Disadvantages and challenges of the family bed

1.Less privacy for parents: Couples have less privacy, which can affect intimacy and sleeping habits.

2.Space requirements in the bedroom & costs: A real family bed requires a lot of space and often special mattresses, gap fillers or fall-out protection - which can be expensive.

3.Restless sleep possible: More people means more movement and noise, which can disturb sleep.

4.Difficult transition to your own bed: Children who sleep in the family bed for a long time sometimes need more time to get used to their own bed.

5.Pay attention to safety aspects: We explain below what you need to bear in mind so that your child can sleep peacefully and safely in the family bed.

Safe family bed: what you need to know

If you have decided in favour of a family bed, there are a few things to consider. We answer the most important questions and show you how to use the family bed successfully.

Who sleeps where?

You can place the bed against the wall or in the centre of the room, depending on what works best. It is safest for the baby to lie between a carer and the edge of the bed with a safety rail or wall - not between both parents. Siblings should not sleep directly next to the baby to avoid unconscious movements.

Which mattress is suitable for a family bed?

For a family bed, use a large mattress that offers enough space for everyone or place several mattresses next to each other. It is important that you and your loved ones have enough space in the family bed. It is therefore often recommended to allow 90-140 cm for each family member from the age of 6 and 60-70 cm for younger children. When buying several mattresses, make sure that they are of the same height so that you have a large lying surface. In addition, a topper, such as a waterproof mattress protector, could be useful, so that the transitions between the mattresses are not noticeable and the actual mattress is protected from minor accidents. With regard to pillows and blankets, we recommend a separate set for each family member, which is individually customised. For babies and small children, you should avoid decorative and unnecessary pillows and blankets due to the risk of suffocation.

How do I prevent my child from falling out of bed?

A sturdy fall-out guard is recommended - especially in the "gymnastics months" between 9 and 13 months, when babies become more mobile. There are various solutions, from fixed bars to bolted bed edges and padded barriers. Make sure that there are no gaps where your child could become trapped.

When to wean from the family bed?

A gradual approach is recommended when weaning a child off the family bed. It is important to be patient and support your child, for example by letting your little one spend the night in their own bed in the same room as a first step. We'll show you when and how best to organise the transition to your own bed.

From the family bed to own bed

How to design your perfect family bed

You can either buy a family bed ready-made - there are now specialised suppliers for large family beds in various widths. These models are comfortable and ready for immediate use, but are often quite expensive.

A flexible and more cost-effective alternative is to combine several beds or frames together. This allows you to customise the width and length of your family bed - and separate the beds again later if necessary when your child moves into their own room.

When making your choice, make sure that the bed frame is slim and not too bulky. Wide frames or high edges interrupt the lying surface and create dangerous gaps. Box spring beds or flat frames are particularly suitable if you are placing several beds next to each other.

special mattress wedges are available to prevent gaps from forming between two mattresses. This wedge closes the gap between two mattresses and ensures a continuous lying surface. Such a "bridge" increases both comfort and safety in the family bed.