Setting up a bedroom for a child starts out very simple. You purchase a bassinet and crib, add some coordinating furniture, and perhaps a comfortable rocking chair. You are all set for the early years of the baby's life, but at some point the baby starts to climb over the rail of the crib and you need 'big boy' or 'big girl' beds. This is when you start trying to determine whether bunk beds or single beds should take the place of the crib and bassinet. If this is your position right now, consider the following tips for making this decision.
Count the Children
Start out by considering how many children will be sharing this bedroom. If you have an only child, then you may not need bunk beds. You may choose them over a single bedso your child can have the option of where to sleep, but you could just as easily go with a double or queen sized bed. If you have two children sharing the room, or you plan on having another child and moving them into the room in the future, then you may need bunk beds. In this case, the design of your chosen bunk beds will be determined by the age of your children and how much space you think they need.
Measure the Room
How much space do you have in the room, and how much of that space can comfortably be devoted to these beds? If you need two or more beds and are worried about fitting everything into one room, again consider bunk beds. Since one bed is stacked on top of the other, you can squeeze more sleeping room into a smaller area of floor space and thus save on floor space.
If you have a small room and need to incorporate a desk and shelves, consider loft style beds. These beds are similar to bunk beds since they have a bed extended up high, but they feature desks, shelves, and other features underneath the bed. This is a great way to combine some of the functional items that would otherwise take up a lot of space in the room.
Consider the Height
Do you have at least one child who you trust to climb up into the top bunk to sleep? If your children are all young, or you are afraid they will fall from the top bunk, then bunk beds will not be the ideal selection for your home. If you have a single child who will eventually grow into that top bunk, then you can always block the ladder or take it off completely until the child is ready to climb up safely.
Consider the ability of children to climb up and down during the night, when they may not be all the way awake but may need to use the restroom. Children must be old enough to safely make that climb. Once you go through these tips, you should have a more clear idea of what type of beds you need to purchase. Bunk beds are convenient and take up much less space, but the child has to be able to safely climb up and down to the top bunk. Loft bunks are also something to consider.
Count the Children
Start out by considering how many children will be sharing this bedroom. If you have an only child, then you may not need bunk beds. You may choose them over a single bedso your child can have the option of where to sleep, but you could just as easily go with a double or queen sized bed. If you have two children sharing the room, or you plan on having another child and moving them into the room in the future, then you may need bunk beds. In this case, the design of your chosen bunk beds will be determined by the age of your children and how much space you think they need.
Measure the Room
How much space do you have in the room, and how much of that space can comfortably be devoted to these beds? If you need two or more beds and are worried about fitting everything into one room, again consider bunk beds. Since one bed is stacked on top of the other, you can squeeze more sleeping room into a smaller area of floor space and thus save on floor space.
If you have a small room and need to incorporate a desk and shelves, consider loft style beds. These beds are similar to bunk beds since they have a bed extended up high, but they feature desks, shelves, and other features underneath the bed. This is a great way to combine some of the functional items that would otherwise take up a lot of space in the room.
Consider the Height
Do you have at least one child who you trust to climb up into the top bunk to sleep? If your children are all young, or you are afraid they will fall from the top bunk, then bunk beds will not be the ideal selection for your home. If you have a single child who will eventually grow into that top bunk, then you can always block the ladder or take it off completely until the child is ready to climb up safely.
Consider the ability of children to climb up and down during the night, when they may not be all the way awake but may need to use the restroom. Children must be old enough to safely make that climb. Once you go through these tips, you should have a more clear idea of what type of beds you need to purchase. Bunk beds are convenient and take up much less space, but the child has to be able to safely climb up and down to the top bunk. Loft bunks are also something to consider.
