Children's folding bed, folding mechanisms and mattress selection

In any family with small children, parents are faced with the question of what the children's room should look like and what kind of furniture can be there. Children need space to sleep, play, and then a place where the child will do his homework. The bed is of no small importance. The place to sleep should be appropriate for the baby’s age, be comfortable, and well-equipped. And if there are two or more children in a family, equipping a nursery becomes a problem for parents. A children's folding bed, which takes up little space but serves as an excellent sleeping place, will help solve this problem. Today, manufacturers offer a lot of options for such furniture to suit any budget.

Main differences from other products

In the recent past, a folding bed was considered an ordinary folding bed. It was of a standard type, took up quite a lot of space when unfolded, and was not particularly convenient. It was not comfortable for a child to sleep on such a bed. Today, bedroom furniture is designed to provide comfort, be a full-fledged sleeping place, have a comfortable design, and not cause harm to health. One of the main requirements of this furniture is extreme space saving in the room and ease of transportation. Varieties of models allow you to purchase them for babies and older children.

Let's take a closer look at the distinctive features of folding children's beds:

The vast majority of children's furniture manufacturers try to produce products from environmentally friendly materials. An important element is an orthopedic mattress, which will allow the child to avoid future problems with the spine and incorrect posture;
such a place to sleep is quite compact and mobile. Unlike standard beds, which require a lot of space in a child's room and are difficult to move, a folding bed folds down to free up space, especially if it is a wall-mounted children's bed. Such models are not bulky, not heavy, even a child can handle them;
In terms of their cost, these beds are much cheaper than conventional stationary furniture. And if you also take into account that children grow quickly, and beds will have to be changed quite often, an inexpensive option will come in handy;
Children love to jump on their beds, and this causes anxiety among parents - the furniture may break, the child may get injured. Today, furniture is made taking into account such circumstances. It is at the same time strong, stable, safe, you don’t have to worry about the baby getting injured;
You can buy sliding beds inexpensively, or buy an expensive option that will be a crib for a baby or furniture for an older child. If the model is inexpensive and simple, it can be inherited by someone or can be sold later.

Advantages and disadvantages of models

Most often, parents buy sliding options for their children: this is due to the high growth rate of children. It is not profitable for a child to buy a new bed every year, but this model ideally suits the family’s requirements. Modern manufacturers make models from wood using durable and reliable transformation mechanisms: they can withstand a certain weight, which is often indicated by the manufacturer on the product.

In order not to make a mistake in choosing a bed, it is recommended to consider the main pros and cons of this product. Sliding models have the following positive aspects:

Modern design. A sliding bed will fit well into the interior of any room - a child's room or a bedroom. Manufacturers produce models in classic and bright colors that kids and adults will like;
Versatility. Since the model can change its length, the bed is well suited for children, teenagers and adults. For example, during an overnight stay, an adult can sleep on a teenager’s bed: to do this, it is necessary to move one or both parts of the model apart;
Saving the family budget. Parents will not have to buy a new bed after some time. Having once bought a high-quality model, it will serve the child until he grows up;
Space saving. During the daytime, the bed can be conveniently folded, which allows you to use the free space for other needs. Here you can place a table, an armchair, a mobile cabinet, and at night you can just move the furniture to the side;
Additional functions. Recently, manufacturers have begun to equip models with additional accessories. So on sale you can find a bed-table, a bed-nightstand, a bed-dresser. Additional elements are located on one of the sides.

A sliding bed is not without its drawbacks, including a solid bottom in most models. This drawback does not allow the mattress to be placed comfortably. In addition, children often use the bed for games, which will overload the product.

Types of mechanisms

According to their functionality, sliding children's beds are divided into certain groups:

folding beds - an example of this model is the most common folding bed, which has been improved over time and acquired a modern design. It can be used as a permanent bed, or collected after sleep. For a small apartment, this is an ideal furniture option that takes up little space;
beds for growth - they are very popular due to their profitability and economy. Initially, the model is intended for a newborn child, then its size is increased, which makes it possible for a growing child to sleep on it for several more years.

For growth

Folding

Folding beds

These models are presented in a wide range for both children and adults. Differences are observed in size and design. According to functional varieties, there are stationary, with a durable, powerful design, and temporary - lightweight models, easy to transport.

You can't compare modern and old folding phones. New models are equipped with special fastenings that can support weight and ensure comfortable sleep. Options for beds with special wooden fastenings - slats - have gained some popularity. The slats in a specific quantity and order are placed on a metal frame, which allows this model to be at the same time comfortable, durable and easy to use.

The set includes a medium-hard mattress with polyurethane filling, which folds together with the bed, and there is no need to look for a separate place for it. This folding bed is characterized by an orthopedic effect, which is important for a child; it is stable, easy to use, and light in weight.

The bed in such beds is made of natural cotton fabrics or mesh. Since they are produced for children, the colors are bright and the colors do not fade. These models win in the price category; they are inexpensive.

Nightstand bed

Various options for stationary beds are no less popular. A good example is a bedside table. This version of the sleeping place has three walls, and when assembled it is presented in the form of a bedside table. They come with a thick mattress with good filling, which gives the base the necessary elasticity and eliminates deformation.

Nowadays, a bed that can be rolled out is gaining popularity. Its design resembles an attic bed, but lower in height. Ideal for a small bedroom where two or more children sleep. The second bed rolls out from below the first; in certain models there is also a third place. As an addition to them there are boxes of different sizes. A foldable children's bed in the wall is a good solution to the problem of sleeping in a small bedroom.

Sofa bed

This type of bedroom furniture is preferred by children and teenagers. This is explained by the fact that before the age of 13, a child’s spine is formed, and experts advise using orthopedic mattresses of medium hardness during this time. The folded sofa bed takes up little space and can be placed either under the wall or under the window. It has a retractable mechanism that allows you to expand the sofa to the desired length. It is not difficult to assemble and unfold, and it will be easy for a child to handle.

A type of sofa is called a chair-bed. This model is designed mainly for kids, so its design is appropriate. Often there are models in the form of butterflies, cars, and various animals. They are equipped mainly with spring and springless mattresses; there are also orthopedic mattresses.

Growing

Sliding folding models are valued, the design of which can be changed depending on the age and height of the child. Such bedroom furniture comes in two varieties:

from birth to ten years. Initially, the model looks like a crib for a baby. It has a chest of drawers for storing things and a changing table. As the baby grows, the height of the bed is lowered, the sides are removed, and over time the chest of drawers is removed. The length of the bed increases, the child can fit comfortably on it;
from three to fifteen years. Such models are already produced much more widely than previous ones. They are equipped with special mechanisms by which the length is adjusted. The set is equipped with a comfortable mattress, various additional sections and drawers that slide out.

Pull-out bed for two children

It is more correct to call a children's sliding bed for two children a roll-out bed, since it is designed not to change in length, but to save space. The product occupies the same area as one bed, while it provides two sleeping places.

In appearance, the design resembles a loft bed, but of very small height: the distance from the top bottom to the floor is 100–110 cm. To use the second bed, it needs to be pulled out. It turns out two sleeping places, slightly different in height. As a rule, the second tier extends out wide, but there are models where the second bed is on the end side.
The model may contain drawers under the pull-out bed, or even a third section, very low.
The preferred option is one with narrow sides: when folding, there is a risk of pinching your fingers, and if the sides are wide, the threat turns into a constant danger.
For production they use chipboard, fibreboard, MDF solid wood. The last option is, of course, the most reliable.

Pull-out (roll-out) bed for two children

Which frame is preferable?

When deciding to buy a bed, parents pay attention not only to external characteristics, but also to internal structures. Previously, frames in bedroom furniture were made of wood. Now manufacturers use other materials - plywood, metal, chipboard.

Wood remains a fairly popular material, as it is durable and environmentally friendly. But for such frames to be durable, strict adherence to production technologies is necessary. In the production of the main load-bearing parts, solid timber is used, and for the side parts, glued timber is used. All parts are fastened with bolts.

No less popular for frames is plywood, which is quite lightweight and practical. It does not deform over time, so it is perfect for small children's folding beds. For large sleeping areas, laminated chipboard sheets are often used.

For safety and reliability, frames are often made from metal pipes. The most suitable materials are aluminum and steel, which are not inferior in reliability to other metals and are relatively inexpensive. They are mainly used to make the bed base, legs, connecting system and head part. This material is quite hard, reliable, easy to repair and fire-resistant. The entire frame is painted with a special paint, which will protect the metal from corrosion.

How and where to place it in the interior

The location for a bed with a retractable lower bunk for two children must be carefully selected. You should avoid window-door lines and other ventilated areas.

Experts recommend installing a bed against one of the free walls in the children's room.

Basically choose one of the free walls. Can be installed on a podium or niche. The last option will be the most convenient, since the recess in the wall visually divides the space of the room into different zones.

The location for the bed must be chosen correctly. Avoid places with drafts.

The cabinets, shelves, and drawers adjacent to the structure also allow you to divide the space. This is especially true for elongated rooms.

If the room is elongated and small, this design with a podium will help out.

Choosing the right mattress

The key to good sleep and proper formation of a child’s spine is the selection of a first-class mattress. It is one of the main components of the bed. Particular attention should be paid to the height; this will determine how hard the sleeping place will be. The entire variety of mattresses is divided into the following types:

springless;
orthopedic;
spring.

For a children's folding bed, the most acceptable and safest types of fillers are:

synthetic base (non-woven). This option is simple; mattresses with such filling do not have the necessary amenities, but they are inexpensive. Because of its softness, a base with lamellas is not suitable; the child will feel them;
Holofiber filler. This option is classified as middle class; it is much more expensive than the previous one. Mattresses with it are much more comfortable, they are hard, which makes them dense and reliable, resistant to deflections;
The spring block is the unsurpassed leader among all fillers. Such a mattress is already a sleeping place in itself.

The model of a children's bed with slats already comes complete with a mattress, but for beds with a fabric base, the mattress must be purchased additionally. When choosing it, parents will decide which mattress is needed.

Springless

Orthopedic

Spring

Design features of the retractable mechanism

A distinctive feature of the design is the retractable mechanism, thanks to which it is possible to organize an additional sleeping place. The upper tier rises slightly, and you can climb onto it thanks to wide steps. They are often used as additional shelves or drawers.

The steps make it easy to climb to the top tier and look original.

Attention! The retractable design is safer and more stable compared to tiered models.

The retractable mechanism comes in several types:

on guides;
with wheeled devices;
on rails (without them).

Option for a pull-out bed with a mechanism on wheels.
The first option will not be the most suitable for a child, since the lack of wheels and guides rigidly attached to the body limit the functionality of the bed. At the same time, in order to push the lower tier forward, you will have to make a lot of effort. The roller mechanism allows you to avoid such problems, thanks to which the berth can be easily installed in the desired position.

When purchasing such a bed for children, you should pay special attention to the material from which it is made.

We take age into account

When choosing a sleeping place for a baby, it is necessary to take into account his age, which will allow you to choose the required bed size that will meet the necessary parameters. Such models are changed quite often, and experts advise choosing a bed “not for growth.” The length should be about 20 centimeters greater than the child’s height, the width should be at least 80 for children from 3 to 10 years old, and at least 100 centimeters for teenagers. The height of the bed does not play a significant role, but do not forget that it will be difficult for children to climb onto a high bed. Therefore, the most optimal height is about half a meter.

In order for the bed to support the weight of the child himself and not bend if he wants to jump on it, it must have sufficient strength. To calculate the supported weight, you need to multiply the child's weight by two. For example, for a first-grader, a sliding model that can support a weight of about 80 kilograms is suitable.

To choose the optimal sleeping place for their child, parents should take into account all the parameters, bed sizes, and desired mattress. Only properly selected bedroom furniture will last a long time, and the child will sleep comfortably on it.

Manufacturers

Children's furniture is produced by almost all companies involved in the production of “adult” furniture. The number of those who include sliding models in the collection is, of course, smaller, but there are both foreign and domestic manufacturers on the Russian market.

The main criterion when choosing a product is the material of manufacture and the sliding system. Multifunctionality and design are secondary.

Ikea

The Dutch company IKEA produces a huge number of household goods, including for children's rooms. Ikea children's sliding beds occupy their rightful place in the collection, collecting only positive reviews from children and their parents.

The features of IKEA models include the following qualities.

The company produces extendable beds for children from 3 to 15 years old. Children's collections for babies include models designed for babies from 0 to 3 years old.
IKEA installs its own sliding system on products.
Beds are made from solid wood, mainly pine. However, there is a series where the models are made of metal - MINNEN. The frame of this bed is especially durable and is suitable for hyperactive children.
IKEA sliding beds have slatted bottoms. The slats are made from pine and carefully processed. Metal models also have slats installed rather than a plywood bottom. This is a very useful feature, since the slatted bottom provides excellent ventilation of the mattress.

The product is not supplied with a mattress, but since the company also produces orthopedic products and bases, you can make a complex purchase if you wish.

Ikea sliding beds (photo)

Ikkea Lexvik bed

Ikea Busunge bed

Ikea Minnen bed

Ikea Sundvik bed

Ikea Trugen bed

Grow up

Vyrastaika is a series of children's furniture from the Russian factory "West Eco", designed for children from 3 to 12 years old.

The initial width of the model is 79 cm or 89, the “working” width is 70 or 80 cm, respectively. The initial length is 120 cm with the possibility of increasing to 160 cm or 180 cm. The first option involves two positions, the second - three: 120, 150 and 180 see, which is much more convenient.
The height to the bottom is 35 cm, so the crib is safe even for small children. The children's sliding bed “Vyrastaika” is equipped with sides that prevent falls during sleep.
The model is made from solid beech or pine, varnished or painted in dark or light walnut. The materials for the drawers are chipboard. This combination can easily withstand the load, but at the same time has a lower price compared to a product made entirely of solid wood.
The bed production time is 4 days.

Children's sliding bed Vyrastaika (video):

I'm growing

“I’m growing” is a collection of children’s sliding beds that have been produced for over 7 years. They are distinguished by their simple but reliable design and workmanship: the models have no sharp corners, all contours are softly rounded.

Beds are made only from beech. If the model includes drawers or sides, they are also made of wood. Neither LDPS nor fiberboard are used.
The line contains options with and without sides, with or without drawers. In the Rostushka-2 model, the headboard and footboard completely cover the space to the floor and hide the under-bed drawer.
For any model, a special two-piece mattress is offered. The second part is used when the bed is extended.
The initial dimensions are 77*133, the length can be increased to 195 cm.
The color palette includes 12 shades, including the natural color of beech.
The bottom of the crib is solid, made of plywood 6 mm thick. Plywood provides strength, but the question of ventilation of the mattress remains open.

Children's sliding bed “I'm growing” (photo)

“Rostushka Economy” is the most inexpensive children's sliding bed. Its dimensions are the same, but there is no under-bed drawer. The sides are removable and movable. The bed is made of Angarsk pine, and not ordinary: Angarsk wood is much denser, so products made from it are durable. Glued joints are not used, only furniture ties. The crib can be made in 12 color options.

Children's sliding bed “Rostushka economy” (photo)