Buying a bed for a child is a big step for them and a significant purchase for you. It’s not an easy decision for either of you: they want what they want (to sleep like Batman or Barbie), and you want what you want (to get a great deal). Finding the perfect compromise can take time and effort, but it is possible if you’re determined.
Quality – Investing for the Future
One important detail to consider before buying a bed for your child is how long you expect them to use it. Are you planning to update the bed as they grow? Will you update it to match their changing tastes and styles? Or would you like this bed to last until their teenage years or even into adulthood? This is a crucial question to ask yourself, as the answer will influence many factors when you begin shopping.
Buying a bed that will last can justify spending more on a higher-quality piece. While you may spend two to three times more, you’ll likely break even or even save money in the long run. A quality bed that lasts ten years or more is worth the extra cost if you plan to keep it.
Living for the Here and Now
If you plan to update the room frequently and include new furniture with each update, lower-cost items that look good but aren’t top of the line might be ideal. Knowing that you’ll replace the bed in less than five years makes it easier to prioritize price over quality, lowering the overall cost.
However, choosing to update the bed multiple times as your child grows can be risky. Will you have the money to replace the furniture in five years? If not, will the bed still be usable, or will it be beyond repair? These are important considerations.
Shopping for the Bed – Start Shopping Early
Buying any piece of furniture is a big decision, and a child’s bed is no exception. It’s important to start shopping weeks before you’re ready to make the purchase. By beginning your search early, you’ll gain several benefits:
- You’ll get to compare prices early on, allowing you to set a budget and recognize a good deal when you see one.
- You’ll gain insight into what’s available and what you’ll need for your home.
- You’ll have time to pick a bed, then think it over to ensure you’re making a smart, lasting purchase.
- You’ll have time to do research online and become fully informed about what you like and dislike in children’s beds and mattresses.
Features to Consider
A child’s bed can be much more than just a place to sleep. Options include storage solutions, built-in shelving, and even built-in toy boxes.
Under-bed Storage: Many beds feature drawers under the bed, which can serve as a substitute for a chest or dresser, freeing up floor space in a cramped room. It’s also an ideal spot for additional toy storage.
Headboard Storage: Headboards with built-in shelving are a great way to store books, décor items, nightlights, and even bedtime snacks and drinks.
Safety
Guardrails: Children under 5 should always have guardrails installed on both sides of the bed, even if it’s pushed against a wall. This helps prevent them from rolling off the bed or becoming trapped between the bed and the wall.
Sharp Edges: If you’re buying a bed for a younger child, ensure that sharp edges are shielded with a bumper guard or avoided altogether. Sharp corners can pose a risk of head injuries.
Headboards: While headboards can be stylish and functional, they may pose a hazard for young children. Bumps, cuts, and bruises are possible if children climb in and out of bed, jump on it (and yes, they will), or play around. Some headboard designs may even allow very young children to become trapped between bars if the spacing is too wide.
Waterbeds: While waterbeds have been out of style for years, some still consider them as a modern bed option. However, a child should never be placed in a waterbed, as the risk of drowning is real and not worth the danger.
Tips for Buying a Bed for a Child
- Be realistic about the bed’s durability, knowing that children can be tough on furniture. While you’ll teach them to care for their things, they’re bound to make mistakes. Choose a bed that won’t make you cry if it’s accidentally crayon-marked.
- Involve your child in the shopping process. This not only makes them feel included but also teaches them how to consider practical aspects when choosing furniture. A small lesson in home design could be helpful too!
- Don’t forget to measure the room where the bed will go. A bed should never be placed under a window in a child’s room, so this may impact the size of the bed you need.
- If you’re buying a bed online, be sure to inspect the furniture in person first. This ensures you’re really getting what you think you are.
- If your budget allows, consider a real wood option. A wooden bed can be refinished later if the finish wears or if the room’s color scheme changes. This can save you hundreds of dollars by preventing the need to buy a new bed in the future.
