Whether you’re transitioning your toddler out of their cot and into their first proper bed or you’re looking for something to suit your teen or tween, there are a few factors worth considering before making this purchase.
Once you start looking at all the types of beds available for kids, it can feel a little overwhelming. However, if you follow the practical tips in this buyer’s guide, you can ensure your child will get a comfy new bed that’s appropriate for their needs and hopefully saves you a little time and expense.
Choosing the best bed for your child
In this bed buying guide, we’ll give you the lowdown on the different styles of kids’ beds available and how to assess whether they are a suitable choice for your child and circumstances. From kids’ novelty beds, space-saving loft beds, bunk beds, and practical beds with storage to timeless classic beds that will take your child from tiny to teen.
Types of kids’ beds
The types of children’s beds available at Amart include:
- Novelty beds - something fun like the Mill House Bed or Speed Rider Single Car Bed.
- Single or king single - a great starting point for a child. If they are tall (or likely to become so quickly), consider some extra length with a king single.
- Beds for extra guests - if sleepovers are in the near future, consider a trundle bed.
- Bunk beds - great for space-saving or the occasional extra overnight guest.
- Tweens & teens - space permitting in your child’s room, a king single, double or queen-size bed are a popular choice for this age group.
The size of your child’s bedroom, their bedroom furniture, interests, and age all play a role in finding the right bed. Amart’s large range of kids’ beds and kids’ furniture has plenty of stylish and affordable choices to fit the bill.
Features to look out for
You may have noticed that, when it comes to kids’ beds, there is so much choice. From race car beds for little ones to space-saving multi-purpose designs, or classic styles that will suit younger children but also take them into their teen years.
Here are a few features to keep an eye on:
Storage - You can never have enough storage, especially if your rooms are on the small side. The Chanelle Single Bed features under-bed storage drawers and the Addison Jumbo Single Bed has shelves in the headboard.
Extra guests - Kids love sleepovers. Not only is the Captain Jack Single Trundle Bed always ready for an overnight guest it also has handy storage drawers underneath the trundle.
Space-saving - Some beds are designed with small spaces in mind, cleverly including extra furniture like a desk, shelves or even a robe underneath an elevated loft-style bed. The Ryan Study Bunk includes shelves, a drawer and a roll-out desk.
It is all about dimensions
Getting the right bed for the age of your child and the dimensions of your room is easy with the range of beds at Amart. When considering the perfect bed for your child, try asking yourself the following questions:
- Do you want this bed to fit your child just for right now or does it need to last well into the future? Beds for young children can be outgrown both physically and from the taste or interest perspective of your child.
- Does it fit your room? Your child might want a double, queen or even king-size bed, but it needs to fit into their room without encroaching on space for other furniture.
Toddler beds or cots
If your toddler is taking the leap from a cot to a bed, you have a couple of options. If you bought a convertible cot, simply remove the cot sides. Alternatively, you could move them up to a single bed.
Amart has some amazing novelty beds that will fit the bill for a younger child. Hours of fun await in a Cubby House Bed or Freddy Fire Engine Bed both of which feature raised sides so your toddler won’t fall out in the night. Or you could go for something classic that will last your child for many years like the Rollins Single Bed. In the early years, you could add a Vee Bee Fixed Bed Guard Rail.
Size does matter
When it comes to kids’ beds, getting the size right is important. Because kids grow fast. And their bodies need high-quality support.
If your child’s room is small, stick to a single bed. Or if they’re tall, go for a king single bed. A king single bed is 203cm long and will comfortably sleep a tall teen or adult.
If the availability of space is no problem, then feel free to go big with a double bed, queen-size bed or even king-size bed.
Twin or full beds
Take a look down the track. How long is your child likely to stay in the bed you choose? Will a single (twin) bed suit your child and their room for the long term? Or will they be wanting a double (full) bed before long? The age, stage and projected growth/height of your child should weigh into your bed choice.
Bunk beds and loft beds
Gone are the days of daggy, utilitarian bunk beds reminiscent of school camp. Today, bunk beds and loft beds are cool (or whatever the current popular word is that means ‘good’ to young people). Anyway, back to beds.
Bunk beds are a great way to optimise floor space, sleep two kids in one room, or have as an extra bed on hand for regular sleepovers. You could make sharing a room fun with the London Bus Bunk Bed. Or if you’re needing to convince an older child that a bunk bed shared with their younger sibling is a good idea, perhaps a Captain Jack Single Over Double Bed would get them over the line because the bottom bunk is a double.
A loft bed is a bed that is raised on supports high enough to use the floor space below it. A Kodi Loft Bed cleverly incorporates a cupboard, drawers, shelves and a desk underneath it.
Frames and mattresses
At Amart, our bed bases are sold separately from our mattresses so that you can choose what’s right for you.
Our range of bed frames includes the following styles:
- Slat base- made up of a frame with wooden planks or metal beams laid across the bed frame.
- Ensemble base - consists of a wooden, fabric or metal frame that supports a mattress on top. Ensemble beds can be used with or without a headboard.
- Platform base- features a solid base made from timber, metal or plastic.
Mattresses:
We have a wide range of quality kids’ mattresses so you can find the perfect new mattress for your children’s beds and your budget.
Choose from a:
Memory foam mattress - contours to your body and absorbs movement.
Latex mattress - offers similar support to memory foam but has slightly more responsiveness and is cooler to sleep on.
Innerspring mattress - forms the supportive structure inside a mattress and creates airflow.
Pocket spring mattress - a mattress core made up of individual pocket springs enclosed within its own fabric pocket. Each spring reacts only to the pressure applied to that area.
Hybrid mattress - combines an innerspring core with foam layers on top.
Amart mattresses are rated by ‘mattress feels’ and include extra firm, firm, medium, plush, and ultra-plush.
Confused? Why not chat about mattress sizes and types with the helpful team on our online chat or head in-store for expert advice from our friendly retail staff?
Tips to think about
Longevity - is this a long-term or short-term bed for your child? A timeless style will give you the flexibility to update it with quilt covers as your child grows.
Room size - buy the right size for your room and child.
Built-in storage - beds with storage underneath them or in the headboard are great for maximising space in your room.
Safety is key
Amart’s range of beds and mattresses is made from high-quality materials that meet Australian standards.
To keep your child safe in their new bed, consider the following safety tips:
Bunk beds:
- If you buy a bunk bed, ensure it meets the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) mandatory and voluntary standards for furniture.
- The top bunk on a bunk bed is recommended for children aged 10 and up.
- Consider your bunk bed’s positioning in relation to ceiling fans and open windows.
Mattress: Sleep experts recommend you should replace your mattress every 7-10 years due to its potential to harbour bacteria and to maintain its structural integrity for back support.
Safety rails: If you’re concerned your toddler may fall out of bed when transitioning from their cot to a bed, add guard rails.
A bed that gets approval from the boss
The little boss, that is! Amart’s range of kids’ beds has something for every child. From a tractor-loving five-year-old to the most discerning of teens. Browse our range online or in-store today.
