Little Folks Furniture classic beech bunk bed with storage and sleepover trundle
- Best: Overall
- Dimensions: Bunkbed; L 200cm x W 101cm x H 162cm, trundle bed; L 188cm x W 82cm x H 24cm
- Ages: Top bed from 6+ years
- Assembly: Minimal self assembly, approximately 45 minutes
We love the fact these bunk beds give you lots of sleeping options and will see kids through from primary schoolers all the way into adulthood. Made primarily from solid beech hardwood with slatted mattress bases, the bunks are incredibly sturdy when built and a great option for siblings. Our bottom-bunk tester, who shares with a very wriggly top-bunk dweller, was particularly happy that the beds didn’t move about every time she rolled over above him – a complaint with some of the other bunks we tested.
The bunks come with a very solid rollaway storage drawer underneath, which you can either fill with bedding or toys, or use as a sleepover bed if you buy the trundle mattress separately (£150, Littlefolksfurniture.co.uk). The whole thing took us about an hour and a half to assemble and we had a lot of fun testing it with all three beds in use for a sleepover.
The bunks, which each take a standard single mattress (you’ll need a high bed safety mattress for the top bunk, which is suitable for age 6+) break down into two adult-size singles, and the simple Nordic-inspired design blends in beautifully to all sorts of interiors. We tested the pure white option, but we were very tempted by the dove grey. It’s a solid, versatile bed that’s built to last – plus, it’s a great price for such a high-quality item that can sleep up to three kids.
Ikea kura reversible bed
- Best: For costumising
- Dimensions: L 209cm x W 99cm x H 116cm
- Ages: 6+ years when used as a loft bed
- Assembly: Self assembly
Ikea’s reversible kura bed has built up quite a following, to the point that there was a bit of an online panic when it was rumoured that it had been discontinued (it hasn’t). It’s largely down to how easy it is to customise this basic wooden frame with a few power tools and a bit of imagination. Google “Ikea kura bed hacks” and you’ll see what kind of creative things are possible.
Even fresh out of the box without any creative input, this is an all-round excellent bed. It’s reversible in the sense that you can build it low – with the mattress at the bottom for younger children – or flip it round with the mattress in the top position for ages 6+, which creates a den area underneath. We customised ours with some handmade curtains, and our little tester was thrilled with the play area underneath. It also doubles up as storage once your child gets too big to use it as a den. And, crucially, the bed in the top position isn’t annoyingly high when it comes to changing the sheets.
The frame is easy enough to assemble, particularly if you’re familiar with IKEA instructions, and the cube-shaped frame means it’s really sturdy in either position. You can combine it with a kura bed tent (£35, Ikea.com) to create a canopy over the top, or a kura bed curtain (£25, Ikea.com) to make a very cute den underneath. Even with a continental sized mattress factored in, the price is incredibly budget-friendly and the versatility means this will last your child a long time.
Cuckooland New York metal kids’ bed
- Best: For industrial chic
- Dimensions: L 210cm x W 98cm x H 110cm
- Ages: Not specified
- Assembly: Self assembly required
We love the look of Cuckooland’s New York bed, and it went down a treat with our tester. Metal with a powder coated finish, it’s available in six bold colours: a tomato red, mint, blue, classic white, an industrial black, and our personal favourite, a bright sunshine yellow with a retro vibe.
The frame was easy to assemble and nice and sturdy. We had wondered if a metal bed might be creaky but we needn’t have worried, as it didn’t make a sound once built. There’s a decent amount of space underneath for storage, and the headboard is great for hanging fairy lights or bunting from if you fancy giving it a decorative twist. The bed takes a continental-sized mattress, and the frame is also available in a small double size if your little one isn’t so little any more.
Stompa uno 5 white high-sleeper with desk and pullout chairbed
- Best: For loft living
- Dimensions: L 208cm x W 105cm x H 174cm
- Ages: Not specified
- Assembly: Self assembly or assembly available for £99
Our favourite high-sleeper of the bunch has to be the Stompa uno 5. This clever loft bed has a built-in desk and shelves underneath, plus a chair that pulls out into a handy sleepover bed. We found it easy to build in around an hour and a half, although you can also pay an extra £99 to have it assembled. We liked the fact the desk and shelf unit can go on either side of the bed, which meant we could get the right configuration for our room.
It’s quite a climb to the top, so this bed is best for older children – the minimum recommended age on the website is six. Our nine-year-old tester found the flat ladder rungs made getting up and down nice and easy, which is also helpful when changing the sheets. Speaking of which, the bed takes a continental-sized mattress which you’ll need to buy separately – Stompa offers a discounted mattress when you buy it as a package with the bed. Our tester found the Stompa S flex air flow mattresses really comfy.
We tested the bed in white, and liked the fact there are lots of options when it comes to cushion colours. We went for blue but there’s also pink, black, red, grey and aqua, plus a new grey version of the bed with a grey cushion set. Stompa’s range of children’s beds is huge – the uno range alone also includes a mid-sleeper, bunk bed and cabin bed with lots of extra functionality.
Loaf sleepover cushion
- Best: For impromptu sleepovers
- Dimensions: D 60cm x W 180cm x H 13cm
- Ages: Not specified
- Assembly: N/A
If you’re looking for an option for sleepovers but don’t have the space for a trundle bed, this foldaway cushion is a great solution. Our tester found it far more comfortable than the overly squishy blow-up beds we tried, and it functioned as a very pretty pouffe when not in use.
Unfolded, it’s long enough to accommodate an older child or smallish grown-up – perfect if you’re in need of an occasional place to crash next to a poorly child, or a toddler who refuses to nod off unless you’re in the room (we’ve all been there). The mattress itself is foam and wadding, finished in natural linen with a very pretty blanket stitch detail around the edge and buttons that keep it “closed” when it’s folded up.
Bear in mind it’s not particularly easy to clean, so a waterproof sheet might be wise for younger sleepover guests. And if you need something more substantial for older guests, Loaf’s flip-flop floor mattress (Loaf.com, £375) is another great option.
Mamas & Papas melfi cotbed with cot top changer
- Best: For baby’s first bed
- Dimensions: L 145cm x W 75cm x H 89cm
- Ages: Newborn to up to 4 years
- Assembly: Self assembly
The new melfi collection from Mamas & Papas will be right up your street if you’re looking for on-trend nursery furniture. We tested the melfi cotbed in midnight blue – the gorgeous deep blue hue of the moment – and absolutely loved the change from the usual white or natural wood nursery furniture. It’s also just been released in melfi green, and both options are equally striking.
The bed starts life as a cot with three mattress heights, so you can lower it as your baby begins to get more mobile, but spare your back while they’re not. It comes with a compact cot top changer that’s ideal if you’re short on space. But you will need to buy a cotbed mattress separately for this one (£109, Mamasandpapas.com).
As your baby gets older it converts into a very cute toddler bed, and we found the instructions easy to follow when switching between the two – it took our tester around 50 minutes. It’ll see kids through to age four, and still fits our four-year-old tester comfortably. Plus, if you fancy decking out the rest of your nursery to match, there’s a gorgeous wardrobe (£489, Mamasandpapas.com) and dresser (£469, Mamasandpapas.com) in the same striking blue, with sleek, brushed metallic handles.
Nox fort mid sleeper bed
- Best: For compact rooms
- Dimensions: L 214cm x W 96cm x H 120cm
- Ages: 6+ years
- Assembly: Self assembly or home assembly for £179
Our seven-year-old tester really liked this playful mid-sleeper bed, which has a little house-style den underneath. It’s the only bed we tested that has the ladder on the end panel, rather than the front, which could come in handy in a long, narrow room. You can position it at either end of the bed depending on the layout of your space.
The MDF bed frame comes with two panels for the ends, and another with a window cut-out for the front. Again, this can be positioned on either side depending on where it works best in your room. You can also build it without the front panel and use the space underneath for storage – another handy feature if you’re tight on space.
It’s recommended for kids aged six and over due to the height and takes a reduced-depth continental mattress on a slatted base. We found it quick and easy to assemble, but you can pay an extra £179 for home assembly by Room To Grow’s partner, Screwdriver, if you don’t fancy tackling it yourself.
Habitat bloom extendable toddler bed and kids mattress
- Best: For toddlers
- Dimensions: L 196cm x W 102cm x H 90cm
- Ages: 18 months+
- Assembly: Self assembly
If you’re in the market for a toddler bed, Habitat’s bloom bed is a clever solution. It starts off at just the right size for a toddler moving up from a cot – it’s low to the floor and comes with a small safety rail to stop them rolling out. Then, as your little one grows, you can slide the lower section out to extend the bed by around half a metre, and add in the extra section of mattress provided.
The frame is made from a mixture of sustainably sourced FSC wood and MDF, with a wooden slatted base. Our tester assembled the bed in an hour and a half and found the instructions nice and easy to follow. We tested the bed in white, and it’s available in pine as well. There’s also an option to buy the frame on its own without the extendable mattress, although it’s not clear from the website what you’d use to fill in the gap once the bed was extended, so we plumped for the bed and mattress all in one.
Olsen bed frame with mattress
- Best: For style on a shoestring
- Dimensions: D 98cm x W 195cm x H 75cm
- Ages: Not specified
- Assembly: Self assembly
If you’re looking for a simple single bed that looks great but doesn’t blow the budget, the Olsen is worth adding to your shortlist. The MDF frame is lightweight but sturdy, and you can choose it in muted dove grey or white. The curved end panels and tapered wooden legs give it a simplistic Scandi vibe, and our testers found it easy enough to assemble in just under two hours.
We tested the dove grey and the colour would work equally well in a girl’s or boy’s room. Plus, there’s a whole range of matching Olsen products, including a compact desk (£99, Homeessentials.co.uk) and a cute bookcase (£89, Homeessentials.co.uk) – all at equally wallet-friendly prices.
The bed frame we tested comes with an airsprung quilted mattress, which fits onto a sprung slatted base. The mattress arrived rolled and even once it’s puffed up it is relatively thin, but comfortable according to our tester. If you’ve already got a mattress sorted, you can buy the frame on its own (from £149, Homeessentials.co.uk). A great option for style on a shoestring.
FAQs
What firmness mattress is best for toddlers? ›
Because of their lighter body weight, children don't need a super-firm mattress. Instead, a firm or medium-firm mattress is best for kids. Childrens' growing bodies need adequate support, and their spines need to be able to stay in a natural position while they sleep.
What type of bed should a 2 year old sleep in? ›Your 1- to 2-year-old should still sleep in a safe, secure crib. Before a child's first birthday, blankets are not recommended because of the possible risk of SIDS. But at this age, it's OK to put a light blanket in your child's crib.
What type of bed is best for 3 year old? ›A 3-year-old should have a bed that is big enough for them to sleep in comfortably. However, it should not be so big that they feel lost in it. A twin mattress is usually a good option for a 3-year-old.
Should toddlers sleep on firm mattress? ›Back sleeping is considered to be the safest sleeping position for toddlers, which is why medium firm to firm mattresses are the best fit. As your child grows, back and stomach sleeping are also considered to be safe. Some mattresses are heat-wicking, while others are more likely to retain heat.
What kind of mattress is best for a child UK? ›Latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic and breathable. They're perfect for kids who like to stay cool throughout the night. Reflex foam mattresses feature solid foam that provides great support for growing kids.
Should a child's mattress be firm or soft? ›The ideal mattress firmness for your child will be individual to them and their sleeping preferences. However, a medium soft or medium-firm mattress should work well for most children, providing a good balance between comfort and spinal support.
Is foam mattress OK for toddler? ›Memory foam mattresses usually provide good levels of support, so are suitable for children. However, they may not be suitable for very young children, such as toddlers. A person should ensure they are choosing a mattress made with high quality foam, such as those with CertiPUR-US certifications.
Is memory foam mattress safe for 3 year old? ›Memory foam can be harmful to toddlers, although older children and adults usually enjoy sleeping on it. A memory foam mattress is characterized by its natural slow recovery, which allows the body to sink into it during sleep.
Can a 2 year old sleep in a full size bed? ›Generally, a full-size mattress is appropriate for children once they reach around 8 or 10. However, if you notice your child has hit a sudden growth spurt, you may need to buy a mattress for them sooner.
Can a 3 year old still sleep in a crib? ›Crib safety
While most kids can easily make the transition between 18 months and 3 1/2 years, it really depends on your child. If at all possible, try to wait until your child is closer to 3 years old to give them a chance to develop the maturity it takes to stay in a big bed at night.
When should toddler stop using sleep sack? ›
After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket. At this point, the risk of SIDs has significantly decreased as your child has the mobility to roll over easily from any direction.
Is memory foam mattress good for child? ›The main features a child needs in a mattress for healthy sleep are spinal support, a comfortable surface and breathability. Memory foam is perfectly safe for children as long as you buy from a reputable source and it has been designed with children in mind with: Adherence to UK safety standards. Breathable foam.
What kind of mattress should a 4 year old have? ›Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are safe for children of all ages, offering optimal support that won't sink. They contain coils that provide extreme durability, whether your kid is sleeping or jumping (it happens).
What age can a child go into a single bed? ›Most children move from cot to bed when they're between two and three years old. There's no hurry, though. And there are some advantages to leaving your child in a cot if they're happy there.
What kind of mattress should kids have? ›Best Mattress Types for Kids
Firm: Firm mattresses, like those with an innerspring design, are best for babies because they prevent the risk of SIDS and keep small children safe and supported. Older kids can help choose the firmness of their mattress based on preference.
The most suitable child mattresses are designed with a thickness between 12cm and 20cm or 5in to 8in. Mattresses below this range are likely to be uncomfortable, and going beyond this range would not provide any additional comfort and likely become awkward to fit in all bed frames for example bunk beds.
Is Emma mattress good for toddlers? ›The Emma mattress might not be one that's made specifically for children, but as it's a great option for a supportive yet super soft, fluffy mattress it's perfect for growing little ones. Lovely and soft, yet will feel supportive on their small frame thanks to the HRX foam, which is intended to keep spines aligned.
Is sprung mattress good for kids? ›As a general rule: memory foam, hybrid and pocket sprung mattresses are all fine for most children. But firm mattresses are recommended for very young kids or babies, like the Emma Cot.
Are orthopedic mattresses good for children? ›But a good quality orthopaedic mattress has many other benefits too: It regulates blood circulation and blood supply to all internal organs, prevents low bone density and stunted growth and helps your child wake up in a good mood and able to concentrate.
What should I look for when buying a mattress for my child? ›Experts agree that firmness is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a baby's mattress, especially. "It's important for babies to have firm mattresses while they're still in a crib," says Welch. "While it might be more comfortable, a soft, pillow-like mattress or topper could be very dangerous for a baby."
How important is a good mattress for a toddler? ›
Not only will it help them get a better night's sleep, it also provides the support they need as they grow. As well as keeping the spine and bones aligned, a supportive kids' mattress will reduce rolling and fidgeting, allowing your child to sleep more soundly.
Is a medium firm mattress good for toddlers? ›How Firm Should a Child's Mattress Be? Because most children are fairly light, they typically won't need an extra firm mattress. Instead, a medium or medium firm mattress will be just fine in helping to support their spinal alignment as they grow.
Are mattress toppers safe for kids? ›For kids, a medium-firm mattress topper is often the best option. It will provide enough support for growing bodies without being too hard. A breathable mattress topper will help regulate your child's body temperature while they sleep. This is especially important if your child tends to sleep hot at night.
Can a 1 year old sleep on memory foam mattress? ›No. It's not safe for a one year old to sleep on a memory foam mattress. Continue using a firm crib mattress to minimize the risk of suffocation. If your crib mattress has a “toddler” side (which is slightly softer than the infant side), it may be safe starting at 15 months, but check your user manual to be sure.
Are memory foam pillows good for kids? ›Hence it provides a product that is not only environmentally friendly, but is safe for children and pets. Another reason it is great for people and pets is that it provides an efficient protection mechanism against dust mites, mould, odour and mildew.
Is it OK for baby to sleep on soft mattress? ›Experts recommend a 'firm' sleep surface for babies aged 0–12 months, even babies that are positioned face up (as they should be). Some baby products are unsafe because they are made too soft.
Is memory foam pillow good for toddlers? ›According to Healthline, fiber-fill (like cotton or polyester) and memory foam are two good options. Organic toddler pillows are all the rage because they offer a nontoxic sleep surface, but they're also made with hypoallergenic materials.
Is a double bed OK for a toddler? ›If there are times when your child wants or needs company – when they are sick or scared – a double bed may be the best option. A big bed also makes a good space to read and play. A double bed for kids may be an option too big to jump too straight away and if so; a small double bed can be a great middle-ground.
Is a queen bed too big for a 3 year old? ›A queen offers ample space for growing bodies, snuggling and reading books with grownups or eventually even sleepovers with friends. A full bed is fine for almost any kid and will provide plenty of room to keep them comfortable as they age and grow.
Should I put my toddler back in a crib? ›Children can very often be successfully transitioned back to a crib once it becomes apparent that they were not yet ready, particularly if the transition was a recent one (less than six months).
Is it normal for a 3 year old to wear diapers? ›
Most children will complete toilet training and be ready to stop using diapers between 18 and 30 months of age,1 but this certainly isn't the case for all kids. Some children are not fully out of diapers until after the age of 4.
What age should a child sleep in their own room UK? ›Official guidelines tell parents to keep babies in the parent(s) room until they are 6 months old. This is because the risk of SIDS (cot death) is greater for babies who sleep on their own compared to sleeping in the presence of an adult.
Is 4 years old too old for crib? ›The ages for making this transition vary from family to family. With over 10 years of experience working with families, I recommend you try to wait until between 3 and 4 years old to transition from crib to bed. Typically, we here at The Baby Sleep Site® recommend that you don't rush into making this transition.
Are sleep sacks safe for toddlers? ›Yes. It is generally safe for infants to sleep in a sleep sack which allows their arms to be free and hips and legs to move once they start to roll over. This ensures that they are able to move about freely and can push themselves up when they start to roll over on their own.
What if baby rolls on stomach while sleeping but can't roll back? ›If babies cannot yet roll from front to back, then they should be turned onto their backs if parents find them asleep on their tummies. Devices such as wedges and positioners, which are promoted as keeping babies from rolling over, should never be used, as they can be a suffocation hazard.
What's a sleep sack for toddlers? ›A sleep sack is a “wearable blanket” or “sleep bag” for babies and toddlers. Instead of using a loose blanket in the crib, which increases the risk of suffocation and will get kicked off 147 times each night, a sleep sack is like cute overalls that keep your baby warm (and safe) while they sleep.
What kind of bed should a 18 month old sleep in? ›A toddler bed usually uses the same size mattress as a crib and is low to the ground. This means you can use your crib mattress longer — though some parents do opt to get a whole new bed for their toddler, especially if there's a younger sibling on the way.
What age is a toddler bed suitable for? ›Toddler beds are suitable for children aged between 2 years – approximately 5-7 years. Offering a step into independence yet maintaining proportions that may be more suited to a younger child; toddler beds make a great first kids bed.
What is the maximum age for a toddler bed? ›Some kids sleep in their toddler beds through five-years-old while others were already transitioned at 18 months. That said, my toddler switched to a twin bed at three-years-old. And after surveying other moms, I learned that that's about the mid-range for most of us.
What age can a child go into a single bed? ›Most children move from cot to bed when they're between two and three years old. There's no hurry, though. And there are some advantages to leaving your child in a cot if they're happy there.
What tog duvet should a 2 year old have? ›
If your child is over 12 months but under 3 years old, go for a duvet that is no warmer than 4 togs.
When should toddler stop using sleep sack? ›After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket. At this point, the risk of SIDs has significantly decreased as your child has the mobility to roll over easily from any direction.
What age should a child sleep in their own room UK? ›Official guidelines tell parents to keep babies in the parent(s) room until they are 6 months old. This is because the risk of SIDS (cot death) is greater for babies who sleep on their own compared to sleeping in the presence of an adult.
Can a 3 year old sleep in a full size bed? ›Generally, a full-size mattress is appropriate for children once they reach around 8 or 10. However, if you notice your child has hit a sudden growth spurt, you may need to buy a mattress for them sooner.
How do you get a 2 year old to sleep through the night? ›- Make sure your toddler is getting the right amount of sleep overall. ...
- Get gung-ho about the bedtime routine. ...
- Keep her comfy. ...
- Try adding a white noise machine. ...
- Offer a lovey. ...
- Steer clear of the scaries. ...
- Keep an eye on screen time.
Toddlers aren't very big; however, growing kids can put on weight quickly. Most toddler beds are designed to hold no more than 50-pounds. If your little boy or girl is going through a growth spurt and is putting on significant weight, it maybe time to purchase a bigger bed before the toddler bed collapses.
Can a 4 year old sleep in a crib? ›There's no right or wrong answer. The ages for making this transition vary from family to family. With over 10 years of experience working with families, I recommend you try to wait until between 3 and 4 years old to transition from crib to bed.
Do toddlers need pillows? ›Many toddlers sleep just fine without one, and if your child seems comfortable at night there's no reason to force them to use a pillow. It may seem odd to us as adults, but remember that your child has never slept with a pillow in their life, so they don't know they're missing out on anything!
Should you cuddle your child to sleep? ›Kids can become be dependent on snuggling to fall asleep. Physical affection is indisputably good for kids, and studies suggest cuddling can reduce children's stress levels and boost their immune systems. But cuddling your kids to sleep can be harmful.
Can a 2.5 year old sleep in a single bed? ›There is no "perfect" age for your child to make the transition from a crib to a bed; this generally takes place sometime between 1 1/2 and 3 years of age, but the particular time depends on a variety of considerations.
Should you tuck toddler duvet in? ›
Babies should always sleep on their back with their feet at the foot of their cot. Tuck the blanket in across their chest and under their arms and keep the cot free from bumpers, pillows and soft toys.
Is a double bed OK for a toddler? ›If there are times when your child wants or needs company – when they are sick or scared – a double bed may be the best option. A big bed also makes a good space to read and play. A double bed for kids may be an option too big to jump too straight away and if so; a small double bed can be a great middle-ground.