Most babies will spend approximately one year in the new crib that you buy for them. Of course every new parent considers having a new crib since that seems to make your baby’s room cute and comfortable. Plus, a crib allows you to feel safe and secure while your child is sleeping. However, do you have the money to spend on a new crib? Really good cribs may cost you up to $1000 or more, especially if you want the really good, stable, and secure kind. Therefore, instead of investing that much money in a crib that your child will only sleep and for one year or less, consider buying a junior bed that converts from a crib to a regular little bed.

As your child gets older he will want to have a bed that is similar to what he sees in everybody else’s rooms. He will want to copy you in everything he does. When your child is really young people need things that will influence him are the people around him. Therefore, consider getting a bed that can be used for a longer period of time. Junior beds can be used until your child is six or seven years old and sometimes older. Therefore, buying a junior bed that that converts allows you to save a lot of money.

It may sound like a surprise that junior beds can save you money. At first glance they seem like they are very expensive. However, compare that cost to buying a crib, and then buying a little bed in between, and you may find that it will be more economical to buy one item instead of two. Having a baby cost a lot of money and there are lots of places where you want to try and save money so you can spend them later on your child as he grows up. Making sure your child has a comfortable and good place to sleep is very important. However, trying to make sure that you don’t spend bundles of money just to give your child a comfortable bed is also very important. Consider buying a junior bed such as the Stokke bed to save you money.

Kids Junior Bed

What is a junior bed?

A junior bed is a smaller bed made for children or toddlers.  The ones for children are used to transition them into a regular adult bed.  The smaller size helps kids feel more comfortable than a regular adult bed.  The beds are often made with special rails to help the kids feel more safe and secure.

Sometimes, junior beds are even smaller and resemble cribs.  These beds are for toddlers and help transition them from a crib to a regular or older junior bed.  These junior beds usually have railings surrounding them on all sides except the front.  Sometimes, these beds are made from convertible cribs and therefore, help the toddler feel safer since the bed is familiar to them.

Purpose

A junior bed oftentimes helps kids in the transition from sleeping with their parents or in their crib to sleeping on their own.  Junior beds more closely resemble the child’s cribs and many come with extra railings.  Junior beds are also smaller so the child does not feel lost in the bed.  Finally, they are lower to the ground so the child can independently get into and out of bed on his or her own.  This independence will help the child tremendously, since the child will not fear the inability to get out of his bed should he experience any trouble at night sleeping on his own.

Types of junior beds

There are 3 main types of junior beds depending on the age of your child.  There is the convertible crib that becomes a junior bed, the junior bed with railings and the junior bed without railings.  All 3 come with different features.  Read the types of junior beds article for more information.

Junior bed for toddlers

Junior Bed Sizes

Junior beds have many different sizes.  When buying one of these for your child, make sure you know what size the bed is and how long you want to keep the bed.  If your child is young and you want them to sleep in the bed for a few years, consider a larger junior bed.  However, if your child is a baby, consider a smaller one that they can use for a few years before switching to a larger bed for kids.

Prices

Prices for these types of beds vary tremendously.  It really depends on the style, the quality, the design and the brand of bed.  You will see junior beds go from $200 to more than $600.  Do not forget that when purchasing the bed, you will also have to purchase the smaller sheet sets and sometimes the mattress.  Oftentimes, the junior bed frame and junior bed mattress are sold independently.  In general, an investment in a solid, high quality junior bed is worth the price.  Especially since your child will use it for a while.

1.  How old is your child? Depending on how old your child is, you may want to adjust the type of bed you purchase.  If your child is a baby, you may want to consider a toddler bed or a smaller junior bed that converts.  If your child is a toddler or a bit older, you may want to consider a children’s bed or even a regular twin bed.

Childrens bed for toddlers

2.  How long do you want the bed to last? This next question is key to determining what type of bed you will purchase.  If you don’t mind that your child will only use the bed for a few years, then consider a more specific type bed like a junior bed or toddler bed or kids bed.  If you want the bed to last for a long time, consider a regular twin bed that your child can grow into.  You may have to buy extra items for the twin bed like bed rails or other things when your child is younger, but a regular bed may be a good investment if you want the bed to last a long time.  If you can afford it however, consider a junior bed for your child since the smaller size and height will help the child more easily transition into an adult bed.

3.  What type of children’s beds do you need? Do you have two children and need a bunk bed or do you want individual beds for the children?  Of course, this depends on

Bunk bed

the size and space of the children’s room.  Will you buy a specialty bed that helps to decorate the kids room and adds another place to play?  Or would you rather that your child only sleep in his or her bed so the bed should be a little more plain.  Finally, do you need to save space and need storage room built into the bed?  Many children’s beds these days have storage spaces and much more.  Some are more elaborate and resemble more of a jungle gym for kids to run around in.  Whatever you decide, think through the purpose and your goals for your child’s bed before purchasing.

4.  Does your child need help transitioning to his own bed? Is your child currently sleeping with you and will you need to help ease him or her into their own bed?  If so, you may want to consider a more special bed that you purchase to help ease him in.  A special bed can either be a smaller junior bed or something even more special like a race car bed or a castle bed.  The beds that are more decorated will help you entice the child to go to the bed and remain there.  Also, the specialty beds usually have built in edges that will help the child feel safer if he tends to roll around when he sleeps.  Remember that you, the parent, can be very imaginative with the specialty bed helping the child feel important and excited to go to his bed.  Finally, one suggestion is to buy your child some fun sheets such as some Ben 10 Bedding to make the bed look even more fun for your child.

Knowing the answers to the questions above will definitely help you in your process of purchasing a childrens bed.