Advantages and disadvantages of chair-beds for children, selection criteria
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For many parents, the issue of choosing a compact sleeping place for their child is relevant. The solution may be a children's chair-bed that can provide a comfortable and healthy sleep. This type of furniture can be called one of the best options for small apartments. For those who are planning to purchase a folding chair, it will be useful to study some of the nuances.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main reason for buying a chair-bed for children is its compactness and versatility. When folded, it takes up no more than 1 square meter of the room, making it possible to use the rest of the space for children's games or other furniture. There are other positive aspects of using this type of bed:

  1. Storage space. Most models of chair-beds are equipped with a compartment for storing linen or other household items. There are models in which the drawer is located in front under the seat.
  2. Functionality and mobility. With ease, at any time it is possible to transform a seat into a bed and vice versa. When choosing, it is recommended to pay attention to the presence of wheels for moving the chair around the room.
  3. Large selection of chair beds. It is possible to choose the necessary colors and design, taking into account the individual needs of the child and parents.
  4. Safety. Some models are suitable for children from 2 years old, since the bed with sides is equipped with special backrests that protect the child from falling.
  5. Positive impact on health. A chair-bed with an orthopedic mattress will protect the child’s spine, preventing incorrect positions and unnecessary deflections during sleep, which is difficult to avoid on spring mattresses.
  6. Price. The types of beds under consideration are located in the price category of ordinary sofas.

With the right choice of high-quality transformable furniture, its disadvantages are unlikely to be noticeable.

The wear resistance and reliability of mechanisms depends on cost, so it is better not to skimp on children's furniture.

Inexpensive models may have the following disadvantages:

  1. Natural, high-quality and durable materials from which furniture is made tend to be expensive. Cheap options use artificial fabric for upholstery, which over time becomes covered with pills and can cause discomfort.
  2. It will be difficult for the child to independently fold the chair into bed and back, so the parent’s help will be required each time.
  3. With frequent folding from one position to another, the mechanism of inexpensive furniture will eventually fail.
  4. Due to the clear boundaries of a sectional bed, inexpensive models can put pressure on your back.
  5. Cheap options use hard upholstery, which will require you to buy a mattress.

It is important to correctly and skillfully choose a chair-bed for a children's room in order to avoid possible disadvantages and harm to health.

Pros and cons of the product

Like any other piece of furniture, a chair-bed for children has strengths and weaknesses. It is important to familiarize yourself with all the features of the product in advance. Folding chair models have the following advantages.

  1. Compactness. When folded, this piece of furniture takes up minimal space, so it will fit even in a small bedroom. At the same time, the child will have enough space for play and relaxation.
  2. Various designs. Such designs differ in shape, material, color and decor. Thanks to such diversity, it is possible to choose a suitable model for any interior design.
  3. Many products are equipped with a built-in drawer for storing bed linen, which saves space.
  4. Functionality. Depending on the situation, the structure can be used as a chair or as a bed.
  5. Possibility of using orthopedic mattresses.
  6. Easy to use. Modern models are equipped with a convenient mechanism, thanks to which even a 7-year-old child can unfold the chair.
  7. No problems when moving. These folding chairs can be completely disassembled in 15-20 minutes.

Despite the obvious advantages, many parents refuse such products because they have disadvantages. The most significant disadvantages:

  1. Sectionalism. Many budget models develop joints when unfolded, making it uncomfortable to sleep on such a surface. This feature not only leads to lack of sleep, but can also cause curvature of the spine.
  2. If the child is small and sleeps 2 times a day, you will have to disassemble and fold the chair several times a day, which is not very convenient.
  3. Constant use leads to rapid wear of the mechanism.
  4. High cost of quality products.

If parents plan to use the chair for several years, it is worth purchasing a good model right away. Budget designs break down quite quickly. In addition, they are not always comfortable to sleep on.

Advantages and main features of sofa beds, design options


Compactness


Various designs


Functionality


Easy to use

Varieties

A wide selection of models allows you to choose a child chair-bed for a boy or a girl. There are no functional differences between these options, the difference lies in the colors. Let's look at the types of chair-beds that differ from each other.

  1. Roll-out options. The name is based on the mechanism for folding the chair into a bed. This model transforms more easily than others. Its two parts are folded under the seat, and to get them out, you need to pull one - the second will roll out behind the first, the chair will turn into a berth. An additional storage box is located under the middle section. Two horizontal folds form on the sleeping bed, on top of which it is recommended to place a mattress. Even a child over 5 years old can handle the folding mechanism of the roll-out chair.
  2. With a box. Additional storage space for household items takes up a third of the bed space. The storage is located under the front pull-out section. Disadvantage: the drawer makes the bed look bulkier.
  3. Accordion. Practical look for everyday use. The chair is not made of sections. The back and seat turn into a mattress when unfolded. The advantage is that there are no folds in the accordion: when assembled, the bed bends, and when unfolded, it bends. The filler consists of springs or polyurethane foam. There is a storage box inside. The structure is metal in combination with wooden gratings. An older child can disassemble an accordion.
  4. Dolphin. Corner model consisting of three sections. The folding mechanism is located under the seat. To convert the chair into a bed, you need to remove the top cushions. There is no place to store linen, and the folding mechanism is quite complicated.
  5. French folding bed. It consists of three sections, the transformation mechanism is located in the depth of the chair. The set includes a thin mattress. The top pillows are removed when unfolded and used during sleep. To unfold, you need to pull one of the sections towards you. Daily use is not recommended due to the small thickness of the mattress (about 6 cm) and the complexity of the transformation mechanism. It is advisable to use it as a guest bed option.

Not all models are equipped with armrests and sides. This should not be forgotten when purchasing if the child is small.


Accordion


Roll-out


Dolphin


With box


Cot

Types of chair beds for children

For a young child, two types of chairs are suitable:

  • "accordion";
  • roll-out


Mattresses need to be cleaned periodically and exposed to the sun in a ventilated area - a balcony or loggia.

They are the easiest to manage. Models such as “dolphin” or a folding bed are also available, but the baby will not be able to cope with them without outside help. Therefore, furniture with such transformation mechanisms should be chosen for older children.

Children's chair-bed Gipsy-21
The usual cover of the chair is semi-soft.

When equipping a sleeping place, it is important to understand how comfortable it will be for the child when resting. Attention must be paid to all the little details - from the transformation mechanism to the material and quality of the coating.

Children's chair-bed folding with a drawer for linen Toy
If necessary, you should additionally exhaust the product to get rid of accumulated dust.

Chairs for children are made from environmentally friendly materials. They usually have well-washable upholstery, and the bottom is made mainly with slats so that there is good air circulation.

Baby chair-bed Baby
For such furniture, replaceable mattresses are chosen.

A children's folding chair-bed has its own standards for length and width. Choose an option with a small “margin” so that the sleeping space is freer.

children's folding bed chair
In order to take into account as much as possible the convenience and usefulness of a chair-bed for a child, you need to approach the choice carefully.

The usual cover of the chair is semi-soft. This creates the necessary elasticity. If the child seat is equipped with an orthopedic mattress, you should consult your doctor about its use. It is suitable for the prevention of spinal diseases, but may not be very convenient. For such furniture, replaceable mattresses are chosen.

Baby chair bed without armrests
Among the types of furniture, a small child chair is one of the compact options.

Materials and sizes

The base of the chair bed affects the durability and strength. Children love to play active games, jump and run, so it is better to opt for a metal base. There are wooden options that are not particularly durable. Plastic elements will break faster than others - they are the most fragile. Plastic is also dangerous when heated or handled carelessly.

Metal structures must be treated with a special agent that protects against corrosion. A good option is a frame made of stainless metal and wooden partitions. Models based on chipboard will not withstand active games or a child jumping on the bed.

It is recommended to pay attention to the upholstery fabric. It should not be too dense or uneven in texture. It is advisable to choose natural, hypoallergenic fabrics that are pleasant to the body. The material should wash well and be breathable.

Sliding and reclining chairs come in different lengths and widths. It is recommended to choose such a bed “with reserve” so that sleep is comfortable and the child can toss and turn. The dimensions of a sleeping place for a child from 4 years old are 175 x 70 cm. Chair beds from 3 years old are more compact in length and width.

Children are prone to sloppiness and their clothes have to be washed more often. The same applies to furniture. Therefore, the mattress of a children's bed needs frequent cleaning; it will have to be washed periodically and left to dry in the sun in a ventilated room. For children's furniture, replaceable mattresses are chosen. It is desirable to have removable covers that can be easily removed and washed in a washing machine.

Orthopedic mattresses may not be very comfortable. It is better to discuss this issue with a doctor so as not to harm the child’s spine.

The height of the mattress should be at least 15 cm. We must not forget about the level of rigidity of the product - it is selected individually. Spring fillers are irrelevant and inconvenient for children under 6 years of age.


Metal carcass


Wooden frame


Frameless chair made of polyurethane foam


Chenille fabric for upholstery


Jacquard cover


Flock upholstery

Upholstery materials and filling

When choosing upholstery material, attention should be paid not only to the appearance, but also to the practicality of the fabric. This is especially important if the product is selected for a child over 3 years old. At this age, children often dirty furniture, which is why the surfaces have to be constantly cleaned, which negatively affects the appearance of the upholstery material. In the manufacture of children's chair-beds, the following are most often used:

  1. Cotton upholstery. Budget option with average performance. The material is environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and comes in a wide variety of colors. The disadvantage of cotton is its low dirt-repellent properties. If the upholstery is not removable, it will be difficult to care for.
  2. Tapestry, jacquard. Such fabrics have high wear resistance. Despite their low cost, they are considered high quality.
  3. Flock. Most often it is impregnated with a special composition, so it is not afraid of mechanical damage. This fabric is ideal for families with pets.
  4. Suede, velvet. They belong to the expensive elite types of upholstery, make the interior luxurious and “elegant”, but require a lot of care.
  5. Velours. The fabric is pleasant and soft to the touch, fits well into the classic style. A child's chair made of velor is not the most practical option, since the fabric easily gets dirty and deteriorates from frequent cleaning.

Pros and cons of a transformable wardrobe-sofa-bed, construction and design


Cotton upholstery


Tapestry


Jacquard


Flock


Suede


Velvet


Velours

For children, cotton is considered the most suitable upholstery material. It is natural and hypoallergenic. In addition, cotton is considered hygroscopic and can absorb about 8% moisture. It is advisable that the product be equipped with a removable cover. As for fillers, they are conventionally divided into 3 types:

  1. With independent spring block. The design follows the curves of the body, creating a comfortable surface for sleeping. The advantages of this option include long service life, noiselessness, and elasticity. The main disadvantage of this type of filler is its high cost.
  2. With dependent spring block. Reliable design that can withstand heavy loads. The option is considered economical, so it will not hit the family budget.
  3. Springless fillers. This group includes models with synthetic materials: padding polyester, latex, polyurethane foam. In recent years, such blocks have become more popular - they are durable and reliable. Service life – more than 10 years. The blocks are able to withstand heavy loads and are not afraid of deformation. The most preferred materials are polyurethane foam and latex. Sintepon is a budget option that will develop dents over time.

When choosing a filler, it is important to remember that its main task is to create convenience. Moreover, it should be comfortable both in a sitting and lying position. The block must be environmentally friendly and have good air flow. It is worth considering that all options meet these requirements, so when choosing, you need to be guided only by your own preferences.

Stages of making a chair-bed with your own hands, choosing materials


With independent spring block


With dependent spring block


Sintepon


Latex


Polyurethane foam

How to choose a quality model

The organization of a child's sleeping place must be approached with all responsibility, carefully analyzing the characteristics of the chair-bed model. All materials from which the bed is made must be safe, easy to unfold, and also allow the child to rest in comfort and get a good night's sleep. When choosing, pay attention to the following points:

  1. The presence or absence of flaws or malfunctions in the connecting mechanisms for folding furniture. When choosing a suitable model, you should check the functionality of the mechanisms for transforming the chair into a bed.
  2. Quality certificate from the manufacturer. Its presence indicates compliance with special standards for furniture manufacturing.
  3. Partitions and armrests. Their presence is mandatory for protection against falls. These elements must be soft to prevent impacts and bruises.
  4. Height of protective partitions. Ideally, it is at least 10 cm. In this case, you need to take into account the size of the mattress, which reduces the height of the partition.
  5. Age characteristics. For children under 3 years old, you cannot purchase a bed that is intended for older children and teenagers.
  6. Frame and base materials. For children under 7 years old, the accordion option is relevant, the berth of which does not consist of sections, and the chair can be easily brought into the bed position.
  7. Pronounced chemical odor from materials. Upholstery fabrics and filling should not have a specific smell.
  8. Exterior view of the bed. This nuance is discussed with the child, and a model is selected taking into account his preferences.

The convenience of the folding mechanism is an important criterion. A high-quality transforming chair can be disassembled without unnecessary noise, smoothly and easily. If the sleeping place consists of separate sections that put pressure on the spine, it is necessary to purchase an additional mattress.

Models of beds in the form of bears, trains, bunnies are suitable for a short period until the baby grows up. For a long period of use, choose a neutral color option, which is decorated with beautiful, funny pillows in the shape of animals or favorite cartoon characters. Upholstery should preferably have a water-repellent function; a good option is a removable cover to avoid frequent contamination and cleaning.

When disassembling the chair into the bed position, no special efforts should be made. It’s bad if you hear a creaking mechanism - such a model will soon break.

The main emphasis when choosing a children's chair-bed should be on the qualities that ensure a healthy, comfortable sleep for the child. You also need to consider the safety of the material and design. No sharp corners, soft upholstery – additional protection for babies. It is important to carefully evaluate all the pros and cons of the furniture in question. A children's bed should not only be beautiful, but also of high quality.

Dimensions

Folding chairs come in different lengths and widths. Regardless of the age of the baby, it is better to purchase furniture with a reserve, otherwise it will not last long. For a child from 4 to 7 years old, the standard dimensions are 175 x 62 cm. If the baby is under 3 years old, designs with more compact dimensions are suitable. If the product is selected for a child over 10 years old, it is advisable that its length be at least 180 cm (especially for a boy). The width in this case should be about 70 cm.

No less important than the dimensions of the bed is the size of the mattress. The optimal height of the product is 15 cm. On such a surface the child will sleep comfortably, and the likelihood of spinal curvature will be minimized. Since a children's mattress needs constant cleaning, it is advisable to purchase a product with several removable covers at once, so that if necessary, they can be easily changed.

The standard size of a chair-bed for a child is 90 x 180 cm.

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