A person spends one third of his life sleeping. In order for it to be of high quality, healthy and calm, it is important to choose the right bed. The choice of a children's bed must be approached very seriously and responsibly, since the child spends most of the day in bed. It is in childhood that the spine and nervous system are formed - the more comfortable and correct the sleeping place, the more active, healthy and cheerful the baby will be.
A properly selected bed is a prerequisite for creating a comfortable environment in a child’s room.
Criteria for choosing beds for a children's room
A comfortable bed will not only ensure a restful and healthy sleep, but will also create a comfortable and cozy environment in the nursery. It must meet the following criteria:
- Reliability: since fidgets often turn a sleeping place into a trampoline, the design must be very reliable and made of high-quality, durable materials, especially the body and fastenings.
- Environmental friendliness: the materials from which the children's bed is made must be natural and environmentally friendly. The most reliable and safest is wooden furniture. Chipboard is a high-quality, durable and inexpensive material. However, when choosing a bed made of chipboard, you should check the quality certificate to make sure that the furniture does not emit harmful toxins.
- Safety: the design must be free of sharp corners and edges. They should be round or have protective sides that guarantee complete protection of the child from injury.
- Comfort: a sweet and comfortable sleep will be provided by an orthopedic mattress with a medium degree of hardness, made of hypoallergenic materials.
- Age characteristics: it is important to take into account not only the size of the bed, but also the personal preferences, tastes and character traits of the child.
- Color scheme and aesthetic design: selected depending on the age, gender, and individual characteristics of the child.
- Additional functions: designs can be supplemented with convenient drawers, cabinets, sides, shelves and ladders.
Bed side materials
An option to protect a sleeping child is to install protective sides, railings or bolsters. For convenience and safety, the limiters are made removable or with a lowering function. Most often, they have special fastenings that allow you to mount the protective installation even on a bed for adults.
Wooden
They are most popular and are most often sold complete with a bed. They differ in design, height and fastenings, and can be used for teenage bunk beds. These sides are safe, durable, versatile, easy to remove and wash.
The American design with restrictive sides is quite comfortable, safe and very stylish.
Plastic
They are distinguished by high strength and low weight, have an original set of accessories for mounting on the bed, and do not require additional soft covers.
The sides provide effective fixation of bed linen and mattress.
And others
Mesh – made of mesh-like material. For reliable fastening, a metal or wooden frame is used, which is softened by putting fabric covers or foam cushions on it.
The mesh is breathable and allows the child to see what is happening in the room.
Soft sides are made of foam rubber or padding polyester. They are rolled into tubes, fastened together and, by adjusting their number, sides of different heights are made. To keep them clean and easy to wash, they are covered with fabric covers with a removable zipper. Ties, buttons, Velcro or zippers are used as fastenings.
Soft sides can be high, low, have clear geometric or smooth shapes.
Types of single-tier cribs
Children's single-tier beds are presented in a variety of different options:
- carriage bed, car bed, bunny bed - for kids;
The models have a bright and colorful design and a huge selection of colors. - ordinary single-tier models are for older children.
The size of a single bunk bed depends on the age of the child
Bed with drawers
Single-tier beds are often equipped with convenient drawers for storing things and toys. Manufacturers offer the following options:
- a bed complemented by drawers located under the berth and comfortable shelves along its length;
Such models are compact and have a fairly simple and reliable design. - a sofa bed with drawers located in the side backs and the lower part of the structure.
The sofa bed can be equipped with either a simple or orthopedic mattress
Rocking bed
They come with longitudinal and transverse motion sickness systems. The rocking chair consists of rounded runners (arches). Cribs with strongly rounded arches rock very easily with slight movements of the baby's arms or legs.
Rocking chairs come in different sizes, compact models are designed for the smallest children aged several months
A children's rocking chair with slightly rounded runners requires the efforts of an adult, and the baby will no longer be able to rock the cradle independently. Closer to one year, when the baby stands on his own legs and can rock the crib from the inside, for safety reasons it is necessary to use the wheels included in the kit and lock the cradle. Such models are intended for children from birth to 3-4 years.
The pendulum bed looks like a regular crib, but inside it has a special rocking mechanism
Bed with changing table
This model consists of a cradle with a pendulum mechanism and a convenient changing table with sides for safe and comfortable changing of the baby. The set may include convenient drawers located under the cradle and a compact cabinet that complements the changing table.
Cribs photo:
And others
Modern manufacturers have developed a transformable children's bed for forward-thinking parents. A crib for a baby with a changing table can be transformed into a crib for a teenager - with a chest of drawers and a desk. The baby's cradle transforms into a comfortable desk, and the spacious cabinet under the changing table turns into a bedside table.
A multifunctional transformable bed can be used as a sleeping place, a study table and a storage system at the same time.
A very convenient sleeping option for a small child’s room is a bed-wardrobe. A special mechanism allows you to lift it into a vertical position and secure it with latches in a stylish closet. This design not only frees up space during the day, but can also be a stylish decoration for a child’s room.
Using a special mechanism, the bed hides in a niche and does not clutter the room when assembled
Popular designs
Today in furniture departments you can see a wide range of products for children. Manufacturers produce a wide variety of modifications, including designer beds made to order. The latter will cost much more than ready-made models.
Traditional single
This furniture is a regular bed, available in two versions - with and without drawers. The comfort and safety of the niches for linen are not affected in any way, but with them the product becomes as functional as possible. This model is the best option for small rooms that require efficient use of space. The varied design of the furniture allows it to organically fit into any stylistic solution of the room. This model has no disadvantages; judging by the reviews of numerous users, the only complaints are the build quality and material, which is the responsibility of the manufacturer.
This model is suitable for children from three years old and can be used until the child grows out of it. After this, children's beds have to be changed to adult ones, for example, single beds.
Couch
Outwardly, it resembles a sofa and is recommended for children of middle and high school age. Often the design lacks a back and sides. The furniture does not take up much space and is affordable. There is a classic model that does not transform. There is also a sliding one, which is more convenient to use - for a small child you don’t have to fold it out, there will be enough space for rest. This product is a compact bed for growth.
Advantages:
- space optimization;
- low cost;
- multifunctionality.
Flaws:
- every time you have to disassemble and assemble the sleeping place;
- internal transformation mechanisms quickly become unusable.
Instead of a bed for teenagers, couches are often purchased. If handled with care, they last until high school.
Roll-out
This model is often preferred by families with 2-3 children. This is a modern alternative to the bunk beds that were popular in the past. They are often called “matryoshka dolls”. The furniture departments offer several modifications of such products:
- With separate tiers. The lower one is roll-out, it is not connected to the upper level, which can be reached by stairs.
- With tied tiers.
- With niches for storing bedding items.
- Children's bed with a small table. An excellent option for those who want to save space and money. During the day, the child learns lessons, and at night the lower level forms a sleeping place.
- With a low tier. With such a product you will definitely need a warm mattress so that the baby does not catch a cold.
- Three-tier models. This is a great bed for three children or for those times when friends often stay overnight. When folded, the product is a cabinet that looks like a chest of drawers. If necessary, the furniture can be transformed into three sleeping places.
Types of children's ottoman beds, recommendations for choosing them
Advantages of furniture:
- space saving;
- comfortable use;
- practicality and versatility;
- strength;
- safety, compactness;
- low cost;
- versatility.
It also has its drawbacks:
- When purchasing, it is worth considering that teenagers of different sexes will feel uncomfortable sleeping next to each other.
- There may be disputes over who will sleep on the upper level.
- If the bottom tier is located too close to the floor, the child may feel uncomfortable.
- A child who has chosen the upper tier must be very careful. Otherwise, he risks constantly tripping over his brother or sister.
- Disputes may also arise between children of different sexes regarding the choice of bed design.
Such roll-out children's corners with a bed are suitable for children from three years old; age restrictions are set only by the length of the product.
With separate tiers
With tied tiers
With niches for storing things
With a table
Low tier
Three-tier
Attic
This sleeping place is also called a loft bed. This is an ideal solution for a small children's room. These products are available in several modifications:
- Furniture with a work area. There is a convenient storage system, and the lower tier is reserved for writing. A bed with a table is a good choice for primary schoolchildren.
- For children of different genders and ages. Under the hanging bed there is a small sofa, which will serve as an additional place for the second child to sleep.
- Options with a play area. At the lower level, boxes with toys are placed or space for creativity is organized.
- Low. Especially for the little ones, so that the child can climb to the top level.
- Tall. Designed for apartments with ceilings from 2.7 m.
- Beds with wardrobe. All things will be placed in one place thanks to the optimal storage system.
The advantages of such models:
- original design. Children's beds suit country, shabby chic, and Provence styles very well;
- availability of an independent sleeping place;
- the ability to organize additional space for games and sports.
Flaws:
- children's beds with stairs increase the risk of falls;
- making the bed is inconvenient;
- during illness, it will be difficult for parents to measure the baby’s temperature; they will have to constantly help the child come down;
- with poor ventilation, the room under the ceiling is quite stuffy, which affects the quality of sleep.
At the age of 3 to 5 years, it is recommended to take a bed with a low sleeping place. You can find elite models that are made to order in the form of castles; the ship-bed is popular.
With work area
For children of different genders and ages
With play area
Low attic
High
With wardrobe
Bunk
In this case, there are also several options:
- classic model with two berths;
- children's corner with bed and table or sports area;
- there is a sofa for daytime relaxation on the lower tier, and a bed on the upper tier.
Pros:
- well-organized space for active games and study. For a schoolchild, such furniture is considered the most optimal;
- saving space.
In addition to the disadvantages inherent in loft beds, there are several more disadvantages:
- a child sleeping below may experience psychological pressure;
- sleeping on top is quite dangerous; the baby can fall from a great height during active games.
It is advisable to purchase such models for children over 5 years old. The upper tiers can accommodate teenagers weighing up to 50 kg. The maximum load on the lower berth is not limited.
Transformer
When conventional furniture models are still too big for the baby, and the cradle is already small, it’s time to purchase a transformer. The model combines many functions and is the next stage after a children's side bed, which is purchased so that the baby feels comfortable, but already gets used to resting in his sleeping place. The length of the product can be increased as the child grows. The result is a children's combined bed that can be used for many years.
Pros:
- ability to adapt to the child’s growth;
- The set includes a changing table;
- the presence of sides that prevent you from falling out in the middle of the night;
- built-in pendulum helps rock the baby;
- lockers provide an opportunity to conveniently distribute children's things;
- such a bed will not have to be replaced in a couple of years.
Minuses:
- This crib is not suitable for small spaces.
- The width is not adjustable. The standard parameter is 60 cm. At some point the child will feel cramped.
- Mattresses are made without the expectation that the length of the bed can change.
- If the child is too active, the structure will quickly fail.
- Poor quality materials can shorten the service life.
A type of transformer can be a children's bed with a lifting mechanism.
Hanging
This is an original version of a sleeping place that guarantees a comfortable and complete rest. Hanging children's beds differ in the types of fastenings: to the ceiling, wall or combined. Such models are often used by adults and are suitable for children over 10 years old.
Characteristic features of a classic children's bed, decor options
When installing, you can independently choose the height from the floor, but 30 cm is considered optimal. Such a bed is secured at one or several points. It is important to correctly calculate the load on the ceiling. It is recommended to fasten furniture to solid floors so that they can withstand considerable weight. For this reason, plasterboard and suspended ceilings are not suitable for such models. It is not recommended to hang furniture near walls and windows to avoid damaging them.
Pros:
- feeling of airiness and weightlessness;
- the furniture looks stylish;
- the opportunity to usefully use the bedside space.
Minuses:
- complex installation;
- this design is unsafe for little fidgets;
- Excessive rocking can interfere with sleep.
Types of bunk beds
Creating comfort and having free space in a children's room largely depends on comfortable and ergonomic furniture. The problem becomes more complicated if there are two children. In such a situation, bunk beds are an excellent solution. Both floors are reliable and comfortable. A wide range will allow you to choose the right bunk bed for kids and teenagers.
A popular type of bunk design is a loft bed with a sleeping area at the top and a lower tier, on which there can be a play area, a place to relax or a desk.
Wardrobe bed
This furniture is absolutely safe, it is equipped with comfortable ladders, sides and side walls. A bunk bed closet allows you to save free space in the room and conveniently place children's things and toys. In this design, instead of a closet, you can place a sports or play area, as well as a workplace.
A wardrobe bed allows you to save space in both small and large rooms
Sofa bed
Children's bunk beds that transform into a comfortable and stylish sofa are simply ideal for a small room or one-room apartment. On two square meters you can place a comfortable sofa for relaxing and watching movies during the day, which will also serve as a bed at night.
Additionally, the models are equipped with convenient drawers for storing toys and bedding.
True, unlike a regular bunk bed, when unfolding a transforming sofa you will need the help and control of your parents. All fasteners must be securely fixed and ensure the immobility of the frame.
Shape and placement
The shape of a children's bed can be very diverse: straight, corner designs are considered standard, oval, round, and so on are considered non-standard. The first ones are familiar to consumers, cost less, and fit perfectly in standard apartments. Non-standard beds are much less common, cost more, and are recommended for spacious rooms.
Types of beds for newborns, product requirements
In a small room, it is recommended to place a rectangular bed with the headboard against a blank wall. This will save space and protect the child from falling. Disadvantages of this placement: you can only approach from one side; if the bedroom is narrow, it visually becomes even smaller.
In the nursery, you can place furniture perpendicular to the long side, making the room visually more square. Round and oval shaped beds look good in the middle of spacious rooms. Such products are not suitable for small rooms.
Rectangular
Round
Oval
Non-standard
When placing a child's bed, it is important to consider:
- The baby should see everyone who enters the room.
- It is not recommended to place the bed opposite the door. This is believed to unbalance the energy.
- The headboard should face north.
Do not place the bed near electrical outlets, windows, electrical appliances, bookshelves, mirrors, radiators.
Perpendicular to the long wall of the room
Headboard to blank wall
In the middle of the room
Choosing a bed depending on the gender of the child
When choosing a bed, you should pay attention to the interior features of the children's room, the age and gender of the child, and also take into account personal tastes and preferences.
Girl's bed
It is better to choose a bed in soothing colors. Little princesses really love fairy-tale beds with beautiful lace and a canopy, or decorated in the form of their favorite plush animals: a panda bed, a bunny bed.
In the photo there is a four-poster sofa bed in a preschool girl’s room
Boy's bed
Boys are more active and mobile; they will prefer a loft bed, a car bed or a spaceship. Romantics and adventure seekers like everything unusual and bright. Even teenage boys are happy to decorate their rooms in the form of a ship cabin or a space station.
In the photo there is a boy’s room with a bed built into a niche in the wall.
Bed for children of different sexes
You can put a bunk bed or a loft bed. In a small children's room, the ideal option is a transforming sofa that turns into a bunk bed.
Children's beds photo:
Choosing a bed depending on the age of the child
When choosing a bed for a child of a certain age, it is very important to take into account his psycho-emotional and physical development, as well as his needs. Regardless of the age category, the bed must comply with all sanitary and hygienic norms and standards. The mattress must be selected orthopedic, of medium hardness and made of hypoallergenic materials.
For newborns
For babies, reliability, environmental friendliness, safety and comfort are most important. Babies love rocking cradles in pastel colors with toys, rattles and calm lullabies.
An oval-shaped crib is considered the safest for babies, as it has no sharp corners.
Additional safety and comfort in the crib will be created by soft protective barriers and sides, which are fixed on the backs and bars using Velcro, clasps, ties or buttons.
Photos of cribs for newborns:
For preschoolers and schoolchildren
At this age, the child can already express his opinion and have personal preferences, so it is very important to take into account the child’s wishes and help him choose the right option.
From a safety point of view, the ideal option would be a bed with rounded corners and soft sides.
Preschoolers and schoolchildren are very active and often the bed is used not only for sleeping, but also for playing. Therefore, structures must be especially durable, made of high-quality materials, with special protective sides and without sharp corners.
If you have limited room dimensions, you should take a closer look at models that combine the functions of a sleeping and working space.
At this age, children like to place their favorite toys next to them, so the beds are supplemented with shelves. Interesting and non-standard bed models are often complemented with special lighting, which is not only beautiful, but also quite practical at night.
For teenagers
Teenagers are a category that is fully capable of realizing their adventurous projects. Transforming models and all sorts of non-standard solutions are quite suitable for them. Moreover, at this age, everything bright and original is interesting not only to boys, but also to girls. Young designers will need adult help when choosing high-quality and reliable materials.
For a teenager you can already buy a standard adult bed
Photos of beautiful examples of beds in a children's room
Photo examples of placing a bed in a nursery in the interior of various styles:
