Folding bed: safe for long term use with 2yr old?

[vannah]

Didnt know where to post this question
Just trying to solve a terrible shortage of space problem in our flat.
Was wondering if those folding beds/guest beds for children are safe for their backs if used for 1 or 2 years every night?
Does anyone else do this? I know I slept on a fold-up bed as a child for a few years and my back isn't great today.

What are your thoughts please, and any recommendations?

thankyou

My first thought would be that they are not great, as are designed just for short-term use. Backs are v.important!! (As a sufferer of bad back I know!!) How small is your flat? My two boys shared a single room with two cotbeds that took up practically the entire room until recently. Now DS1 is 6 so we have got bunk beds which gives a little bit more room. How about futon that folds up into a sofa during the day or just a good mattress straight on the floor that you could put away under your bed during the day? I have a friend with three boys who share a room and this is what they do.

I am will boyswillbeboys - not a good long term solution. I am sure a mattress on the floor would be better.

What about a single bed with a second collapsible single underneath? Will post a link in a mo.

Pehaps this

this is what I would suggest

I have something like the one suggested by ComeOVeneer and it is actually quite big/bulky although fine for us. It's taller and wider than an average single bed as it fits a proper bed underneath.
Mattress on floor would be fine for 2 year old for quite a while I suspect. I really dont think fold-ups are that great for anything long-term - not just in terms of back problems but they are narrow, thin mattress and not easy for child to turnover or get comfortable/manouvere (sp?) around. Some might be better than others I guess.

thanks everyone think i will dismiss the idea of a fold up bed...comeoveneer will check the link...