10 Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Kid’s Bed
Choosing a new bed for your child is not always easy – with all the options out there, sometimes it can feel overwhelming!
There are several important factors to think about, from the size of the bed – do you go for something that fits them now or plan for the future? – to the style, height and material.
At Cuckooland, we’ve been helping customers choose the best kid’s bed for their child for over a decade, and we like to think we’ve gotten pretty good at it! So, to help you decide, here are 10 important things to consider when choosing a kid’s bed.
1. Size
Size is one of the most crucial considerations when choosing a kid’s bed. The bed needs to be an appropriate size for your little one at their current age whilst allowing room for growth. A toddler bed for a 5-year-old, for example, might be fine now but will be quickly outgrown – a standard single bed might be more practical.
You could also look even further into the future. It might not seem obvious to choose a double or small double bed for a primary school-aged child, but if you have the space, doing so will mean you don’t need to replace it when they reach their teenage or adult years.
Along with the size of the sleeping area, you should also consider the height of the bed. Kid’s beds range from floor beds to high sleepers. Toddlers and young children will benefit from a floor-level or low-height bed that they can get in and out of by themselves. Mid-sleeper, loft and bunk beds are recommended for ages 6 and over.
2. Style
The style of the bed is another key consideration. You’ll want to choose something that matches your décor, meets any practical needs and reflects your child’s wants and personality.
For example, a kid’s gaming bed is perfect for a gaming-mad tween or teen. Bunk beds will be suitable for siblings who share or like to sleep in each other’s rooms. A mid-sleeper bed with space for a den underneath is ideal for kids who love to play make-believe games.
3. Room Layout
The layout of your child’s room will also play a role in your decision when choosing a new kid’s bed. The bed will need to fit and suit the available space, and you will also need to consider how it works with any other furniture in the room.
In a smaller bedroom, a loft bed with room for play or study underneath could be the best choice – just make sure your ceilings are high enough. In an awkward-shaped room, you might prefer a bed with a flexible layout, such as our Leo L-Shaped Bunk Bed which can be positioned in several configurations.
4. Storage
Sufficient storage is essential for keeping your kid’s bedroom organised. A high sleeper or cabin bed with built-in storage drawers underneath or in the steps will help bring order to the chaos without taking up extra space in the room.
5. Sleepovers
Does your child enjoy having friends over to stay? If so, consider opting for a kid’s bunk bed or trundle bed which will offer convenient additional sleeping space for guests (without you having to get the dreaded blow-up mattress pump out!)
6. Material
The construction and materials of the bed are important, as this will influence the bed’s safety and durability. Typical materials used for kid’s beds include particleboard, wood and metal.
Opting for high-quality materials and non-toxic paints and finishes will help create a healthy sleeping environment for your little one.
7. Sustainability
Another factor to consider when choosing a material is its sustainability. Eco-friendly options are increasingly important in our modern world. For example, look for FSC-certified wood from sustainable forests or particleboard made from recycled materials.
Recycling or donating your kid’s bed when they’ve finished using it is the environmentally-friendly option and will help teach your child responsible consumer habits.
8. Durability
Durability is key to ensuring your kid’s bed withstands daily wear and tear and lasts as long as you need. Look for high-quality materials and check reviews to see other customers’ opinions of the bed and its quality. Durable materials will not only last longer but also be more cost-effective.
9. Longevity
The longevity of a kid’s bed will be determined by a variety of factors, including the size of the bed and the durability of the materials. This also ties into sustainability – by choosing a bed that doesn’t need to be replaced as quickly, you can reduce waste.
You can also extend the longevity of your kid’s bed by selecting one that can adapt as your child grows. For example, our Lifetime 4-in-1 Combination Kids Bed transforms from a low house bed to a house bed, to a mid-sleeper and finally to a single bed, to see your child from toddler through to teen.
10. Mattress
Once you’ve decided on the perfect new bed for your little one, you’ll need a mattress to go with it. This is a crucial part of your child’s bed that will significantly impact their sleep quality. You need a kid’s mattress that is not only comfortable, but will also support their growing bodies.
Our DualDreams Climate Smart Sprung Mattress is dual-sided, with a summer and winter side, to help regulate your child’s temperature in all seasons. For even greater support, our OrthoSupport Anti-Allergy 1000 Pocket Sprung Mattress is also dual-sided and has an individual pocket-sprung core.
Ready to Choose Your New Kid’s Bed?
By breaking down some of the most important considerations when choosing a new kid’s bed, we hope we’ve made this tricky decision a little easier! If you’d like to discuss any of our kid’s beds or mattresses in more detail, don’t hesitate to call us on +44 (0) 1305 231231 or email customerservice@cuckooland.com.
