Loft bed: the ultimate sleeping experience for children
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The time has come, your child wants more space in the room for playing and a sturdy bed at the same time. Yes, it's about a loft bed!
A loft bed is a great way to give children extra space to play under the bed. In addition, it provides a cozy playing atmosphere and security. It is important to have raised edges so that they do not fall out and they are recommended from 6 years.
In this article I will tell you all about loft beds and whether they are fun for children.
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Is a loft bed fun for children?
A loft bed can be a very nice addition to your child's bedroom. It not only gives extra space to play, but also a sense of security and safety. In addition, a loft bed provides more fun, because children can build huts under the bed or play with friends on top. And don't forget: a loft bed saves space in the bedroom, which is especially useful if you have a smaller home.
Safety and advice
Of course, safety is of great importance when sleeping in a loft bed. It is therefore important to know from what age children can safely sleep in a loft bed. It is generally recommended that children from the age of six sleep in a loft bed. In addition, it is important to ensure a sturdy frame, a good mattress and sturdy slatted bases. It is also wise to attach a rack to the top edge of the bed, so that children cannot fall out.
Ideas for under the loft bed
Under a loft bed there is often enough space to play or to create extra storage space. For example, you can place cupboards or a desk under the bed. You can also create a play area by placing a tipi tent or bed house underneath. Or how about a soft rack to sit comfortably against? The possibilities are endless!
Why a loft bed can be a smart choice for your child
One of the main advantages of a loft bed is that the bed is raised off the floor, leaving more space in the room. This means that you can make the most of the available space and at the same time create a cozy and spacious environment. For example, you can place a couch under the loft bed where your children can sit and relax, or you can place cupboards, a desk or other furniture to make even better use of the space.
More privacy and your own place
A loft bed also offers more privacy and your child's own place. Because the bed is at a certain height, it feels like your child has its own 'house' where it can retreat. This can be especially useful if your child shares the room with a sibling.
More fun
A loft bed can also provide extra fun. For example, you can attach a swing or a slide to the loft bed, so that your children enjoy their bed even more.
More storage space
Another advantage of a loft bed is that you can create more storage space. For example, you can place cupboards or drawers under the bed in which your children can store their toys or clothes. This is especially useful if you have limited space in the room.
Suitable for small rooms
A loft bed is also very suitable for small rooms. Because the bed is at a certain height, the bed itself does not take up much space. This allows you to make optimal use of the available space and still create a comfortable place to sleep for your child.
Safety
Of course, safety is the most important thing when it comes to a loft bed. From what age your child can sleep in a loft bed depends on the type of bed and its height. It is of course important to get along well with the stairs and to minimize the risk of falling. Therefore, make sure that there is always a staircase and that it is mounted firmly and securely. Regularly check that all parts are still firmly attached and that there are no problems with the structure of the bed. Also make sure there is a barrier between the top of the bed and the sides so that your child cannot fall out. For example, you can put a rolled up towel on the side, so that your child is automatically stopped when it rolls against the side. Also put pillows and a rug next to the bed so that your child can land gently if he does fall.
The disadvantages of a loft bed for children
A loft bed is of course a fantastic space-creating solution for a small room. But the disadvantage is that children need a ladder to climb them. Younger children in particular tend to move around in their sleep and may be sleepy at night. This increases the risk of them falling off the steps. Therefore, carefully consider whether your child is old enough to sleep safely in a loft bed.
Heat and stuffiness
In the summer it can get quite hot at the top of a loft bed. It can then be a stuffy and claustrophobic environment to sleep in. Therefore, make sure that there is sufficient ventilation and that your child does not go to sleep dressed too warmly.
Problems with changing and cleaning
Another disadvantage of a loft bed is that it can be more difficult to change and clean the bed. You have to use a kitchen step or chair to get to the top part of the bed. This can be annoying if you don't have enough available space at home.
Limited available space
A loft bed takes up a lot of space in a room. This can be a problem if your child has to do a lot of school work or if you want to fill the space under the bed with cupboards or a desk, for example.
Not suitable for young children
A loft bed is not suitable for children under a certain age. This may vary depending on the bed type and height. In general, it is recommended that children only sleep in a loft bed from the age of 6 years.
Risk of falling when getting out of bed
If your child has to go to the toilet at night, it can be dangerous to get out of bed. Especially if the bed is not right against the wall and there is no fence around it. Therefore, make sure that a chair or something else is always available to reduce the risk of falling.
Changing needs
Children tend to change quickly in their needs and interests. What used to be a wonderful chill-out spot with seat cushions and a game console can change into a messy jungle of other attributes and plants after a few months. It can then be difficult to continue using the bed as a functional part of the room.
Not a wonderful place to sleep for quiet sleepers
Finally, a loft bed cannot be a wonderful place to sleep for everyone. Some children feel less comfortable at high altitudes and need a dark environment to sleep well. In that case, a sofa bed can be a better solution, so that the bed can act as a sofa during the day and a bed at night.
Safety above all: Tips for sleeping safely in a loft bed
When you buy a loft bed, it is important to carefully follow the manual and properly assemble the structure of the bed. Regularly check that all screws are still tight and that there are no cracks or damage. Make sure there is a solid barrier between the top of the bed and the sides so that your child cannot automatically roll out.
Prevent the risk of falling
One of the biggest disadvantages of a loft bed is the risk of falling. Always have a ladder available to climb up safely. It is also important to put a sturdy cover on the mattress and to make it up properly, so that your child cannot fall off the bed while sleeping. If necessary, place a carpet next to the bed to break the fall.
Mobility of the child
Some children are very active in their sleep. Put a rolled up towel or pillow on the side of the bed so that your child is automatically restrained when he or she is really afraid of falling.
Build around
If you are really worried about your child falling out of bed, you can build a fence around the bed. This can be done, for example, with the help of cupboards or a sofa that you put under the bed.
Check regularly
Regularly check that the bed is still stable and that there is no damage. Do not let your children sit or play on the top part of the bed in pairs.
Other tips
- buy one high sleeper or semi-high sleeper (the best reviewed here) at a reliable store
- Do not let your children play with loose cords or ropes near the bed
- Recommend from 6 years to sleep in a loft bed
- Place a desk or other things under the loft bed to save space
- The height of loft beds can vary, pay attention to this when purchasing
- It can be tricky to make the bed, but it's important to do it right
- Make sure the bed is straight and not wobbling
- A ladder at the side of the bed is safer than a ladder at the foot of the bed.
From what age are loft beds suitable for children?
It is important to consider whether your child is already agile enough to sleep safely in a loft bed. In general, experts recommend waiting until children are at least four years old before sleeping in a loft bed. Children under the age of four are often still too restless and toss and turn a lot in their sleep, which makes it easy for them to fall out of bed.
Safety and independence
In addition to age, it is important to consider whether your child is already independent enough to sleep safely in a loft bed. If your child is not yet used to going to the toilet alone or getting out of bed on his own, a loft bed may not be the best option.
Loft beds for home and sleepovers
If your child is already agile and independent enough, a loft bed can be a nice addition to the bedroom. It brings a relaxed atmosphere and looks really nice. In addition, it can be useful if you don't have much space in your child's bedroom. A loft bed can also be useful if your child likes to have friends stay over.
Disadvantages and doubt
Of course, there are also disadvantages to a loft bed. It can be quite difficult to make the bed and it can also be difficult to change the bed. In addition, it can be dangerous if your child is not paying attention when climbing the ladder or steps. If you are unsure whether a loft bed is suitable for your child, consider a bunk bed where the lower bed is on the floor.
The semi-high bed: perfect for children who want to climb and play
A semi loft bed is a bed that is higher than a normal bed, but not as high as a traditional loft bed. The bed is usually between 80 and 120 cm high and offers space under the bed for storage or play space.
The days of fun with a semi-high sleeper
A semi loft bed offers children days of fun. They can climb, play and let their imagination run wild. Here are some ideas for activities under a semi-high bed:
- Build a fort or a playhouse under the bed.
- Create a cozy reading nook with cushions and books.
- Use the space under the bed as storage for toys and games.
- Hang a curtain or tent cloth around the bed for extra privacy and cosiness.
A semi loft bed is a great option for children who want to climb, play and let their imagination run wild. It offers the advantages of a loft bed without the disadvantages and is suitable for children from about 4 years old.
A 3-in-1 loft bed: long-lasting fun for your child
A 3-in-1 loft bed is suitable for children of different ages. You can vary the height of the loft bed. For example, you can opt for a semi-high sleeper as a golden middle ground between a low bed and a high sleeper. In addition, it is very practical that you can place a desk and/or bed under the loft bed. This means you don't have to buy separate furniture, which is a lot cheaper.
How can you use a 3-in-1 loft bed?
A 3-in-1 loft bed can be used in different ways. So your child can of course sleep in it, but also play, game or sit. If your child has a boyfriend or girlfriend to stay with, you can pull out the bed and turn it into an extra place to sleep. It is also useful to use the desk if your child has to do homework or if a party is being celebrated and an extra place is needed to do crafts.
experiences of other parents
Milan, my girlfriend's son, has a 3-in-1 loft bed and is very happy with it. He can sleep comfortably in it, but also play and do homework at the desk. His friends also really like to come and play with him on top of the loft bed. His mother is especially happy that she now has more space in the bedroom and that she did not have to buy loose furniture. The only problem she had was placing the loft bed, but she solved that together with her husband.
Ideas for under the loft bed
A loft bed offers quite a bit of space under the bed. To make optimal use of this space, you can choose to place a desk or cupboard under the loft bed. This way you not only fill the space in a convenient way, but you also create your own domain for your children where they can retreat to play, dress up or do their schoolwork. For example, a desk under the loft bed is useful for storing school supplies and for doing homework. A cupboard can then be used to store toys.
Make it cozy with chests of drawers and seating areas
In addition to a desk or cabinet, you can also think of other furniture to make the space under the loft bed cozy. For example, you can place chests of drawers to store clothes or create a seating area where kids can sit comfortably together. A number of pillows and a rug complete it.
Make it multifunctional with a sliding drawer
A pull-out drawer is a handy way to make the space under the loft bed multifunctional. For example, you can use a drawer as an extra sleeping place for guests or as storage space for toys. Including the mattress, this drawer fits perfectly under the loft bed and does not take up any extra space.
Think about safety
Safety is of course absolutely paramount when placing a loft bed. When choosing a design, take into account the raised edge and make sure that it is high enough so that children can sleep safely. The height, width and depth of the loft bed are also important to measure. For example, a European mattress size of 90×200 cm fits well with a semi-high bed. In addition, make sure that the loft bed is stable and that there are no sharp edges.
Which color suits the nursery?
A loft bed is available in different colours. For example, you can opt for a white loft bed that matches many interiors. Gray is also a popular color for a loft bed. It is important to see which color fits best with the rest of the nursery. This way you ensure that the loft bed blends in nicely with the whole.
From what age is a loft bed suitable?
A loft bed is suitable for children from about 6 years old. It is important that children already have some insight into what is and is not safe. In addition, it is important that the loft bed is properly adjusted to the height of the child. For example, a loft bed with a raised edge of 30 cm is suitable for children up to 10 years old.
Conclusion
Loft beds are a nice addition to children's bedrooms. They give extra room to play, provide safety and security and save space in the bedroom.
As you now know, it is important to know from what age to do this safely and to have a solid frame, firm mattress and a firm slatted base from a reputable brand.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.