subject: Get the right bed for your child [print this page] Get the right bed for your child
Getting tired of the search for the perfect bed for your kid's bedroom? Take a break for a minute and go back to basics, at the end you'll have a better idea of what you're looking for and so have a much better chance of finding it!
1 - How long do you want this bed to last?
'As long as possible' isn't for everyone. For children that are especially nervous about the thought of their very first bed you might want to consider a children's cabin bed with slide or den accessory. For boys, a children's car bed is the obvious choice for making bedtime a happy time. This will make the idea of bedtime much less daunting, but you will obviously need to replace the bed for something a little more grown up as they get closer to their tween years.
If you're past the first bed stage and looking for something to last a good few years then think about your budget, furniture is one of those items where you really do get what you pay for! The extra expense might be difficult now, but the chances of you having to replace it again in a couple of years is reduced greatly.
Consider furniture with a reputable manufacturer such as Cilek or Meblik and/or a warranty and always read the reviews of your online seller - if a quick Google of their company names bring very few results BEWARE!
2 - How much space do you have?
Even the largest of children's bedrooms can be made to feel compact by too much furniture, think about the way that your child uses their bedroom BEFORE you buy anything - for instance a boy is unlikely to need a full length wardrobe so consider brands that offer flexible internal storage with extra rails to double a full length space.
Wardrobes that have a couple of drawers at the base of the unit could save you the floor space of an additional chest of drawers. Cabin beds are the saviour of the small bedroom, they take up the same space as a single bed and pack in storage furniture too in some cases. Look for beds that have both a chest of drawers and bookcase, and if you opt for a bed with a desk make sure you have a suitable chair to match (this must be adjustable for younger children).
3 - Who sleeps there?
It sounds like a silly question, but it's not for everyone! Does your child love having sleepovers? Do you have step-children or family members staying over a lot? If it's a first bedroom, will you need to stay in there while they get used to their new surroundings?
Bunk beds are the obvious choice for a kid's room that is regularly occupied by more than one person, but not the only choice. Most regular single beds for children have the option of a pull-out bed (also known as a trundle bed or truckle bed) that slides under the bed when not in use. Many people also use these as under-bed storage drawers for extra bedding or seasonal clothing.
If you do choose to go with a bunk bed, are you going to need to split the beds into two single beds in the future? How wide are the rungs on the ladder? (The thinner they are the more painful on your feet when you get up there to change the sheets)! What is it made from? Cheaper beds made from lower quality materials may not be as sturdy as others.
4 - Single or Junior?
This relates back to our 'how long do you want it to last' point but is worth a separate mention. If you are going to need this bed to last your child longer than a year (two at most) then a childrens single bed should be the smallest size you even consider. Simple! Not just that, bedding for single beds is much easier to get hold of and will give you much more choice when it comes to decorating your child's room too.
5 - To match or not to match?
Unless you have some pre-existing bedroom furniture that is suitable for your kids to continue to use, matching bedroom furniture was invented to make your life easy. No colour matching one piece against another, no matching one brand against another - just click, buy and wait for the delivery. This is particularly important for themed furniture such as children's racing themed rooms, or a Princess' Pink Palace (clashing pinks may well haunt you for years to come).
As with any important purchase, consult all the people involved - your child, any brothers or sisters and even the retailer (they may have the inside scoop on any new furniture or accessories that aren't yet on their website as well as being able to confirm delivery timescales).
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