Stokke junior bed

Convertible crib to junior bed

The convertible crib to junior bed is made for babies to grow into. Starting with the crib, the bed can be converted by removing the front railings and making it more like a toddler or junior bed. The most famous of these is the Stokke Sleepi Crib with the Stokke Sleepi Junior Bed System. This bed starts as a crib with railings on all sides. The railings are adjustable as your child grows. Then, when the child is around 2 or 3, the crib’s railings can be removed in the front or back or both, making the bed into a toddler or junior bed. Finally, when the child is over, the Junior Bed kit allows you to convert that crib into a 67.5” junior bed made for 3-7 year olds.

Not all junior beds come with this complete system, so make sure you check what type of bed it is before you purchase. Also, check to see how long your child will be able to use it and how easily convertible it is. The benefits of the Stokke System and other beds like this is that the child keeps the same bed for many years. The familiarity of the bed allows them to more easily transition into each stage of sleeping. You also save a lot of money since you don’t have to keep buying a new bed.

Junior bed with railings on the side

Another type of junior bed comes with railings on the side. Sometimes, the railings extend half way across, while other times, the railings just extend out a little, just enough to help the child feel secure. These beds are also lower to the ground so they are easier for a child to climb into them. When deciding whether or not to buy these, think about how independent your child is. Is your child transitioning from a crib? Does your child tend to roll around while sleeping? Is your child usually afraid of the dark and have a hard time falling asleep in his or her own bed? Does your child sleep fine in a regular bed or have you even tried that before? Answering these questions will help you determine if you need a special junior bed with railings. Not all children need it, but some do to feel more secure. Others need it if they tend to roll around in bed. Finally, having the railings sometimes remind the children of their own crib. If they slept comfortably in that and are transitioning to a junior bed, you may want to consider one with railings.

Junior bed without railings

This junior bed is almost exactly like a regular twin bed. The one difference is that it is smaller and oftentimes lower to the ground. Again, like the one with railings, the lower height helps the child get in and out of bed more easily. This makes them feel more independent, especially when sleeping in their own bed. Consider this junior bed if your child is pretty independent, doesn’t roll around a lot while sleeping, and feels pretty comfortable in his own bed.

Junior loft bed

Junior loft bed

This bed is like a loft. The bed is raised up and underneath there are drawers or cupboards or an area that can be converted to a children’s play area. These beds usually have ladders or steps that children have to climb up on the side. There are also added elements such as slides that children can play on. This type of bed looks sort of like a child’s jungle gym except the bed is on top. They are great for rooms that don’t have enough space for a play area or if you want to add an additional play area for your child. These junior loft beds come in many types for girls and boys like the castle bed or the fort bed. Finally, these beds can be pricier, anywhere from $200 – $800 for ones made of solid wood.