If your house has limited space, your kids may have to share a room. Bunk beds can help you make the best use of available space and give your family options in the future, but there are possible problems to take into consideration.
More Space for Play and Storage
Young children need lots of space to play, as well as room for a toy box, shelves and dressers. With two single beds taking up valuable floor space, the rest of the room can feel cramped. With bunk beds, you could maximize the use of vertical space and make the entire room feel bigger. In addition, many bunk bed designs feature built-in drawers and shelves where kids can arrange their belongings.
Privacy and Independence
For kids who share a bedroom, privacy can be hard to come by. With bunk beds, each child will have an individual space to read, do homework, write, draw or sleep. If your kids have different sleeping schedules, the overhead light can be off, and one child can use a clip-on lamp.
Sleeping Options
If you have one child who invites friends to sleepovers or a young relative often comes to visit, a guest can sleep on a bunk bed instead of on a couch or an air mattress. Some bunk beds have a built-in trundle bed that can be stored underneath and pulled out if a third bed is needed.
Many bunk beds are designed so they can be separated. If you move to a larger house or build an addition with another bedroom in the future, you won’t have to buy your kids separate twin beds.
Safety
Parents often worry about the possibility of a child falling from a bunk bed. Rolling out of bed while sleeping shouldn’t be an issue as long as the top bunk has railings on each side, and they are undamaged and securely attached.
Falling while climbing the ladder is a more likely possibility. The child on the top bunk should be at least 6 years old and must be able to safely climb up and down. Regularly check the ladder to make sure it’s secure. Explain to your kids that horsing around on the bunk beds is dangerous and not allowed. Strictly enforce that rule.
Other Potential Problems
Making the bed on the top bunk can be tricky. You may need to help until the child who sleeps on top gets the hang of it.
Some kids feel claustrophobic when they start sleeping on a bottom bunk. If your child is uncomfortable, consider moving the bunk beds away from walls so there is open space on all sides.
Are Bunk Beds Right for Your Family?
Bunk beds can give your kids more room to play, privacy and independence, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly. If you’re considering buying bunk beds, ask yourself if your kids are old enough and, if so, have a clear and direct conversation about rules and safety.
