In order for your children to grow and develop as best as they can, it’s vital that they manage to get a good night’s sleep, every night. One way in which you can ensure that they are sleeping soundly, is by investing in a bed that’s right for them.
There are many kids beds available on the market and with so many to choose from, it’s easy to get confused about which bed is the best option for your child. Here, in our complete guide to kids beds, you’ll find everything you need to consider when investing in a bed for your child. Read on to equip yourself with our handy information, before starting your search for the perfect kids bed.
Knowing when your child is ready for a kids bed
First things first, you’ll need to decide if and when your child is ready to move on from their cot and into a kids bed. Toddlers around the age of 2 are usually gearing themselves up for the transition, but some children will be happy left in a cot until 3. The easiest way to decipher whether or not your child is ready, is to look for any signs they are showing.
If your toddler is constantly trying to climb out of the cot, then it’s wise to begin searching for a kids bed. In families with older siblings, children will typically want to move from a cot at an earlier age, to sleep in a bed that’s similar to their older brothers or sisters. Of course, if the cot is looking a little snug and there’s not much room for moving around, it’s a clear cut sign that it’s time to make the transition.
Think about the different kids beds available
Gone are the days when all children would sleep soundly in a single bed – there’s now a huge variety of children’s beds on offer that you can take your pick from. Each of these beds have their own advantages, and it all depends on what you and your child needs from the new bed, which will decide which one is right for you.
Cot beds
A cot bed or toddler bed offers a cot and bed in one product. Once your child has grown out of their confining cot, simply drop the sides and end panel down to transform it into a bed that’s perfect for toddlers. These beds are ideal for those looking to extend the amount of time that their cot lasts for, and for when you’re hoping at least a couple of siblings can make us of it over time.
Single beds
Then there’s the single bed, the most common children’s bed on the market. Some come as simple frames, whilst others are designed with a novelty feel (think pirates and race cars, for example) which adds a bit of fun to the room and sparking your kid’s imagination. If you choose to buy a single bed, make sure you double check the measurements, as UK and European sizing different. You’ll want to make sure your mattress fits the frame and that the bed actually fits in the room!
Bunk beds
If you have two children sharing a bedroom, a bunk bed is the perfect choice, especially if they are a little older. A bunk bed will save you plenty of space in the room for additional items, whether that’s a wardrobe, a bookcase or even some of their favourite games. Like single beds, bunk beds are now available in a variety of styles, such as corner bunk beds, triple bunk beds and bunk beds with that much-needed additional storage.
Cabin beds
Cabin beds, sometimes known as mid sleepers, are designed so that the bed sits on a raised level, with enough space underneath to add cupboards, shelves and even a pull out desk. They sit somewhere between a single bed and a bunk bed, and can have a simple design or something more unique, such as a teepee bed.
Loft beds
Loft beds, otherwise known as high sleepers, are around the same dimensions as a bunk bed, but rather than having two beds as part of the design, there is one bed that’s paired with a desk, play area of storage facilities underneath. Due to the height of loft beds, it’s recommended that they are only used by older children.
Choosing the right kids bed size for your child and your home
As mentioned earlier, there are a variety of different sizes when it comes to kids beds. Whether you’re hoping to invest in a bed that lasts for many years and as your child grows, or if you’re concerned about the amount of space you in their bedroom, these measurements should help you have a better understanding of which kids beds you could choose from.
| Type of bed | Size in cm | Size in inches | Size in feet |
| Small UK single bed | 75cm x 120cm | 30” x 75” | 2ft6 x 6ft3 |
| Standard sized UK single bed | 90cm x 190cm | 36” x 75” | 3ft x 6ft3 |
| European single bed | 90cm x 200cm | 36” x 79” | 3ft x 6ft6 |
| Small UK double | 120cm x 190cm | 48” x 75” | 4ft x 6ft3 |
Who will be assembling your child’s new bed?
Many kids beds will be delivered as a flat pack, which will require you to carry out some assembling using the instructions provided. It goes without saying that flat pack furniture isn’t for everyone, so if you would rather buy from a supplier that will assemble the bed for you, it’s worth looking into which companies will offer that service.
As part of our quality customer service, we can deliver your brand new kids bed and assemble it for you.
The cheapest isn’t always the best way to go
It’s well worth making a solid investment in a bed for your child, to make sure you’re providing them with a quality bed that will stay with them as they grow, and to ensure they sleep soundly, too. Some beds will cost more than others, but this is a sign of quality assurance and that the bed will last for as long as you need it to.
If you’ve decided to opt for a short term option, such as a toddler bed, then it might be worth considering some of the cheaper options, but if you’re planning on investing in a long-term solution for your children, don’t scrimp on the cost of your new kids bed.
We hope that, with our guide, you have all the information you need to make an informed choice on what kids bed will be best for your child and your family home. Don’t forget to browse of the quality children’s beds that we have on offer here.