The Best Beds for an Autistic Child: How to Set up a Safe and Comfortable Bedroom

Autistic children require special attention especially when it comes to their sensory needs. For some autistic children, their sensory issues can make it difficult for them to get a good night’s sleep. This is why a good bed is essential. In this blog post, we will explore why an autistic child might need a special bed, how sensory issues make autistic children require special beds, devices for an increased sense of comfort in their bedrooms, and how to set up a perfect bedroom for an autistic child. We will also provide a list of choices for the best bed for an autistic child that you can find on Amazon.com and why they are a great choice (as well as other bedroom items you can include to increase their comfort in their safe space).

**This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the full disclosure here. Allow me to state while beginning this post I do know that there is a difference between saying “an autistic child” or “a child with autism.” I also know that some people strongly prefer to use one term while others strongly prefer the other. I understand both viewpoints and will interchange my terminology in this post to be inclusive of all parents of autistic children and children with autism. <3**

Why an Autistic Child Might Need a Special Bed

Almost all autistic children have sensory processing issues of some sort. In fact, sensory issues are so synonymous with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that it is included in the diagnostic questions. According to Autism Speaks autistic children may be over- or undersensitive to:

• Sights
• Sounds
• Smells
• Tastes
• Touch
• Balance (vestibular)
• Awareness of body position and movement (proprioception)
• Awareness of internal body cues and sensations (interception)

That is not to say that all children with sensory processing disorder also have autism, they may be neurodivergent in a different way or not at all. However, the two do commonly overlap.

These sensory issues can make it difficult for children with autism to sleep on a regular bed. This may mean that they might find it difficult to adjust to a regular bed because of their sensitivities. A special bed can provide a more comfortable environment for them to sleep in.

Why Special Beds Increase Comfort for Autistic Children’s Sensory Issues

For many autistic children, sensory issues can cause discomfort during sleep or while falling asleep. Loud noises, bright lights, the feel of certain fabrics on the skin, or even feeling too open and exposed can disrupt their sleep and falling asleep.

A good bed for an autistic child should take into consideration their sensory needs.

Unique beds (or bed add-ons) that feature a light-blocking mechanism can help create a more comfortable sleeping environment. Some specialized beds also feature adjustable systems which can increase their comfort levels.

Know that choosing the right bed for your child with autism is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Just as autism is a wide spectrum where each child processes information in their own unique way, finding a bed that suits where your child lies on the spectrum can be a bit of trial and error.

But I will be sharing why each bed and tip on this list is a popular choice for autistic children, as well as how it supports their needs, and you can use that information and your knowledge of your unique child to find the perfect bed and bedroom setup for your autistic child.

How to Set Up a Perfect Bedroom For an Autistic Child

When creating the perfect bedroom for your child with autism it’s important to weigh in the senses that seem to be the biggest concern to your child. By taking these into account you will be able to make the most comfortable space for your specific child where they feel safe and secure and can easily rest.

If Your Child is Sensitive to Light.

Many autistic children (all children really, but neurodivergent kids even more so) are very sensitive to light while they are trying to rest.

• Blue lights can cause overstimulation, you will want red lights.
• Too dark can cause fear for some while others thrive on it. Find a red-light night light in that case.
• Sunlight can be a big issue so blackout curtains or shades can be very helpful.
• Even the light that bounces off some types of flooring can disrupt an autistic child. Adding a low-pile rug can help reduce distracting glares.
• Consider the colors in your child’s room. We might think they would love fun bright colors but for some, this can cause overstimulation. In this case, try painting and decorating with more neutral colors and designs.

If Your Child is Sensitive to Sounds

Outside noise could be distracting to your autistic child while they are trying to sleep. If that is the case, try a white noise machine by their door or window (wherever the sounds are mostly coming from).

How to Pick Bedding If Your Child with Autism is Sensitive to Textures and Touch

Many autistic children are sensitive to the fabrics that touch them. This can cause overstimulation and make them very uncomfortable. This is why it is so important to find soft textures that don’t bother your sensitive child.

RELATED: The Best Underwear for Your Autistic Child

• Many autistic children prefer or completely dislike certain fabrics or textures. When choosing the right fabric for your child’s bedding take a clue by looking at their favorite shirt. That is something they are happy in that they love. If you can find a bed set in the same material, your child will love it! Some sensitive children adore a certain fabric while others despise it, but it’s usually pretty safe to go with natural fibers like cotton, linen, and bamboo. (Don’t forget to pay attention to seams!)
• Don’t forget to take into account the colors and patterns that you put on their beds. If your child has a preference there, be sure to include their preferences when selecting bedding.
• Soft breathable fabrics like those below tend to be a good choice for autistic children.
• Weighted blankets and compression sheets can be a huge help for a child experiencing sensory overload or anxiety.

Other Additions to Consider for an Autistic Child’s Bedroom

There are lots of other things that you can include besides the perfect bed to make your autistic child’s bedroom a perfect safe space for them. Making the entire bedroom right for your child with autism is just as important as finding the right bed itself.

Consider making a Sensory Safe Corner

Making either your child’s bed or a small section of their room a sensory-safe space can be a huge help. Consider a sensory tent filled with pillows in a texture your child likes and fidgets that can help them calm down if they are ever feeling overwhelmed. You will find bed options in the next section as well that turn their bed into a safe tent-like space.

Consider adding a sensory swing or seat to your child’s room as a calming space as well. You want their entire room to feel safe and calming to them. This will help overall in their sleep when nighttime comes.

If you choose to keep toys in your child’s bedroom know that this can often cause distraction and overstimulation. If you find that to be the case, switch to storage that hides the toys, books, and other items away.

One of the most affordable ways to do this is cube storage and storage cubes but there are many other closed storage options as well.

The Best Beds for an Autistic Child

If your child is struggling to fall asleep in their bed and you have addressed all the bedroom issues and tips mentioned above it may be time to consider changing their bed. There are multiple ways to alter the bed you currently have to make it better for your child with autism or you can try an entirely new one.

Add a Bed Tent to Their Bed

A more affordable option than starting with a brand new bed can be altering their current bed to make it better suited for your child’s senses. If you have already changed their bedding to one they love, consider adding a bed tent to make them feel more safe and secure and slow down overstimulation.

Consider an Adjustable Bed

Your child needs to be over 2-years-old before even considering using an adjustable bed. However once past that age, they may prefer a bed at a different angle than our typical flat beds, or with a different density than their current bed.

Consider trying a bed that changes position or changes pressure and how hard it is if your child seems uncomfortable in their beds after trying the aforementioned tips.

Gel beds can be more cooling if that is an issue and some children prefer memory foam mattresses while others prefer inner-spring. Consider all these things and your child’s preferences when designing their perfect bed.

Don’t Forget the Importance of the Bedding

Finding the right bedding for your autistic child is really the easiest fix to helping them like their beds. Refer to the section above but just to recap: try natural fibers like bamboo bedding, get a sensory sheet, and try a weighted blanket.

*If your child is sensitive to microfiber as some are, this weighted blanket is a better choice than the one I linked above.

Wrapping Up How to Find the Best Bed for An Autistic Child

Choosing the right bed is essential for an autistic child’s comfort and safety during sleep. Creating the right bedroom setting is just as important!

Specialized beds that consider their sensory needs can provide a more comfortable environment for them to sleep in.

Parents can easily create a safe bedroom environment for their autistic child by ensuring that they remove all items that could pose a risk, secure the sleeping area, and minimize clutter.

The recommended beds, bedding, and tips are a great choice for parents looking to buy a bed or an addition to modify the bed they currently have to help it better support the rest of their child with autism. I hope this article helps you to create the perfect comfortable and safe sleeping environment for your autistic child.