When arranging a room for a child over 2 years old, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules so that he can relax comfortably. First of all, you need to equip a sleeping place.
The overall mood and well-being of the baby depends on this.
Comfortable children's beds from 2 years old are produced at many furniture factories and in private workshops. A custom-made or purchased ready-made model that has special sides will protect your child from accidental falls.
This is an important condition when choosing furniture for a baby.
What is the need for sides
The baby's cradle is surrounded by walls on all sides. The baby does not fall in it while sleeping, he can sit down or stand up freely and the mother does not have to worry about his safety. Three years is already a conscious age. Three-year-olds do not fall out of bed, simply standing on their feet, they know how to get off it independently, and even while playing on the bed they behave carefully. But they still have poor self-control during sleep, and children at this age can have extremely restless sleep. And in this situation, bumpers come to the rescue, ensuring the safety of the sleeping place and protecting the baby from falling.
Children's bed with sides
Children's bed with sides
Popular models
The range of crib models is so diverse that it can satisfy the tastes of the most demanding parents. There are options on the market in different configurations and sizes. They are decorated in various styles, colors, which can be simple and discreet or with elaborate decor.
- Traditional. Reliable, simple, time-tested bed with built-in sides. There are options for children of different ages. The models differ from each other only in the dimensions of the bed and additional equipment (rocking chair, wheels).
- Two-tier. There are two sleeping places: one at the top, the second at the bottom. The structure can be one-piece or prefabricated. On the second floor, sides are required, on the first floor they are optional. A ladder is provided to make it convenient to climb to the second tier.
- Loft bed. This model is characterized by excellent ergonomics and saves space in the room. This is a whole children's corner: below there is a desk, a closet, shelves, at the top there is a sleeping place, limited by sides.
- Transformable bed. In designs of this type, the sleeping place is “hidden” in the wall or in a table with chairs. There are models designed for three children. In this case, the third mattress is located in a long drawer located at the very bottom.
- Sofa bed. One of the most popular models. With a slight movement of the hand, the ergonomic children's sofa turns into a full-fledged sleeping place with sides. The structures are equipped with different mechanisms: roll-out, “dolphin”, “book”.
- Sofa. The same soft sofa, only a stationary one, which means it doesn’t fold out. Takes up more space in the room. The limiters are built-in, soft.
- Ottoman. The bed with a side does not fold out. Fences are removable or built-in. Often the model is equipped with chests of drawers and chests of drawers.
Types of children's ottoman beds, recommendations for choosing
one Children's sliding beds vary in color, size, and design. For production, as a rule, wood is used. This material is durable, aesthetic and absolutely safe. MDF and chipboard are also used.
Traditional
Bunk
Loft bed
Transformer
Sofa bed
Sofa
Ottoman
Children's bed with sides - what are the advantages?
- Child safety. The main reason why parents are attracted to a children's bed of this design is to protect the child from falling during restless sleep.
- Comfortable sleep. The sides provide protection for the sleeping area from many external irritants. This creates a feeling of comfort and security in the child. Falling asleep in such an environment occurs faster, and sleep is more peaceful.
- Effective fixation of mattress and bed linen. Such a children's bed eliminates situations when a child wakes up with a half-slipped mattress or a completely lifted sheet.
Children's bed with sides for a girl with a chest of drawers
Children's bed with sides - It is possible to attach various organizers for children's books, toys and the child's personal belongings to the sides. Putting items in such organizers is simple and interesting, so parents have the opportunity to teach their child order with the help of a sleeping place.
- The side of such a bed can be used as a shelf. And this is additional space for effectively organizing space in the children's room. With the right approach, such a shelf can become another stylish interior detail.
Children's bed with solid wood sides
Children's bed with sides with a Minion design
Mounting methods
The safety of using a crib also depends on how securely the sides are installed. There are several methods of fixation. Most often, furniture is equipped with a system that attaches the limiter to the base or walls of the bed. There are also options that are secured with metal clips under the mattress. They are suitable for children from 3 years old. Sliding products made of solid wood are equipped with sides that are easy to install and remove and are optimal for installation on vertical and horizontal surfaces.
To provide the child with reliable fall protection, the restraints are attached to the base of the furniture with brackets or screws. The safety level of such structures is very high, but the sides will not be removed. This is the most suitable option for newborn babies. Mesh barriers are secured with Velcro or ties.
For children aged 0 to 3 years, cribs with built-in sides, which are an extension of the furniture frame, are perfect.
Brackets
Clamps
Ties
Velcro
A few words about the shortcomings
- A children's bed with hard sides is dangerous, first of all, due to the possibility of injury. Particularly restless children may swing their arms or legs violently and twirl intensely during sleep and risk hitting the side. To avoid injury, it is better to choose soft sides for restless children.
- If the bed has a slatted structure, when purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the distance between the slats, because if selected incorrectly, a child’s arm or leg may get stuck.
- Sides made of low-quality material quickly break and can become a source of injury. To prevent this from happening, you should not save too much on children's furniture. Choose your material responsibly!
- The sides of a solid structure can impair air circulation above the berth.
As you can see, there are design flaws, but they can easily be eliminated with the right approach to purchasing. Make your choice wisely, and a children's bed with sides will bring only comfort to your baby.
Children's bed with wooden sides
Children's bed with sides for girls
Side design options
Manufacturers offer beds with several types of sides. The choice should be made based on the child’s age, character, temperament and quality of sleep.
The sidewall can be solid or consist of slats. When choosing, you need to consider how the baby feels about isolation. Some people fall asleep more calmly when the sides block the view of the rest of the room, while others calm down only if they can see their toys and the usual furnishings of the room.
The height of the sides can vary from 5 to 20 centimeters above the level of the mattress. The higher the side, the lower the risk of falling.
Children's bed with sides Masha and the Bear
Children's bed with sides Winnie the Pooh
You can cover only the headboard with sides, or you can cover the entire bed. Closing it completely is safer when sleeping, but with the bed half open it is easier to get off on your own.
The sides can be solid or removable. In the first case, safety is higher, in the second, the bed is easier to transform. Over time, the removable sides can be completely removed when the child is old enough and the risk of falling during sleep goes away.
If we talk about materials, the sides can be hard, soft, or a combination. Soft fabric sides serve more of a decorative function than a protective one. In addition, they require increased care, as they can accumulate dust.
Children's bed with solid wood sides
Children's bed with sides with cars
Hard sides (usually made of wood) are the safest from a fall protection point of view. But there is a risk that the baby may hit the side itself. It is better to cover such a structure with fabric at night. Or choose the third option.
Combined sides are the optimal balance between softness and safety. The solid and reliable base of such sides is covered with fabric. As a result, the child is protected from falling, and a possible blow to the side will not be painful.
Children's bed with sides in the interior of a children's room
Children's bed with wooden sides
Dimensions
The configuration and overall dimensions of the fences depend on the age of the child. The main thing is that the structures provide the baby with safety during the daytime rest or night sleep. Placement options and side sizes:
- Covering the crib around the perimeter. This type of restraint is ideal for sleeping areas of growing children. The height for children under 1 year is from 70 cm. If the child is already getting to his feet, you can install barriers 90 cm high, which will reduce the risk of falling to a minimum.
- Covering 2/3 of the length of the sides of the bed. Relevant for children from 3 years old, as well as for teenagers and adults, whose sleeping place is located on the second floor of two-tier furniture. The optimal height of the restraints is 30–50 cm. If they are higher, climbing onto the bed will become uncomfortable.
- Decorative. Designs of this type are not suitable for children's furniture, since their degree of protection is very low. They are often used to complement beds in luxury bedrooms with designer interiors.
Nuances of choosing beds for children over 2 years old, types of designs
If a teenager or adult sleeps restlessly and even sometimes falls, it is also recommended to install a protective edge on his bed. The height of the limiter can be from 20 to 30 cm. Length - 2/3 or 1/2 of the length of the bed. The latter are usually installed in the center.
Crib design options
In addition to differences in the design of the sides, the design of the bed itself may also differ.
- Classic children's bed No frills option. Mattress, sides, headboard, legs - simple but stylish. This option instills good taste from a very young age.
- Model with a chest of drawers It is particularly practical, since the side or head of the crib on the reverse side is equipped with a functional chest of drawers. Simplifies the storage of children's things, toys, bed linen, helps to better organize the space in the children's room. An ideal option for a small-sized children's room where a full-sized wardrobe does not fit.
Children's bed with sides Masha and the Bear
Children's bed with solid wood sides - Attic option Suitable for children who are comfortable with heights. A great way to organize space in a children's room. The sleeping place is located under the ceiling, and below there is usually a wardrobe, table, “pencil case” or bookcase. Options for younger children may include placing a sports corner on the first “floor” of such a bed, and even a small slide. Needless to say, for a high-height sleeper, bumpers are essential, regardless of the child’s age.
- Sliding option Various transforming beds are becoming increasingly popular today. At night it is a comfortable sleeping place, and in the morning, after some transformational manipulations, it is a gaming machine, a house or even an airplane.
Children's bed with sides Dolphin
Children's bed with sides in the form of a truck
Design Features
A crib is bought not for a year or two, but for a longer period. Models that grow as the child grows are popular. The designs on the market can be grouped into three categories:
- Classic children's beds designed for babies from birth to 3 years. The advantages of the models include the high degree of safety provided by the sides located on all four sides. Limiters, as a rule, are non-removable, built-in, but can change position. Often products of this type are equipped with walkers (for rocking) or wheels, changing tables, and drawers.
- From 0 to 10 years. These are entire modular systems, which include the crib itself with high restraints, a changing table and a chest of drawers. As the child grows, the design transforms. At first the sleeping place is located quite high, then it is lowered, the sides on both sides are lowered by removing several slats. Next, the table and chest of drawers are removed, thereby increasing the sleeping space (from 120 x 60 to 140 x 70 or 160 x 70 cm). Although the length is sufficient, the width of this design is insignificant, so it is no longer suitable for teenagers. The advantages of cribs with sides: functionality, practicality, ease of use, long service life. Most often, such models are made of wood.
- From 3 to 15. Very comfortable and practical models. Initially, the size of the sleeping place is 80 or 90 cm. As the child grows, it increases due to the chest of drawers and drawers that are included in the kit. The limiters are always removable; they are either included in the delivery set or purchased separately. If the crib is placed near a wall, it will be enough to use just one side.
A separate category consists of sofa beds with built-in partitions. The design itself, when folded, is very compact, rather reminiscent of a chair. It is equipped with a retractable mechanism that transforms the ergonomic sofa into a comfortable sleeping place.
Sides and drawers
Another functional option for efficient use of space. As a rule, at the bottom of the bed there are drawers suitable for storing bed linen, towels, and children's clothing.
Bunk bed. An indispensable item for a family with two children and a small children's room. As a rule, the upper tier is occupied by an older child. In this case, bumpers are necessary on both tiers, since younger children can fall from the first “floor.”
Children's bed with sides and chest of drawers
Children's bed with sides for girls
What to look for when choosing
The variety in the assortment of furniture stores can seriously complicate the selection process. In order not to make a mistake and buy a really good bed, it is important to remember the following rules.
- Today, beds are made from solid wood, various chipboards and fibreboards, metal and plastic. For children, the best option would be a tree. This is a natural, environmentally friendly material that does not cause allergies and is durable enough for a child’s needs.
- Please note that the design should allow the bed to “breathe”. A solid bottom is not the best option for a children's bed. It is better to give preference to a rack design.
- Find out what exactly the wood is coated with, ask for the relevant documents, and see for yourself the quality of the materials.
Children's bed with sides
Children's bed with sides for girls - Check the strength of the side. If it is removable, be sure to look at how much effort it takes to open it. Imagine if a child can cope with this task. If the design is in doubt, it is better to choose a one-piece option.
- A crib has only smooth, rounded shapes. No sharp corners, protrusions or other traumatic structures. If you still have them, purchase additional special silicone pads.
- Pay attention to the price. High-quality furniture does not come cheap. Solid wood, safe coating and structural strength require investment - be prepared for this and do not skimp. This is about your child's safety.
- Pay special attention to choosing a mattress. It must be orthopedic. A child’s spine is just developing and the quality of the mattress directly determines the health of your child.
Children's bed with sides Smeshariki
Choosing children's furniture is always a difficult task, but you need to approach it with maximum responsibility. After all, quality sleep is not only the key to replenishing energy. This is the key to a child’s cheerful mood, health, full development and simply good health. Take this into account when arranging your children's room, and then it will bring joy and peace to both you and your children.
