to go, your child is at risk of overheating.
You must find a supportive mattress – ideally a medium/firm design – to allow your child's body to grow properly while they sleep.
If you've decided on the exact bed and mattress combination for your little one, we know exactly where you can buy them: right here!
At Bunk Beds, we have an extensive selection of children's beds made from the highest quality materials to provide your little one with a great night's sleep every night.
Our range includes all different kinds of designs, colours and sizes too so you're sure to find the perfect bed frame and mattress for your child.
If you have any questions about our children's beds and kids' mattresses, don't hesitate to contact us right away. A member of our friendly team will be happy to help.
1a High Street, Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, WF16 0JA