What kind of bed should you choose for a child?
For parents, choosing a bed for their child is one of those investments that warrants careful consideration. While the bed will certainly influence the layout of the rest of the room, it will above all affect the child’s sleep —and, by extension, that of the parents. There are no specific rules regarding the right age to transition a child from a crib to a larger bed. Some recommend 18 to 24 months, while others prefer the 2- to 3-year-old range. Still others suggest 3 to 4 years. The only thing that’s certain is that once a child is no longer comfortable in their crib or starts climbing the crib rails, it’s time to start thinking about the next step. Let’s explore our guide to find out what type of bed to choose for a child.
Reflecting on the child’s actual needs
What kind of bed does a child really need? If the bedroom isn’t very large and the child isn’t afraid of heights, a combination bed, a bunk bed, or a loft bed are all excellent options. And to maximize storage space in the room, there are also beds with built-in drawers. A pull-out bed, on the other hand, gives the child the opportunity to invite a friend over for a sleepover from time to time.
Consider the appropriate bed height for your child
The height of the bed you choose is important, as it will affect the child’s independence. With a bed frame close to the floor, the child will be able to get in and out easily. Conversely, if the bed is too high, the child will have to ask adults for help on a regular basis. This step is particularly important, especially if the child is still young.
What is the recommended bed size for a child?
The bed recommended immediately after the crib is a children’s bed measuring 70 x 140 cm. This model is specially designed for young children aged 18 to 24 months. These dimensions match those of an adjustable crib when it reaches its largest sleeping surface.
It’s also worth noting that this type of bed features side rails at both the head and foot of the bed, which allows you to place the bed anywhere in a room. Depending on the model, these rails may be removable, making it possible to gradually transition to a bed with open access. An added bonus is that, in most cases, these intermediate-stage children’s beds are fairly low, which does not limit the child’s independence while still preventing the risk of accidents.
Another intermediate size is available: the 70 x 160 cm junior bed. This bed is perfectly suited to a child’s height and weight, while offering more space. This model is sometimes overlooked in favor of a standard-size single bed.
To save space, these types of beds usually come with a drawer underneath for storing a comforter, sheets, or any other items.
What material should you choose for a child's bed?
For a child's bed, the best material is still untreated wood. However, high-density fiberboard (HDF) is also considered a high-quality material. It must not, however, have been chemically treated.
Et comme pour n’importe quel achat qui concerne les enfants, attention aux Composés Organiques Volatils (COV). Il faut penser à regarder les étiquettes des produits pour vérifier leur score et examiner aussi les éventuelles peintures : cela doit correspondre, dans l’idéal, à des peintures à base d’eau, sans produits chimiques ni vernis.
For a child's bed, it is recommended to choose a bed with a slatted base. This choice promotes better ventilation for the mattress.
Buy the mattress separately
To make things easier for customers, many manufacturers offer children’s beds that come with a box spring and mattress included. The concern is that the quality of the mattress may not always be up to par. To ensure greater comfort for the child, it is recommended to purchase the mattress separately. It is also advisable to choose a hypoallergenic, firm, and dust-mite-resistant model.
What kind of bed should you choose for a child?
This step may seem minor, but it’s best for the child to like the look of the bed you choose if you want them to spend long nights in it without complaining.
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A treehouse bed or a house-shaped bed
Very trendy right now, cabin or house-style beds are popular with many children, both girls and boys. There are a variety of models (cars, princess castles, hollow-structured cabins, etc.) in all sizes. The smallest ones are generally 70 x 140 cm. Most of these beds are made of pine, with an exposed frame and a mini roof structure.
Cabin beds can be a bit more elaborate, with a slimmer frame that allows you to hang sheer curtains, garlands, or even regular curtains.
Kids love this kind of furniture, which serves as a place to rest, play, and hide all at once.
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A boat-shaped bed
The boat-shaped bed has high sides at both the head and foot. These models feature a sturdy frame—usually made of solid wood—that cradles the child and prevents falls thanks to small raised edges running along the length of the bed. The boat-shaped bed combines safety with a nautical theme!
All that's left is to choose the size that best suits the child, based on their age and the available space in the room.
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A loft bed or a bunk bed
Loft beds come with a small ladder to reach the sleeping area. These models come in various heights and are often seen as a symbol of a child’s independence. They typically feature a small desk, as well as drawers or storage compartments and a bookshelf.
Loft beds are usually intended for children over 6 years old because of their height. However, you should still make sure your children are comfortable with this type of bed—by letting them try one out at a friend’s house, for example—before making any purchase.
When children transition from a crib to a children’s bed (a single bed without side rails), many parents worry about potential falls. In reality, this happens very rarely. However, for added peace of mind, simply place the bed against a wall and attach a removable safety rail. Made of fabric or nylon, the rail slides easily under the mattress using a metal arm (without creating any bulge). There’s nothing better for optimal safety.
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