How to Choose the Right Kids' Bed - By: Stephanie Larkin

If you are looking at beds for your child and the toughest decision you are facing is whether to go with the pink Barbie bed or the Princess Jasmine with a canopy, you may be focusing on the least important aspect of choosing a bed. Your child will spend well over a third of his or her time on this bed. There are some very important things to consider when choosing the right bed for your child, and your favorite cartoon character is the least of them.

1. The child's age and size should be first on your list.
If you are purchasing a first bed for a toddler who is close to graduating from a crib to a 'real bed', you have several choices of size and style. Toddler beds can be designed to use your child's crib mattress to make the transition from crib to 'big kid bed' much smoother. This should only be considered if your child weighs less than forty pounds since most toddler beds have a weight limit of fifty pounds and kids grow fast.

If your child is older than three and larger than forty pounds, your best choice is a twin size bed, at least until the child hits the pre-teen years. While it is not unusual for adults to sleep in twin size beds, many sleep experts are now suggesting that twin size beds just may be too small for a good night's sleep. Once your child is about one hundred pounds and over five feet tall, you may want to seriously consider a full size bed that they can take with them when they move on to their own apartment.

2. How much space is available in the child's room?
Before you choose a bed for your child's room, measure the space that you have available. This is especially important if you are looking at bunk beds and all-in-one bedroom furnishing systems with loft beds above and dresser and desk beneath. The last thing you want is to bring home your child's dream bed only to find that it doesn't fit the space you had in mind.

If space is tight, loft beds with built-beneath shelves and drawers can be a stylish and space-saving choice. Captain's beds, which feature a mattress platform with storage space beneath are another great space saver. Of course, there are the traditional kids' favorite bunk beds for when you need to fit two beds into the space of one – or four into the space of two. One of the most popular modern bunk bed styles features a full bed beneath and a twin bed above, which allows you to give your older child the room he or she needs to sleep comfortably. This also puts a 'cushioned landing' under your younger child.

3.Will your child entertain in his room?
For older children, their bedroom is far more than their sleeping space and private sanctuary, it is their living room. Chances are that your eight to eighteen year old will be 'hanging out' with friends in his or her bedroom. A day bed may be a good choice for the teen that often has friends over for the afternoon. If your child is a bed-sitter, you'll also want to invest in a mattress with good side support to avoid the mattress breaking down at the sides.

For children who have frequent sleepovers you might consider a bed with a pop-up trundle bed hidden beneath. It is an easy way to expand a one-child bedroom to fit two children without permanently taking up extra floor space. This style of bed is great for a child that has sleepovers frequently

4. Invest in a good mattress and foundation.
Questions of style aside, the single most important piece of your child's bed is the mattress and foundation. Your child will spend about a third of his life sleeping on the mattress that you choose, and the quality of that sleep will affect nearly every area of his or her life. From schoolwork to a healthy emotional life, doctors are coming to understand just how important quality sleep is to a growing child. The best thing you can do to help your child get a good night's sleep is to invest in a high quality mattress that encourages good, deep sleep.

There are many important factors to consider when choosing a bed for your child. The most important thing to consider is how much space is available, and what type of bed is best for your child. Kid's beds come in many varieties and styles from bunk beds to beds with storage compartments. With proper research, you will eventually find that bed you have been looking for. You and your child will be very happy especially because you know he or she will be getting a good night's sleep.

About the Author

About Author:
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about products and topics concerning home improvement and decorating, often focusing on specific items such as kids beds.

Article Directory: http://www.articlerich.com

Additional Articles From - Home | Home & family | Kids