Car Beds

A kids car bed is a fantastic option for your son or daughter, especially when looking for their first bed. When transitioning from the crib to a brand new junior bed, consider a car bed. Before you buy one, here is a guide to help you understand the choices you have out there and the benefits and downsides of a car bed.

What is a car bed

Car beds are a type of junior bed for kids. It is made in the shape of a car. Usually a twin bed mattress sits in the middle of the car bed allowing your child to comfortably sleep inside the bed. Depending on how true to life it is, there are either wooden or plastic tires or the tires are painted on the side. The headboard is usually at the rear of the car although it will vary depending on type of bed you purchase. There are many different types outlined below so shop around before purchasing.

Any parent thinking about buying a new bed for their child should consider a car bed. These beds are great for kids. They usually work best for kids that range in age from 2 through 8. Some are suggested for kids that are 3 and above. If you are a parent looking for something fun or special to add to your child’s room or looking for something that will help you put your child to bed, consider purchasing a car bed.

Benefits of the car bed

There are many benefits of buying a car bed. First and foremost, your child will really like it. Compared to a regular bed, even one with fun sheets and comforters, a car bed is an entirely different thing. To your child, it is seen as a large toy and a place to play in. Since your child will take to it more easily, it will be easier for you to convince him to go to bed. Also, if you are trying to wean your child out of sleeping in your bed with you or sleeping in his crib, this is a great option. It is also familiar to him since he has seen a regular car. All of these things will help your child feel more comfortable in a car bed versus a regular adult bed.

Another major benefit is the ability of your child to use the bed as a sort of play area. If your child has a small room, then choosing this type of bed creates another play area around the bed, especially if the bed will take up most of the space in the room. This area can be set up so your child can play or just relax and read in it. You and your child can also use it to play many imaginative games. Finally, you can also use it to teach your child a little about cars, especially since he can touch and feel the bed versus doing the same with a regular car.

There are many different types of car beds just like there are many different types of cars.  Manufacturers have been making them for awhile so you will find a broad range of choices including specialty options like the sports car bed.  One of the most popular car beds is the race car bed described below.    Depending on what type of vehicle your child likes, you may want to consider a different purposed vehicle rather than a traditional car bed such as the police car bed, the fire engine bed, or even the train bed.  There are even car beds modeled after superhero cars or cars on TV such as the Batmobile or the Disney Car characters.  If you have a little girl, there are also some options for them such as the Mattel Barbie Bed.  Finally, some car beds have tents on top or are even made out of loft beds.  Choose carefully and consider your options when choosing a car bed.

Race car beds are the most popular type of kids beds because they look fast and attract kids with the different designs on the side.  Many are modeled after the toys that are built and have little details on the hubcaps and things like lightning bolts along the sides.  The Little Tikes Race Car Bed is one that is very popular among parents and kids.  Parents love it for the durability while kids love it for the look.  Other race car beds include the Nascar Race car bed which comes in a fantastic red or black color and the Indy 500 bed.

Prices of car beds range as low as $100-150 to something as high as $1000 for a fancier type of bed.  Most of the car beds fall in the mid range between $400-$600.  Depending on how long you think your child will use the bed and your own budget, shop around.  Some stores will mark up the car beds and assume you have not checked other prices.  The internet also has a lot of deals and sales.  For lower prices, try to shop around the same time other furniture goes on sale.  Major holidays such as 4th of July, Memorial Day and Easter tend to have more sales on furniture which includes car beds.

Although the car bed may sound ideal, there are also some downsides.  The car bed can be seen to your child as a place to play.  Therefore, although he is willing to go to his bed, he may not be willing to lie down and sleep.  Make sure your child understands that his new bed is a place for him to have a good time, but also to sleep in.  For children that have a hard time falling asleep, you may not want to purchase this type of bed for them.  Or, you will have to get creative in telling him different stories that will help to calm him down and help him fall asleep.  Consider your child’s energy levels, attention span, ability to quickly fall asleep, and other personal factors before purchasing one of these.

There are countless games to play with the car bed. A popular one includes riding around the world. Here, you can tell your child stories about different places while he drives around in his bed. Using this premise, you can tell him a story about a new place every day. This will help to expand his imagination and his knowledge of locations. Another fun game is racing. Each of you can make up a race course with its bumps and turns and windy roads. Every course will be different and no course will be incorrect. Finally, a fun game is the “what do you see” game where you pretend you are driving along somewhere and you ask your child what he sees. You can even drive through specific places like a library or a museum or a farmhouse. This will help you teach your child while he plays.

There are many places to buy this type of junior bed. First, look in kids toy and furniture stores such as Babies and Toys ‘R Us. These will have different popular options for your child. Also, look in traditional furniture stores that carry kids furniture. A good place to start your shopping is online. One of the original online stores to sell kids car beds is the Oregon Bed Company. They have a variety of different style beds, though their prices are a bit higher because the beds are hand-made from high quality oak or birch wood. Many online places will offer free or discounted shipping. The only downside is that you won’t get to see the bed nor will you get to feel it to see how sturdy it is. If you shop solely online, make sure you read the reviews and understand the return policy. Amazon.com also has a good variety of beds to check out.