Well-rested children are healthier and happier. And a good night's sleep requires a good and comfortable bed that will fully meet your child's needs. Architects and interior designers themselves rank sleeping space - along with storage and a play area - as one of the three key and unforgettable elements of a child's room.

The right children's bed will ensure quality sleep and ease the transition from the parent's bed if the child used to sleep with them. It will help the child prepare for the arrival of a younger sibling as well as independently go to the potty or toilet whenever they need to. So let's take due care when choosing a children's bed, so that our children have a great time both day and night.

When to look for the purchase of a children's bed

Transitioning from a baby crib to a child bed can be a big change for a child. That's why the right timing is important. Some chilcren are ready for the change as early as 18 months, others feel more comfortable when they are 2 or 3 years old. The right time for your family may depend on many factors. We write more about this in the article:
How to choose a baby crib.

Ten rules for choosing the right childen's bed

When choosing a childen's bed, you should take several factors into consideration. You need to ensure that the bed is safe, comfortable and appropriate for your child's needs.

CHILDREN'S BEDS

1. Bed size - preferably with a reserve

The bed should fit today, but also in a few years. So choose with plenty of reserve. The bed should be at least 30 cm longer than the child's height. Beds with a length of 190 or 200 cm will last children up to junior age!

2. Suitable type of children's bed

Decide whether you want a bed for one or two children. For two children, bunk beds are popular on the market, or perhaps a bed with a pull-out second bed.

3. Low bed, high bed or something in between?

A raised bed can hide a play area, storage space or even a desk under the bed. Depending on the height, we offer low beds, elevated beds (120 cm), semi-high beds (143 cm) and high beds (184 cm - the most space under the bed).

Some beds are like building blocks, you can start with a low bed safe for a small child. You can just buy a raise to it and place a playhouse or a work table underneath later, for example.

4. Certification and safety

A child's bed must be safe at all times. Ensure that the bed is certified according to European safety standards (in our case, CSN EN 716 - 1). Every manufacturer should be able to provide this certificate.

5. Safety and ergonomics

Always avoid sharp edges on a child's bed. Check that the bed has good construction, solid sides and rails to prevent the child from falling out of bed at night. For bunk beds, always check that the steps or ladder up have safe steps and the correct spacing for the child's stride.

Bed accessories

When it comes to ergonomics and safety, children's beds tend to be best designed by manufacturers who specialise in children's furniture. They have been making it for years and so understand children's needs perfectly. At Skibi, we offer and recommend the Flexa brand. The simple production of a scaled-down version of an adult bed by a joinery company may not be completely satisfactory in all aspects. If you decide to go down this route, you'd better double check everything.

CHILDREN'S BEDS

6. Material

Choose a bed made of a quality and health-safe material such as wood, veneer or laminate. Make sure the material is resistant to damage and easy to clean.

• Solid wood is an investment for years - it lasts, ages beautifully and minor scratches from children's play can be easily sanded away. Oak, pine, birch or ash are most commonly used. Oak is strong, durable and more expensive, while pine is softer, cheaper and more pleasant to the touch.
• Veneer combines the look of wood with a more affordable price. A thin layer of real wood over MDF or particleboard preserves the natural look and can be stained like solid wood.
• Lamino is the cheapest option - a synthetic material available in a plethora of colours. It is easy to maintain, but unlike solid wood, damage from sanding cannot be repaired.

7. Design and colours

Choose a bed that suits your child's taste. Children's beds can come in a variety of colours and shapes to match your preferences. When it comes to colours, we recommend choosing wisely neutral pastel colours that will work well over the years with bedding and pillows (maybe with the heroes who will be your children's idols).

And if the space in your home allows it, let your children choose a elevated bed under which they can play shop or bunker, for example.
Or a fancy bed in the shape of a house, or a bed with a dream slide. Let's give our children what we've all dreamed of!

8. Additional features and equipment

Consider whether you want a bed with storage space or one that can be converted into a double bed for future needs.

BEDS WITH PULL-OUT BED

Tall beds allow you to include a work area with a desk under the bed or use the space for play.

BEDS WITH STORAGE SPACE

9. Future extensibility

As a child grows older, their needs change. It is therefore great if the bed can be expanded and adapted to the child's needs. That's why some brands, such as Flexa in our range, guarantee that additional parts can be purchased several years after purchase and the bed can be changed as and when required. This way you can be sure that your cot grows with your child. After a few years, all you have to do is buy the necessary parts.

10. Mattress

The most important thing at the end. The mattress affects how your child sleeps on the bed. In short, for children up to about 40 kg, it is advisable to choose a foam or latex mattress that adapts to the child and his movements. For children over 40 kg, it is also a good idea to consider a spring mattress, as the child is heavy enough to press the springs down and they provide the right support. We discuss the appropriate choice of mattress in detail in the article:
How to choose a children's mattress.

Get inspired

We have prepared several examples of children's rooms with bed sets. Get inspired.