Everything parents should know about Bunk Beds
If your kids share a room, a bunk bed is a savvy option to free up some extra space.
But if you’re considering a bunk bed for your youngsters, you might have questions or concerns before you take the plunge. And whether it’s ‘what’s the right age for bunk beds?’ or even ‘are bunk beds safe?’, you’ve come to the right place for a bit of kid bed advice.
Read on to see the answers to all your bunk bed questions below…
What is the recommended age for bunk beds?
While there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ age for when kids are ready to sleep on the top bunk, it’s best to wait until your little one is at least six years old.
But even if your child is over six, it’s worth remembering that they might still not be ready. If your little one isn’t confident with a ladder and takes nightly trips to the bathroom, it’s safest to avoid the top bunk for now.
For the bottom bunk, wait until your child has outgrown their toddler bed and is ready to upgrade to a larger children’s bed. This usually happens at around the age of five or six years old.
Generally speaking, bunk beds are suitable for kids who are aged between 6-16 years old.
What are the benefits of buying a bunk bed?
It might go without saying, but a bunk bed is a life-saver if you’re trying to save bedroom space. When kids share a room, you’re tasked with squeezing two of everything inside one room.
So if you can save an entire bed’s worth of floor space, why wouldn’t you?! Plus, buying a bunk bed for your kids is often heaps cheaper than buying two separate singles…
And even if your kids don’t share a room, a bunk bed is a great option for sleepovers. It means you won’t need to use up precious storage space to stow away a spare mattress or camp bed.
Plus, many bunk beds have added clothes storage to save even more space. Take a look at the fabulous Parisot Stim 2 Kids Bunk Bed (below). With a built-in wardrobe and underbed storage, you’ll save plenty of space for your kids to play.
Are bunk beds safe?
As a parent, it’s natural to be worried about switching up your kids’ sleeping quarters. Especially when the top bunk is high up off the ground…
But bunk beds are perfectly safe for kids. In fact, the lower bunk can be safer than a normal single – as the mattress is often much lower to the floor compared to regular beds. So if your little one rolls out of the bottom bunk, they’ll already be within touching distance to the floor – which means no big bumps in the night!
And if you’re concerned about any topples off the top bunk, you’ll find it reassuring to know that our bunk beds are all complete with a protective rail to keep your little one safely in bed.
Take a look at the Mathy by Bols Treehouse Bunk Bed design (below). Kids will enjoy playing inside the fun treehouse design – and you can rest soundly knowing the top panels provide a safe and secure enclosure to sleep within.
As for climbing up and down the ladder at night, it’s best to wait until your little one is old enough to confidently climb the steps without assistance. Waiting until your child is at least six is advised – but there are still things you can do to make the bunk bed safer…
How can I make a bunk bed safer for kids?
If you’re concerned about bunk bed accidents, there are steps you can take to make sure everyone enjoys a safe and sound night’s sleep. Here’s how:
- Place the bunk bed in the corner of the room, so two walls surround the bed
- Choose a bunk bed that has deeper steps with more space to stand on
- If there aren’t any, install safety rails on both sides of the top bunk
- If your little one is bunking up with your eldest, choose a bunk bed where the lower bunk is extra low to the ground – and make sure your youngest takes bottom bunk
- Buy a night light and place it near the ladder, so your child can see clearly as they climb the stairs
- Make sure you leave at least two feet between the top mattress and the ceiling
The Lifetime Family Bunk Bed with Steps (below) ticks every safety box. With high safety guards lining both the top and bottom bunk, you can be completely confident your kids won’t fall out.
Plus, you won’t need to worry about ladder-related accidents. Instead of a ladder, this bed has a set of deep steps – so your little one will have more than enough space to safely clamber down. With this bunk bed, there’ll be no missing the step on the way down!
And if that isn’t enough, there’s added storage within the steps. So not only are the stairs extra safe and easy-to-use, but they help you save even more bedroom space.
Which bunk beds are good for younger kids?
Looking for a bed for kids on the younger side? Opt for a bed that has low bunks, easy-to-use steps, and safety rails. And if your little one is around the age of six or below, make sure they take the bottom bunk – which should ideally be as low to the floor as possible.
The Parisot Tam Tam Kids Bunk Bed (below) is perfect for younger kids. With its wide and flat ladder rungs and low bunks, it’s a safe and practical bunk bed for little ones.
Are bunk beds suitable for teenagers?
A bunk bed is ideal for teens who share a room. Because although they might be sharing a room, a bunk bed offers more privacy than two adjacent beds would. And not only that, but it’ll free up more space for their studies, hobbies, or socialising.
The Leo L Shaped Combination Bunk Bed (below) is perfect for teenagers. Choose to create a standard bunk bed or L shaped bunk bed, when it comes to assembling! With a contemporary design, this bunk bed will be a stylish addition to any bedroom as your kids grow up. And if your kids stop sharing a room once when they’re older, you can convert this bunk bed into a high sleeper and separate single bed.
Find a bunk bed your kids will love
Ready to find the perfect bunk bed for your kids? From fun treehouse designs to stylish and contemporary models, you’ll find heaps of options in our complete range.
If you have a question about bunk beds we haven’t answered, worry not. You can simply call our friendly team (ask to speak to me if you like!) on +44 (0) 1305 231231 or send us an email.
