Bunk bed for 5 yr old w/ a 3 and 2 yr old bro in same room?

Question

My son turned 5 in May, and he has 2 brothers, just turned 3 and 2. We have the bunk beds being used as twin beds, but actually we have them pushed together and make one big bed for all the boys to sleep in (they love it). My husband is eager to set up the bunk beds as bunk beds and add a third twin bed in their room, which would make much more room for them. I know that my 5 year old is probably ready for the top bunk (he would use it), but I'm not sure about the other boys and if they would try to get on the top bunk, etc., because I'm sure they would try at some point (we are in a 2 story house, the bedrooms on the top floor, so not up there except bedtime). I do know from research that they say 6 years old for the top bunk. I'm on the fence with this, since they like the one big bed they are currently in (especially 2 yr old who likes to snuggle with 5 yr old), but on the other hand, it would make more room in their room, and they are getting bigger by the minute! Any advice?

Answer 1

I'd wait about another year. There is no reason to make the switch if they're okay with the present arrangement.

They are getting bigger, but not enough to need all the extra space. You wouldn't even be gaining extra space, would you? Bunk bed and twin bed is the same floor space as two twin beds. Shove the combo bed against the wall to free up play space.

Unless they are very unusual preschool boys, they WILL get on that top bunk.

If it weren't for the 2 yr old, I'd say go for it. My kids have a bunk bed, and they're 3 and 5. But I'd draw the line at 2.

Answer 2

I Know That I Would Use A Race To Get Them To Clean Their Rooms! Offer A Prize To The Winner....Example, Give A Medal Each Time They Win, And Get Some Boards/Clear A Space On The Wall And Let Them Tape On Their Medals. Be Sure To Give Second Place Awards, Too! You Can Get Them At The Dollar Store! Another Idea Is To Do A Small Activity Every Weekend, Like Going To The Park/Beach, Out For Ice Cream/ A Restaurant, And The Person With The Most Medals Gets To Pick The Activity (Within Reason, Of course) Discipline Is NOT The Answer, Especially Spanking! You Should Stop Spanking, It's Like Abuse, It's Not, But Your Kids Will Hate You If You Spank Them! -Good Luck! P.S. Get Them To Organize Their Things, They Should Enjoy It!

Answer 3

I have 4 kids and two sets of bunk beds that are now, and will continue to be used side by side. Want to know why? My 6 year old and 5 year old got into a fight on the top bunk and they fell off. We were very lucky that it only resulted in bumps and bruises. Yes, there were side rails, but no, they didnt help. Banning them from the top bunk and removing the ladder didnt help, they climb like monkeys and Ill bet your kids can too. A 3 and 2 year old are going to want on the "big boy bed" and its going to result in more stress than you can handle.

Answer 4

It depends on the 5 year old and how tall the rails are. My 5 year old niece sleeps on the top bunk with no problem. If they usually play downstairs and are not playing in the room much without you I wouldn't really worry about the younger trying to climb up there. If your 5 year old seems fine with climbing up I would say it's fine as long as the side rails are sufficient.

Answer 5

I have 6 kids ages 8 and under so I know what you mean about space and how kids can be. We have two bunk beds set up as such. Yes, the kids climb up on them, but the younger ones only get up with help and they fuss and scream for help to get down because they instinctively know that they cannot safely get down on their own. It's amazing how much kids know and learn on their own without being taught by anyone.

Set up the room how you want. By the end of the first week, you should know how your kids are going to do with it.

Answer 6

We put the bunks together for our boys at 2 years and 6 years old - the 2 year old was all over it!
Wait a while - unless you enjoy trips to the ER.

Answer 7

If they are only up there for bedtime is room really necessary? If you and the children enjoy the big bed why change? If it were me and things were as you described I would wait a couple years before worrying about it...first or second grade perhaps (for the old one).

Answer 8

if they get along its fine mi nephews get along really well ones 9,7,and 5 its a 3 bunk bed thing one on the top one on the bottom and a pull out bed

Answer 9

I would be especially worried with the 2 yr old getting hurt. I couldn't imagine how you could possibly keep him from trying to climb the ladder. Maybe try a trundle bed?

Answer 10

To be quite honest, and beleive me I know tight situations... you should only have two people in a room. Giving the children more room to play would be optimal though. Each child having their own bed would also allow them to have at least one thing to themselves since they probably share almost everything else.