by Family is living together in peace and harmony throughout life. One of the better ways to do that is by creating a close bond and a feeling of togetherness with your kids while sleeping with them every night. However, this is not a practical possibility if you have two or more kids and all try to fit in a king-size bed. Further, you and your partner won’t be able to enjoy quality time together.
In this post, we came up with an alternate solution for that dilemma in a better way by introducing The Family Bed to you. This is the biggest bed and effectively supports co-sleeping.
Know more about family beds in this post in detail below.
Best Family Bed Reviewed
A multi-functional mattress fulfils the need of every sleeper, whether you like hard or soft surfaces.
The ergonomics of this mattress are outstanding and developed for maximum comfort with a guaranteed clean sleeping experience (check the most comfy mattresses).
The two bases are one of the best scientific structures for mattresses. It’s a beautiful combination of the softness of high-quality foam and an edge-supportive spring coil-based firm layer. There is a detachable zip on the sides of the bases, allowing you to make multiple base settings at any time.
Not only the bases of your family mattress are interchangeable, but the top layer is also flappable. If you like softness in your mattress, which keeps you dry and cool, select the layer with a premium cooling gel-based memory foam layer. If you want the utmost comfort, choose the layer filled with Talalay Latex with temperature-neutral features.
The whole top layer is covered with an organic cotton-based sheet, which will keep you cool and dry throughout the year and for a long period of time. Once you have chosen the perfect layer for you, attach the top layer to the base with zips available on both sides.
The benefit of this mattress is whatever combination you choose for yourself. You will get both comfort and support one way or the other. For instance, if you choose the spring coil-based layer as the base and memory foam-based layer at the top, your body will get the utmost cushiony, dry and cool comfort from the gel-based layer, followed by the supportive Talalay Latex layer.
At the bottom of this combination, first, you will have foamy support, which is augmented by the strong coil-based layer for maximum support.
Is A Family Bed Right for My Family?
It all depends if your love to let your children sleep with you every night. Discussing that before deciding to buy a giant family bed is essential. If it is difficult to decide, follow an experimental regime by letting your kids tag along in your bed for a few days. If you like it, then go for it and vice versa.
Generally speaking, family beds have a lot of benefits, especially for lactating mothers. Kids experience natural warmth and closeness when in bed with their mothers. Many experts on attachment parenting believe that nursing babies get the top nourishment while they sleep close to their mothers.
Additionally, a big family bed allows you to wake up fresh and energetic every morning after seeing the heavenly smiles of your children. Moreover, kids get better sleep when they are close to their parents because the extra warmth and closeness of their parents keep their minds at peace with no fears.
However, there are some concerns when talking about family beds. If you are a light sleeper, you might not get a good night’s sleep with all the movement in the bed. Moreover, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend co-sleeping with kids under the age of one. According to their standards, there is a big risk of babies suffering from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which is common in babies under 1.
Types of Family Beds
Original Family Bed
An original family bed uses a single material structure to make the base and the top layer. Usually, high-quality foam is used at the base, the only component to provide comfort and support. In some mattresses, a spring coil-based layer is a very good source of edge support.
Generally, another layer is added to the mix for more comfort. Most of the time cooling gel-based memory foam layer is used for a wholesome experience. In some cases, other natural ingredients like latex or bamboo are also used in the upper layer (also check the top rated latex mattresses).
Hybrid Family Bed
As the name suggests, a hybrid family bed or mattress combines two or more elements to make a strong and supportive base and other top layers. The usual structure is coil-based springs mixed with premium-quality foam. Spring coils are usually kept at the bottom, and the foam layer is on the top.
Many mattress makers use multiple elements in making a complete mattress or bed. Apart from coils and foam, gel-based memory foam and other layers infused with natural ingredients like latex, bamboo, cotton, etc., are there in the package.
The top benefit of a hybrid family bed is its perfect edge support and a bit of bounce that helps your body contour beautifully (check the best selling hybrid mattresses). Moreover, with a hybrid family bed, there is less chance of SIDS as the firmness level is perfect.
Is The Family Bed Right For You?
Some hundred years ago, your ancestors didn’t think about this question because co-sleeping with your kids wasn’t unusual. The trend of separate sleeping is not so old. In fact, in many cultures, co-sleeping is still practiced at large.
Assuming that you have been sleeping separately throughout your life, it is better to have an expert opinion if you have decided to co-sleep with your kids. The first thing is sleep quality. Although your sleep will be filled with the best snuggles and warmth, be ready to have a little punch and kick in the middle of the night from your kids.
The second thing is space, kids are always high energy, and most of them tend to move all over the bed heavily. So, in this scenario, you might compromise some space from your side.
Since you have decided to be closer to your kids at night, it is important to know the feelings of your kids as well. Co-sleeping is easy to adapt to if you are a new parent. However, if your babies are now toddlers or a little older, ask them how they feel about changing the regime from separate to co-sleeping. At this stage, the better strategy is never to pressurize your kids.
One more thing, intimate nights are out of the question with family beds. So, if you are taking this step, keep another room for those special nights.
Does Every Co-Sleeping Family Need A Family Bed?
Not every co-sleeping family needs a family bed. The average King size or California King size beds have plenty of space to enjoy togetherness. Moreover, these sizes will be more than enough if you have one or two kids. King-size beds are for co-sleeping when your kids are little.
That being said, you might need to move towards getting a family bed when you have more kids or when they start to grow (toddlers and above). It is better to have a big family bed than a king or California king bed at that stage (check the top rated California king mattresses).
If you are low on budget or don’t have enough space, you can still enjoy co-sleeping by simply attaching two mattresses side-by-side to make a big bed.
What to Look for in the Family Bed?
Once all the participants of co-sleeping are on one page about this decision, it’s time to look for family beds. There are a lot of options in this category of beds. However, the following are the most common factors to consider while getting a family bed:
Size
This is the most important factor when deciding about a family bed. In general, family beds are bigger as compared to a king-size beds. However, you can make a better decision just by considering the number of family members who will sleep on a family bed. A narrow-size family bed will be ideal for new parents or if the kids are toddlers and below.
Cost
There is a cost to enjoying superior quality in everything, including mattresses. The same is true for family beds. Since a lot of raw material is used to make a family bed, the cost factor will automatically shoot high.
Therefore, consider the heavy price tag for a family bed before buying it. However, a good bed is an investment for a long period.
Firmness
Firmness is an important factor for parents with newborn babies. You need a firm mattress to avoid accidental SIDS (also check the top rated extra firm mattresses). Go for a mattress that offers both options (just like a family bed by Mattress Insider). This way, you can all enjoy comfort levels according to personal preference.
Easy To Set Up
One of the features of a modern-day family bed is the easy set-up. Family beds come in two separate mattresses that are usually enjoined with zippers, laces, etc. This makes setting up the whole family bed easy and convenient.
Easy To Move
Since family beds are in a pair of two and mostly in a separate way, these beds or mattresses are easy to maneuver. So, if you go for their product, it will be easy to move both bases and the top layer separately.
Nowadays, top layers are usually delivered in the folded condition that requires some time to be in their original form. This makes it more convenient to move.
What Are The Benefits of The Family Bed?
The benefits of a family bed are directly related to the benefits of co-sleeping, so in this section, we will look into some essential benefits of co-sleeping.
- You are close to your kids, who feel more comfortable and relaxed with fewer phobias while sleeping next to you.
- Babies breastfeeding have more nutritious experiences while feeding and lying beside their mothers.
- As you co-sleep with your kids, you are more likely to take quick action to tend to their needs if anything goes wrong.
- As a parent, your mornings will become more beautiful and energetic when you are welcomed by your kids’ precious smiles when you wake up.
Is A Family Bed Healthy?
Absolutely. Family beds are healthy in both construction and usage. Most of the family beds are from robust coil springs, premium foam, or a hybrid of both with the addition of gel memory foam or other natural ingredients.
As far as usage is concerned, family beds are an excellent opportunity to have closeness with your kids. It creates a great bond between you and your kids.
Moreover, your kids tend to have better and more peaceful sleep while being close to you, so they wake up all fresh and healthy. Co-sleeping in a family bed is also beneficial for breastfeeding baby as he tends to have better nutritious value while being close to their mother.
Best Family Bed Reviewed – Key Takeaways
Choosing the Perfect Family Bed
Ergonomic Design for Comfort
Family beds like MattressInsider’s “The Family Bed” are designed with outstanding ergonomics to ensure maximum comfort. These mattresses cater to the needs of every sleeper, offering options for both firm and soft surfaces.
Customizable Layers for Ultimate Comfort
The top layers of family beds are customizable, allowing you to select between cooling gel-based memory foam or temperature-neutral Talalay Latex. This flexibility ensures you get the comfort level you desire.
Interchangeable Bases for Versatility
The bases of family mattresses feature a combination of high-quality foam for softness and edge-supportive spring coils for firmness. These bases are interchangeable and come with detachable zips, giving you the freedom to adjust your mattress settings anytime.
Is a Family Bed Right for Your Family?
Benefits of Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping in a family bed provides numerous benefits, including natural warmth and closeness for kids, especially for breastfeeding mothers. It strengthens the bond between parents and children and ensures a peaceful night’s sleep.
Considerations for Co-Sleeping
While family beds offer many advantages, they may not be suitable for everyone. Light sleepers might struggle with the extra movement in the bed, and experts recommend caution when co-sleeping with infants due to the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Types of Family Beds
Original Family Bed
Original family beds typically use high-quality foam for the base, with the option of a spring coil-based layer for added edge support. Cooling gel-based memory foam or natural ingredients like latex may be included in the top layer.
Hybrid Family Bed
Hybrid family beds combine coil-based springs with premium-quality foam in their construction. The coils provide excellent edge support, while the foam ensures comfort and contouring. This type minimizes the risk of SIDS due to its ideal firmness.
Choosing the Right Family Bed
When selecting a family bed, consider factors like size, cost, firmness, ease of setup, and ease of movement. Family beds are larger than standard mattresses, catering to various family sizes and preferences.
Benefits of Co-Sleeping in a Family Bed
Enhanced Bond with Kids
Co-sleeping in a family bed promotes a stronger bond between parents and children, offering them comfort and security.
Improved Sleep Quality
Parents wake up feeling refreshed and energetic after experiencing the warmth and joy of their children’s smiles each morning.
Is a Family Bed Healthy?
Family beds are constructed with robust materials such as coil springs, premium foam, and sometimes gel memory foam or natural ingredients. Their usage promotes closeness with your kids and enhances their sleep quality.
Conclusion:
In this post, we have highlighted every aspect of a family bed in detail. After a comprehensive study, we came to know the benefits and potential pitfalls in detail.
As a general rule, family beds are used to let your kids sleep with you daily. It is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers to ease the life of their kids and their selves.
After reading this post, you will be able to make the right decision about whether to go for a family bed and, if you are already using it, how to do it properly.
Resources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/A-Parents-Guide-to-Safe-Sleep.aspx
The Family Bed FAQs
What Size Is The Family Bed?
Family beds are the longest of all the other standard bed sizes. On average, the size of a family bed falls between 10 to 12 feet in width, which makes it ideal for a big family to enjoy warmth and closeness with each other.
Some of the family beds are giant as they are equal to two King size beds.
How Does A Family Bed Work?
Generally, family beds have a co-sleeping experience with your kids and your life partners, especially when your kids are babies or toddlers. Family beds also provide the best solution for new mothers who are lactating and require to provide one or two feeding sessions at night.
A good family bed will work to provide you comfort and support at the same time via its composition.
What Is The Largest Size Bed You Can Buy?
Generally, king-size beds are the largest of all. However, there are many types of king-size beds, such as in California or Texas, etc. But the giant among them is the Alaskan King Size Bed measuring 09 feet by 09 feet. This bed is perfect for a family bed mattress due to the availability of plenty of space.
However, keeping things easy, all the family beds are bigger than all the other types of mattresses (such as King or Queen Size beds).
Which Is A Bigger Queen-Size Or Family-Size Bed?
Family-sized beds are, by far, the bigger option than a queen-size bed. They measure between 10 to 12 feet in width. Few of them are even bigger than two king-size beds.