Shopping For Kids' Beds  What To Look For

With so many choices, shopping for kids' beds can seem like a daunting task. Try not to get overwhelmed. Although there are literally thousands of options to choose from, you can narrow the field quickly if you know what to look for. With a kid's bed, you should be looking for functionality, appearance, and safety. When you find the perfect combination of those three things, you will have found the perfect bed for your child.

Shopping for a bed for your child begins with functionality. A bed is meant to be a place to sleep, but beyond that, size and shape are important. How will the bed fit into the room? Will the child be playing on the bed as well? Will this be a bed the children can grow into?

Besides these important questions, you should also think about functionality with your budget. Prices for kids' beds range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. Before you set out for your favorite home d?cor store, make sure that you have a clear budget in mind. This prevents overspending when you get to the store.

Next, look at the appearance of the bed. Some people like to purchase novelty beds for their children. It might be a good option for you  choosing a bed shaped like a racecar or castle can be fun. At the same time, keep in mind that your child may not like sleeping in such a bed forever. So, if you cannot afford to upgrade in a few years, a more traditional style might be a good idea.

Bed frames are all generally the same  it is the headboard and (sometimes) baseboard that make kids' beds look different. Don't limit yourself to only looking at beds in the kids' section of the store. Although typically children want a smaller bed, you can find small options in the adult section as well. It is a good idea to try choosing three to five beds that you and your spouse like and then letting your child choose which one is his or her favorite. That way, everyone is involved in the process, but you as the parent should not allow you child to choose something that is either too expensive or that you dislike.

Of course, while you are considering the look of the bed, you should consider bunk beds or perhaps even a loft. Both can be fun options for children. Bunk beds are a good option if you have more than one child in the same room and need to save space. However, make sure that the child sleeping on the top bunk is comfortable with the idea. Also, measure your ceiling to make sure that the top bunk is far enough away! Lofts are also space-savers and are great for a child who is a bit older.

Of course, the most important part of choosing a kid's bed is safety. If this is a first bed for your little one, you might want to consider railings along the side. There are many bed options that actually allow you to remove the railings; so, as your child grows and becomes more comfortable with a bed rather than a crib, you can remove the railings. If you are choosing a bunk bed or loft option, railings are a good idea even for older children until they are used to sleeping high off the ground.

Look for height when thinking about safety as well. Some beds are raised on a platform and while this may be stylish and functional for an adult, children are prone to falling out of bed. If your child winds up rolling off the bed, you do not want them to be sleeping any higher than necessary. This may cause some serious injuries, which could be prevented easily by choosing a bed that is lower to the ground.

With younger children, it is also important to think about the design. For example, if there are posts on the headboard, small fingers could become stuck easily! In addition, watch out for beds with sharp corners. These designs could be dangerous, depending on how your child likes to play in his or her room. Remember, this bed is going to be in a child's room, so you do not want it to be a hazard while your son or daughter is playing.

Shopping for a new bed for your child does not have to be stressful or hard. Although the options might at first seem endless, as you begin to look at different styles, you can start to determine your preferences. Beds are investments, so make your decision wisely. As long as the bed you ultimately choose is safe and provides a comfortable place to sleep, it can serve your child well for years.

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.