What to Look for in a Bed for a Child with Additional Needs

If you're reading this, you've probably already tried a few things: bed rails, floor beds, locks on bedroom doors. A lot of parents land here after a standard bed just isn't working for their child anymore, whether that's because of climbing out, constant movement at night, or a child who seems to settle better in a smaller, more defined space.

Here's what we'd suggest thinking about when comparing options.

Padded, high-walled sides

Many families find their child settles more easily in a bed with higher, padded sides rather than a standard open bed frame. That's the main idea behind a Claybed: padded walls and a defined structure that can feel calmer for children who move around a lot during the night.

Materials that hold up

Look for something durable and easy to clean. Our beds use soft, durable vinyl, breathable mesh panels for airflow and visibility, and strong steel zips, built for actual daily use rather than delicate materials that wear out fast.

Size and weight capacity

Make sure whatever you choose has room to grow with your child. A Claybed has an internal mattress space of 1800mm x 880mm and a weight capacity of 180kg, with a mattress made to fit the bed exactly.

Why it takes a few weeks

Each Claybed is built from scratch once an order comes in, rather than kept ready-made in stock, which is why we give ourselves 4 to 5 weeks. It's a straightforward, considered build rather than something rushed off a shelf.

Cost and funding

This is often the biggest question, and a fair one. Many New Zealand families access funding support through Equipment and Modification Services, ACC, or charitable grants. Our funding page covers how that works, including how our partner Active Healthcare can help manage a funded purchase.

If you're still working out whether a Claybed is the right fit, check our FAQ page or get in touch, we're happy to talk it through with no pressure.