Jeff Lopez

The Best Mattress For Kids

Best children's mattress: The best open coil, pocket sprung and memory foam mattresses for kids | Expert Reviews — The Best Mattress For Kids

Quality sleep is an essential component of the physical and cognitive development of kids, so it’s important your child has the best mattress to support a healthy sleep cycle.

There are a lot of things to consider when looking for the best mattress for kids. Mattress size, density, support, durability, and care are just a few of the features that will ensure the mattress you decide on will be the best one for your child.

This guide covers everything, including how to match the best mattress for kids according to your child’s unique sleeping style, when to upgrade, and what are the best sizes and mattress features for young sleepers.

How Important Is Sleep For Kids?

Sleep is important for all living beings, but for kids, sleep plays a very special role in their brain development.

In the early stages of life, healthy sleep also contributes to the creation of the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is the natural ‘body clock’ that triggers alertness and drowsiness. Good sleep habits from an early age help to establish a beneficial sleep cycle.

Kids who sleep well develop positive recovery habits that can have life-long benefits. Poor sleep habits during childhood can lead to a lifetime of difficult sleep.

If your child needs a constant wake up call, it could be a sign that they are not completing all the stages of sleep. Buying the best twin mattress for kids is one way to help.

Other strategies include making sure kids are sleeping for the total recommended hours as per their age group. The best and only way to help children get enough deep sleep each night is to create a strict sleep schedule.

By combining these actions, your child can perfect their sleep cycle so they wake up energized and ready for another day of fun and learning.

How Much Should Kids Sleep?

Depending on the age of your child, kids can spend up to 5 more hours in bed compared to adults. This extra time between the sheets makes a quality mattress a must-have for kids.

Category	Age	Recommended hours of sleep per day
Newborns	0-3 months	14-17 hours
Infants	4-11 months	12-15 hours
Toddlers	1-2 years	11-14 hours
Preschoolers	3-5 years	10-13 hours
School-age children	6-13 years	9-11 hours
Teenagers	14-17 years	8-10 hours

A quality sleep surface, combined with the right number of hours in bed, positions children for better mental and physical health. Investing in the best mattress for kids is just as important as ensuring children get the right amount of sleep. It’s close to impossible for a child to sleep soundly on a bed that does not support their body.

Kids require more shut-eye than adults because during the sleep cycle key mental and physical developments take place.

The benefits of sleep for children include:

Alertness
Improved memory
Faster reaction times
Increased energy
Brighter mood
Better behavior

When a child is deprived of sleep, not only will they feel fatigued, but they can also face serious learning difficulties at school. The inability to retain and recall information is one of the most common side effects of poor sleep in children.

How To Help Your Child Sleep Better?

The two best things parents can do to ensure that their children develop healthy sleeping habits are creating a bedroom environment optimized for rest and helping kids develop a sleep schedule.

A recent sleep study of 300,000 children in North America, Europe, and Asia found that children whose parents set strict bedtime guidelines had better sleep hygiene than children without consistent routine.

Setting up the bedroom with the best mattress for kids and having strict bedtimes will ensure your kids have energy-charged mornings each day. Making kids comfortable during bedtime will guarantee they will fall asleep faster.

With so many distractions, some kids find it really difficult to switch their minds off before bed – even if you have upgraded them to the best mattress possible! To help your kids develop the best routine, you can also encourage the following pre-bedtime habits:

Swap TV and games for some bedtime reading
No sugars before bedtime
Warm baths to create calmness

The Right Kids Mattress Size

Mattress size dimensions are a great place to start if you’re on the lookout to upgrade your kids’ mattress to help them sleep better.

Whether transitioning a toddler from a crib to a bed or deciding what size mattress is best for your teen, selecting the right mattress size will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your kid will always be comfy regardless of when they have a growth spurt.

How to sleep better : 5 tips for children

A good night’s sleep is about getting to sleep and staying asleep. Most children wake up by themselves in the morning if they’re getting enough good-quality sleep.

Set up a bedtime routine
A regular bedtime routine starting around the same time each night encourages good sleep patterns. A routine of bath, story and bed can help younger children feel ready for sleep. For older children, the routine might include a quiet chat with you about the day then some time alone relaxing before lights out.

Keep older children’s naps early and short
Most children stop napping at 3-5 years of age. If your child over five years is still napping during the day, try to keep the nap to no longer than 20 minutes and no later than early afternoon. Longer and later naps can make it harder for children to get to sleep at night.

Make sure your child feels safe at night
If your child feels scared about going to bed or being in the dark, you can praise and reward her whenever she’s brave. Avoiding scary TV shows, movies and computer games can help too. Some children with bedtime fears feel better when they have a night light.

Choose the right mattress for your child

A quality, well-made, and comfortable mattress can definitely help your child get the right amount of sleep. twin mattress for kids is the best option for better sleep of your child .Having healthy sleep habits is often referred to as having good sleep hygiene.

Eat the right amount at the right time
Make sure your child has a satisfying evening meal at a reasonable time. Feeling hungry or too full before bed can make your child more alert or uncomfortable. This can make it harder for her to get to sleep. In the morning , a healthy breakfast helps to kick-start your child’s body clock at the right time.

Snooze News: 7 Ways Sleep Loss Is Linked To Overeating

The holiday season is here, and you know what that means: WAY too much food and a six-week visit from Uncle Sleep Loss. With all the cooking, shopping, hosting, guesting, and traveling, sleep is probably the last thing on your mind during the holidays. But, it should be the first.

Sleep loss negatively affects your mood, thinking, and appetite, which can send you into a feeding frenzy that could wreck your holiday spirit. Here’s exactly how the vicious cycle works. Because knowing the offense will help you prepare your sleeping defense.

1. Your brain thinks you have the munchies

Experts say when you’re low on sleep, your body raises the level of an organic compound called endocannabinoid. This lipid actually mirrors the effects of marijuana on your brain, making unhealthy food that much more enjoyable to consume.

2. You can’t tell when you’re hungry or full

Two key hormones, leptin and ghrelin, help regulate feelings of hunger and fullness respectively. But sleep deprivation throws these hormones out of whack, making it hard for you to know when you’re actually hungry or satisfied. As a result, you usually keep eating (and your aunt keeps thinking you actually love her cooking).

3. You crave carby, fatty, sugary foods

You know the oven-roasted green beans are a healthier choice than than the fried sweet potato pie. Even though you have every intention of reaching for the greens, your brain’s ability to make wise decisions becomes more difficult with a lack of sleep, research shows. On top of that, the primal region of your brain desires more rewards—like the ones you get from sugar and fat—when you’re low on sleep. You might as well fast forward to your food coma.

4. You’re more susceptible to stress-eating

While you’re body is equipped to manage short bursts of stress (say, running from a mountain lion), it’s not so good at handling prolonged periods of stress (say, the entire holiday season). When you’re stressed over a long period of time, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, which increases your appetite and motivation to eat. Ask yourself: Do you really want that third piece of cornbread or does cortisol want it?

5. You’re more likely to eat mindlessly

Ever polish off a plate of mashed pots without realizing it? Twelve years ago, a landmark study found that humans make more than 200 food-related decisions daily, and we’re unaware of 90 percent of them. When you add sleep loss to the mix, which impairs your judgement and reduces impulse control, you have a recipe for mindless eating. Eating in groups can also influence you to eat more than you realize. So now you have a legit reason to excuse yourself from the dinner table early.

6. You may raid the fridge at night

It’s no secret that sleep loss can have us looking in the fridge for what we didn’t get in bed. One study showed people ate an extra 385 calories following a night of sleep deprivation.That’s about 1.5 pieces of pumpkin pie, if you’re counting.

7. You might binge-eat

With extended family around, there will be SO many feelings. And when you’re short on sleep, women especially are likely to turn to food as a coping mechanism, research shows. It’s a complex issue that often requires the help of a medical professional, but one thing is for sure: Sleep is the best gift you can give yourself for the holidays. And jewelry.

A mattress for kids is a long-term investment that requires careful consideration. It would be best if you bring your little ones with you when shopping for mattresses as they would be better at picking out the one that suits them most. For more details please drop comments in the comment section.

Tips for Buying Your Child’s First Big Boy Or Girl Mattress

Transitioning your infant from a crib or youth bed is important and can play a very big part in your little ones health and development. Here are our tips on finding the right first mattress for your child.

Choose The Right Size- Twin mattress for kids and twin extra-long are both great choices for little boys and young girls. Your child will have as much sleeping space as each adult has in mom and dad’s king size mattress. Providing you have the available space you may also want to consider full or queen size beds for not only additional comfort and growth but friends they may invite to sleep over when they get older.

Getting The Correct Support For Your Little Girl And Boy- Visit the store of choice and allow your child to test mattresses for comfort and support. Depending on your child’s communication skills and age they can tell you which mattresses feel best, but keep it simple this one vs. that one and then eliminate the least favorite and so on. Do not overwhelm them – you may have to assist in the final decision.

Don’t Buy Merely On Price Alone- Higher prices don’t automatically translate into better quality beds for the kiddos despite the fact the absolute cheapest prices almost always translate into poor quality and yes even worse support. The solution is doing your homework and researching construction, focusing on support and feel, and finally be prepared to pay a realistic price for that quality, support, and comfort for your little one.

Will The Mattress Also Be Used As A Guest Bed- Couples with small kids who are often just starting out occasionally find themselves using their child mattress as the guest bed. Prepare for friends and family with a larger mattress size that can handle grown-ups. Consider full or queen size or even a daybed with trundle and again be sure the mattress can support adult weights, this will ultimately save you money when your child grows up and breaks 100 pounds themselves.

Know What Building Material To Look For- Look into the bones of a bed using an x ray of sorts. Sales people, internet research, and talking to others are great ways to get an inside look at brands and see how the composition of various construction materials perform over time. Foam density, ILD, coil count, gauge of steel, mattress thickness, box spring, platform, or foundation are just some of the countless things you can look into and determine what mattress may best fit your needs.

Choose The Correct Firmness- Firmness is not always about being hard as a rock however your child’s bones and spine are growing, and with that said most pediatricians recommend firmer mattresses to encourage good bone growth and spinal alignment which comes from the good inner core of a mattress. A sleep system could utilize high density foam, coil springs, or even latex rubber as its core support but don’t be afraid to add a plush or pillow top surface to the mattress surface to make the bed more comfy reducing the pressure that will make them uncomfortable and disturb sound sleep.

Set A Realistic Budget- While many people walk into a store expecting to pay 100.00 or less for a decent mattress set, others believe they have to spend thousands to get premium quality, value, and comfort. The fact is there are high quality mattresses available reasonable prices. $250.00- $500.00 is not unrealistic. Perhaps more for specialty beds like organic and latex rubber.

Focus On The Mattress First- A huge mistake parents often make when buying their child’s first mattress is spending too much money on “decorative furniture” which can ultimately reduce the amount of money they have left to spend on a mattress set. This could be a costly mistake that compromises comfort, support, and yes even quality.

Don’t Give Your Child A Hand Me Down Mattress- Need to save money? Consider used garage sale or hand me down furniture to help save money. We never recommend an used, worn, unsupportive mattress it is an unhealthy choice for anyone but especially a growing and developing child.

Consider The Various Kinds Of Mattresses Offered- Waterbeds, Memory Foam, Coil Springs, Air Beds, Latex, Wool Mattresses, Organic, Adjustable are just some of the many different kinds of mattresses that you can choose for your child.

Choosing an Organic Kids Mattress

One of the most important decisions a parent can make is choosing an organic kids mattress. Sleep is critical to your child’s health and well-being, and since kids spend more than one third of their lives in direct exposure to their mattress materials it’s crucial to their health that those mattress materials be safe, organic and non-toxic.

A safe, non-toxic mattress for kids can determine whether he/she sleeps well or not. Kids are more vulnerable to the toxins in mattresses since their fragile organ and elimination systems are developing and they can’t easily detoxify. During sleep, children’s bodies work to recover from the accumulation of toxins and stress from their day. The cells attempt to regenerate and the body tries to eliminate toxins. The last thing you want to do is introduce more toxins from your child’s mattress.

The way to ensure a non-toxic sleep environment is to avoid polyurethane foam, memory foam and other synthetic materials. Also avoid mattresses with fire retardants. Your kids need a mattress with good quality organic, non-toxic materials.

Firm vs Soft Mattress for Kids

Trying to decide between a firm vs soft mattress for kids? Kids generally need firm support for postural alignment when they are young. A kids organic mattress that is too soft might lead to improper spine alignment, which could cause posture and back issues. A good comfort level for a kids mattress is firm or cushion firm, which means the organic mattress is supportive and firm with some cushion for comfort. Good postural and spinal alignment is not simply about firmness but whether a mattress distributes weight properly.

As they grow older, kids may begin to prefer a softer mattress, but this is always a matter of preference. It’s best to begin with a firm mattress since you can always add a soft topper as your child grows older. You can always make a firm mattress softer, but if you start out with a soft mattress and find your child needs more support, there’s not a lot you can do.

Natural Latex vs Coils

Should you get an organic kids mattress with metal coils or innersprings?

There’s a popular belief that the metal in a mattress acts as an antenna to attract and amplify EMFs. I’ve extensively looked into this, and there is no evidence to this incorrect assumption. The misunderstanding comes from a popular blog post that provided speculation about innerspring mattresses, which was not based on fact. In actuality, the authors of the study that is supposed to make this claim actually say that metal in a mattress has a weakening or attenuated influence on EMFs. Even so, the conclusions of this study are continually misrepresented. EMFs are definitely something to be concerned about, especially in the bedroom since they can interfere with sleep. See EMFs and Innerspring Coils

Support Layer of an Organic Kids Mattress

The support layer controls how deeply the heavier parts of your body sink down into a mattress. It also helps the comfort layers hold up the more recessed parts of the body when necessary.

Innersprings

An innerspring organic kids mattress has a completely different support layer than a mattress with individually wrapped coils (also called encased or pocketed coils). Traditional innersprings are continuous coils that are connected with metal helicals. Innerspring mattresses are less expensive since they are easier to make. However, a good quality innerspring will last a long time. Innersprings can provide a firm support to a mattress but they have less ability to provide body contouring like individually wrapped coils. Therefore, they can be less comfortable.

Individually-Wrapped Coils

Individually wrapped (encased) coils are enclosed individually in a cloth material, creating separate pockets that function and move independently. The independent coils feel a little more buoyant while relieving pressure on the joints. They provide individualized comfort by cradling and conforming to the body. The wrapped coils are more responsive to your child’s weight and movements than traditional innerspring mattresses, so your child gets balanced back support. This results in less tossing and turning. Wrapped coils also provide airflow to reduce overheating.

In addition, you don’t get the transfer of motion you get with an innerspring. Individually-wrapped coils are great for adults that don’t want to be disturbed every time their partner moves. And if you lie down with your child on their encased coil mattress until they fall asleep, as many parents do, you are less likely to disturb your child when you leave the bed.

Individually-wrapped or encased coils provide more comfort, better weight distribution and support than an innerspring. The only drawback is that they are more expensive.

Latex Support Core

Natural Latex comes from the milky liquid from a rubber tree. The liquid is harvested and then baked into a foam. Latex is an extremely durable mattress material, and will easily outlast polyurethane foam, which breaks down over time. A good quality latex support core will last over 20 years – throughout your child’s childhood and beyond.

Latex is resilient, with a tendency to spring back to its original position and adjust to different body weight and sleeping positions. Latex is able to maintain its comfort for a long time without body impressions or sagging. And as with pocketed coils, you don’t get the motion transfer like you do with innersprings.

Latex is an expensive material, but it can be combined with coils within a support layer, which can make it more affordable. It also weighs more than most mattresses. If you’re concerned about latex allergies, then choose a mattress with individually-wrapped coils instead of latex.

You need to be careful that you are getting quality natural latex and not a synthetic blend. A mattress can be labelled as a natural latex mattress even if it only has about an inch of latex. Latex can also be made synthetically from a chemical called styrene butadiene, and you definitely want to avoid that. Synthetic is a lot less expensive than natural latex, but it’s not a healthy alternative.

Latex certified to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) means that all latex sap comes from certified organic rubber plantations. This certification also ensures fair labor practices and a reliable trustworthy supply chain.

Comfort Layer

When discussing a comfort layer for an organic kids mattress, the only thing I will mention about polyurethane foam (especially memory foam) is to avoid it. These are not safe materials for kids (or adults) since they are made with toxic chemicals that can off-gas.

Latex, organic cotton, or individually wrapped microcoils make excellent comfort layers for an organic kids mattress.

Organic cotton is a safe, non-toxic material that provides a breathable, firm comfort layer. It’s important that the cotton be GOTS certified.
Microcoils are miniature versions of individually wrapped coils and are used in some mattresses as a comfort layer. Microcoils will gently push back and support the body really well. The coils are tiny so you won’t feel them, and they form a slight cradle, contouring to the body to relieve pressure points. Another great quality of microcoils is that they provide excellent breathability.
In addition to being a great choice in a support core, natural latex can make an excellent sleep surface. Latex provides a cooler sleep surface than synthetic foam and can provide a somewhat similar feel to memory foam without the toxicity. A latex topper is also a great choice for a super firm mattress that might need more cushion. However, if you have any allergy concerns with latex, you might want to choose organic cotton or microcoils for your child’s sleep surface.

What Are The Options Of House Beds For Kids?

If this is the first time that you are looking at house beds, you need to understand that there are many different beds on the market. Some are meant for older kids and others for toddlers, they vary the materials used. The mattress will depend on whether the house bed includes guardrails or not, among others.

Since there are so many differences, I decided to show you the main 6 categories of house beds.

House Shaped Floor Bed

This is the kind of house bed that is usually based on the Montessori principles. In case you never heard about it, it states that a bed is not only a place to sleep but also a place to play. And this is exactly what you get in this kind of house bed.

House Bed For Toddler

House beds for toddlers are usually low to the ground. The mattress can almost be in contact with the floor or the bed legs are small. This is great to ensure that your toddler won’t hurt himself if he rolls off his new bed. Also, this type of house beds include both headboards and rails. Depending on the bed that you buy. they can be removable.

House Bed With Storage

When you have a small home, you know how storage is important. And even if you have a large bedroom, storage is never enough, Especially when you have kids. So, one of the best things that you can do is to buy a house bed with storage. This usually translates into a drawer or two under the bed.

House Bed With Play Features

You already know how important it is for kids to play and how this can help them develop. So, buying a house bed with play features is a great opportunity. This type of house can include a fence, a ladder, a chimney or a door. Some have a spacial curtain to hang over the structure to pretend it’s a home or a castle that your kid needs to defend.

Full-Size Mattress House Bed

One of the main concerns among parents is that their kid’s room decoration won’t last over time. In case you’re looking to prevent this from happening, one of the best choices that you have is to buy a full-size mattress house bed. After all, you’ll have extra space for reading their bedtime stories and you won’t need to change the mattress or the bed while they grow.

House Bed With Trundle

One of the best things about house beds with trundles is that you always have an extra bed when you need. Perfect when a relative has kids and they spend the night at your home. Also, when your kid decides to invite a friend for a sleepover, you don’t need to worry about finding an extra bed.

Need a help or suggestion related to buying a twin mattress for kids, please drop your comments in the comment section.

A Simple Guide to Help You Choose the Perfect House Bed for You Kid

Looking for the perfect house bed for your kid? There are many different house beds that you can buy. Not all them will suit your needs. To make sure that you get the best house bed for your kids, consider the following before you make your final decision.

Things to Consider Before Buying a House Bed

Size Of The Room

You need to make sure that you have the right measurements of the room. The floor space available, but also the height of the ceiling. In case of you already have any other furniture, please take all the measurements of those as well. This will help you to choose the bed with the right size and shape for your kid’s room.

2. The Height Of The Ceiling

The height of the ceiling of the room is also important. While this tends to be a more important factor when you are considering buying a loft bed or a bunk bed. A house bed can be higher or lower in height, depending on the shape of the roof. Also, if you have a different room shape, you may also want to take notice of it.

3. Age Of The Kids

While some house beds are meant for making the transition from the crib to a toddler’s bed, other house beds are designed with older kids in mind. Besides, pay attention to the weight capacity.

4. The Mattress

If you already have a mattress for kids bed, make sure that you will be able to use it on the one that you choose. As you know, there are many different mattresses thickness and size and they may not suit the dimensions of the house bed that you buy.

How To Get Kids With Autism To Bed

Parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum already have their hands full.

To make things even more challenging, many autistic children also experience difficulties falling and staying asleep. They may act out and require extra attention from mom and dad. It’s not uncommon for them to take longer than normal to fall asleep, and once they are asleep bedwetting might be a regular occurrence.

Considering the challenges these little ones already face, it’s imperative that they get the right amount of sleep. This will help them perform better academically, encourage the development of motor skills, and allow them to maintain a better mindset.

Not to mention, it’ll help mom and dad get a fuller night of rest, too!

What is Autism?

With 1 in 45 children now diagnosed with autism, this condition is nearing epidemic proportions. It has grown exponentially, from affecting just 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 45 in a matter of decades.

But what is it?

Autism is a neurological disorder, meaning it affects the nervous system. Because the nervous system controls every function of the body, autism can present itself in a variety of ways, although there are often commonalities.

The most prevalent symptoms include difficulty communicating, undeveloped social and motor skills, obsessive tendencies, repetitive behaviors, and gastrointestinal disorders, to name a few. ASD is referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” indicating that there’s a spectrum to this disease. Some kids and adults have a more “mild” case, and are on one end of the spectrum, while severe cases would be diagnosed on the other side.

Sleep and Autism

Autism sleep problems are often reported by parents who are trying to manage their children’s disorder. They recognize that in order for a child to function at their best, they need adequate bedtime. That’s part of the human condition.

However, the behaviors exhibited by autistic kids are the very things that prevent them from getting to bed. These behaviors include:

Hyperactivity
Compulsions
Inattention
Obsessive rituals
Physical aggressiveness

In adults, lack of sleep can bring out the worst. The same is true for autistic kids. It’s almost like a vicious circle. These children are already facing daily challenges as they try to deal with being autistic.

To make matters worse, the behaviors that prevent them from sleeping properly are exacerbated by not getting enough sleep. The cycle continues, and parents worldwide are struggling to find answers to help their children get the rest they so desperately need.

Creating a Relaxing Sleep Environment

Surround them with the things they love. A soft blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, and a glowing nightlight can all help an autistic child fall asleep and stay in bed all night. Other things that may help are a white noise machine and comfortable pajamas.

Comfortable Bedding

A comfortable mattress can make a world of difference. If your little one is sleeping on a hand-me-down that’s several years old, it might be time for an upgrade. The same goes for sheets and pillows. Look for sheets that are made of natural fabric, like cotton, eucalyptus or bamboo. Your child’s pillow should also be carefully considered. It should be medium softness, without being too high or low

Night Lights

It’s not unusual for a young person to be afraid of the dark, and a nightlight can help. We suggest finding one with a dim glow. A light that’s too bright may keep your child awake.

Mummy Bag

Autistic people tend to find pressure touch calming, and a mummy bag simulates this. The idea is similar to swaddling your baby, which if you recall, they found supremely comfortable and relaxing.

A mummy bag works much the same way. Kids who resist mummy bags may need to be told that this is what Superman (or some other hero) wears when he sleeps.

Comfortable Mattress

Take a look at your existing mattress for kids and check it for wear and tear, sagging and odors. If your child’s mattress is uncomfortable, it will certainly affect their ability to get a peaceful night of rest.

Bedtime Clothing

Parents will have to do some investigative work to find the best solution. The first place to start is to make sure that all pajamas fit well and are comfortable. Check to see if your child is taking off their clothes during the middle of the night, which is a key indicator that they’re sleeping hot and need something cooler.

Conclusion

Getting a child to fall asleep, regardless of whether they’re autistic or not, is a nightly challenge that could last for years. While most children respond well to behavioral training and modifications, this isn’t always the case for a child who is autistic.

Within this list of tips, we hope you’ve found one, or a combination of a few of them, helpful for your situation.

Are Loft (Bunk) Beds Safe For Kids & Toddlers? – Read Before Buying

However, cautious parents have safety concerns. What are the dangers of falling out of bed? What kinds of injuries can happen? How common are they? Do the risks outweigh all the features and benefits?

In this article, we’ll answer the question, “Are bunk beds safe for kids?”

Facts About Bunk Bed Injuries

In the US, there are thousands of bunk bed-related injuries every year. On average, there are 36,000 per year, and the sad thing is that they’re completely preventable. Because of the height associated with the loft levels, these injuries are often more serious than if the same type of injury occurred on a regular furniture item lower to the ground.

Most injuries occur from falling off of the top during sleep or play. While it seems like bruises or broken bones would be the top type of injury sustained, it’s actually cuts that are most common, especially on the head and neck area.

Parents can find comfort in the fact that the injuries are mostly due to how toddlers use and behave on loft beds. With a little bit of parental guidance and some preparation, you can help ensure that your child’s room is a safe haven for sleep, rather than an accident waiting to happen.

Loft Bed Safety Tips

Use Guardrails:

Guardrails will help prevent accidental falls that would occur from rolling off the edge. At a minimum, there must be guardrails on the top level with only a single opening for getting into and out of bed. They should extend at least five inches above the top of the mattress. Also, the width of the opening should be no more than 15 inches across.

Check Mattress foundation:

The foundation of the structure should be sturdy and firm. If you put pressure on it and push it, it shouldn’t feel rickety, wobbly or otherwise unstable. Also, make sure that the size of mattress for kids is appropriate for the foundation. For example, don’t try to size up or down, as that could make it easier to roll off or get stuck.

Age Limit:

If you have children under six years old, they should not be allowed to sleep on the top. Since more than half of the victims of these injuries are under the age of five, this is an automatic rule.

No Playing on the Bed:

Horsing around on bunk beds is fun, and most of us have fond memories of playing on them. And if you’re anything like us, you also have some not-so-fond memories of falling and a broken wrist or two.

Boys are much more likely to be injured, just like they’re statistically more apt to play and push the limits of loft-style designs.

And while it goes without saying that no one should be playing on the top loft, it should also be noted that playing under the bed can be equally dangerous.

Use Light Lamp:

Your child should be able to see their surroundings when there’s a top bunk involved. At the very least, put a light right next to the ladder so your child can turn on a light without having to descend into utter darkness.

Where to Safely Place It

First and foremost, your child should be able to get in and out of bed easily. You should also take safety considerations into mind, and these will be dependent on the layout of the room. Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:

Avoid putting it directly underneath or next to ceiling fans or light fixtures.
Don’t put it up against a window.
Check that there is ample room for your child to sit without hitting his or her head on the ceiling.

Conclusion

Bunk beds have evolved in both safety features and design since the days that we were kids. However, they do come with dangers. As parents, it’s important that we’re aware of what can happen if we’re not careful and attentive, and take every step we possibly can to prevent an injury.

With proper precaution, we can enjoy all the benefits that bunk beds have to offer!

8 Big Ideas for Small Bedroom Spaces for Your Kids

With small rooms, we need to get creative with big ideas! Creating the best bedroom for your little ones is possible, even if you’re short on space. Here are 8 suggestions for designing kids rooms in small spaces.

1. Double Up with Bunk Beds

Height is a great way to maximize small spaces, which makes bunk beds an easy go to. For tinier tots, it’s nice to keep the lower bunk close to the carpeted floor to make it softer and easier for them to climb in and out of bed. This darling bunk bed frame is beautifully crafted and we love the privacy that the pom pom curtains provide.

2. Give Your Beds a Lift

I remember dreaming about having a loft bed as a child because it doubled up as a treehouse or my own personal fort.

This lumberjack themed bedroom makes wonderful use of the space, and its cozy nook even encourages a bit of storytime.

It’s a good set up because that space underneath could be adapted in other homes to use as desk space for homework time too.Sometimes the “I want the top bunk” argument gets tricky.

The solution? Give them both the top bunk! We think this loft bed for two is a wonderful idea, especially if your kids are a similar age. The area underneath can make a suitable space for a play area, or a good hideaway spot as storage for toys and books.

3. Secret Stowaways

Sleepovers are always great fun and so is being prepared for them.

Save yourself the trouble of looking for spare sleeping bags in storage and opt for a pull out bed that you can conveniently tuck away underneath. They also come in handy when you’re reading bedtime stories. It’s all fun and games until it’s time to clean up the toys and you’ve got teddy bears falling out of every nook and cranny. Pick a bed with built-in storage for faster tidy up time.

4. Upgrade the Window Seat

Speaking of storage, why not give the window seat an upgrade by installing shelves underneath?

5. Bye-Bye Doors

With an open closet, you get the storage space by not worrying about whether or not it fits with the door shut. Added bonus, you’ll be quicker to clear out the things you no longer need nor want to look at! We think it’s a great idea to have the clothes hung low enough too, so they can help pick out the day’s outfits.

Another example of eliminated wardrobe space is this alcove nook created where there were once doors. Splitting the area into two heights, with space for laundry underneath and a fun seating area up top.Maybe we don’t notice it at first, but doors can often take up more space than we realize.

6. Barely There Bookshelf

Ah, so many books, so little space. Did you know you can use the area behind the bedroom door?

Create book ledges using wall trims for an instant bookshelf that maximizes this often wasted space. It makes a lovely personal library and pick out your favorite book covers to display.

7. Portable Playhouse

Playhouses help to create those fantasy worlds. We love these teepees that you can prop up during play time and stow away after.

A nice way to create a corner for the day’s entertainment, that can also be converted to other activities as the week wears on.

8. Creative Space Savers

Learning should always be interactive, and there are plenty of ways to make it so.Even without a major overhaul, you can create your own learning space by using a metal sheet and sticking plenty of magnets in an array of colorful letters and numbers.

Inside every child is the potential to become the next Picasso, and what better way to encourage them (without drawing on walls) than by placing a chalkboard in the room. Whether using chalkboard paint straight on the wall, or a frame that you can move around, you can use it as a learning tool and taskboard too without taking up much space.

Designing kids’ rooms can be fun even in small spaces, so do let us know if any of these ideas have inspired you!