Making a child's bedroom more functional and attractive usually starts with considering the size of the room. Choosing a child's day bed starts the same way: it is important to measure the space so you can figure out how large of a unit will fit in there. A child's day bed can be a very functional piece of furniture that can provide a comfortable sleeping surface as well as a great place to sit and watch movies or play with friends. If your child hosts sleepovers, a trundle bed hidden under the day bed is a great option.
A trundle bed slides neatly under the child's day bed mattress for storage, and when extra sleeping space is needed, the trundle bed can be pulled out and sometimes popped up to be at the same level. If you choose this style of bed, be sure to consider the size of the room to make sure both mattresses will fit in the space when the trundle bed is in use. Remember, too, that a child's day bed with a trundle bed will be more expensive than other units, since more materials are necessary and more design goes into the production of the piece.
Strong, attractive building materials are important for any piece of furniture, but even more so for a child's day bed. If your child is particularly active, keep in mind that the frame of the bed will endure more strain. Think carefully about frame materials; the most common options include hardwoods and softwoods, as well as steel and even aluminum. Hardwoods are perhaps the best option for aesthetic appeal and durability, but they are also likely to be the most expensive options. Steel can be exceptionally strong and durable, but it may not always be the most attractive option, and steel legs can scratch wood floors fairly easily.
Most child's day bed models feature twin size mattresses, which is an appropriate size for most children. If your child is quite tall and still growing, or if your child has special needs that a larger mattress can accommodate, be sure to explore other options. Remember that the bed frame is designed to work with one size mattress only, so if you want a bigger mattress, you will need to buy a bigger frame as well. Think about the height of the child's day bed a well: some day beds tend to sit higher off the ground, especially models with a trundle bed or drawers underneath the mattress. This may make getting into bed or out of bed more difficult for smaller children.