How to choose between a high sleeper and mid sleeper

What’s the height difference?

While both of these are types of cabin beds, there is roughly about a 70cm difference in height between our mid sleepers and high sleepers. Safety regulations mean that both are completely safe for any youngsters 6 years old and up. However, it’s also true that midsleepers are ideal for younger children while highsleepers are better for preteen and teenage years. This is simply because a high sleeper offers more space beneath for older kids, while the lower bunk of a midsleeper is more easily accessed by little legs.

Safety features and precautions

Both high sleepers and mid sleepers are completely safe, but only if you follow certain safety rules:

1. Make it clear to your child that although the area underneath can be used socially, the top bunk should remain as a sleeping area only and should not be used for playing or socialising – only one person should ever be on the top bunk at one time.
2. The ladder or stairs should always be used correctly. Your child should not hang off them or sit on them, they should just use them for purpose – that’s climbing in and out of the top bunk when going to bed.
3. Both beds should only be introduced to children aged 6 years and above.
4. Make sure that your chosen bed is assembled correctly according to its instructions and take the time to regularly check its fittings and fixings to ensure it remains sturdy.
5. Invest in some bed safety rails or a safety guard for younger children on the top bunk. It will give you peace of mind knowing that they will be protected from rolling and falling out during their sleep.
6. Make sure there’s a safe distance between the top bunk sleeping area and the ceiling in your child’s bedroom to prevent any bumps and allow room for manoeuvre. It’s recommended to have at least two feet (60.96cm) between the surface of the upper bunk and the ceiling.
7. Only use a mattress with a maximum depth of 15cm.

What’s the life span of high and mid sleepers?

All Dreams kid's beds are built to last and with a little TLC they should see you right through from young ages to teenage years. To make sure you get the most out of your choice, you need to stick to the safety features identified above. It’s also important to consider that the life span of a kids bed goes beyond its sturdiness. Think about how long you plan on keeping the bed for your child. Are you happy to upgrade from a their bed once they hit their teenage years? Or would you prefer to buy a bed that lasts them up to a decade? If budget is important, look for a neutral style that can be adapted to their changing interests with bedding and accessories. For parents looking to buy a bed that runs parallel to your youngster’s development, a high sleeper is ideal. They offer you enough head space regardless of their height and the underneath can be adapted alongside their changing interests. But there are midsleepers which are great for teens too. Look for those which have storage and a pull out desk instead of space for playing. What’s more, if the planned bedroom has a small ceiling or an apex roof, a neutral midsleeper will see your child through without issue.