guide

Guide To Buying a Kids Bed

Buying a bed for your kids is much more complex than buying a bed for yourself. For one thing, kids are still growing, so selecting the right size to last is especially complicated. There’s also a wide variety of different bed types, including bunk beds and themed beds, as well as a wealth of storage options to choose from.

In this guide we’ll make choosing the right bed for your child easy, with plenty of top tips and expert advice, as well as feedback from real parents who’ve been there and done that.

Here's our list of things to consider so you can choose the ideal bed for your little one:

Space and Size

Measure the space where the bed will go. Consider the size of the room and the other furniture to ensure the bed fits comfortably.

Age and Growth

Children grow quickly, so consider a bed that can accommodate their growth. A small single bed for a toddler might be suitable for a few years, but a regular single bed can last until they’re much older. Let’s explore the different types of beds available:

TYPES OF BEDS

Toddler Beds/Small Single Beds

For ages 2-4. These are smaller than regular single beds and some come with safety side rails to prevent falls. They’re the perfect transition from a cot for toddlers, but be mindful that they’ll grow out of it within a few years! 

Single Beds

For ages 4 and up. A standard single bed is a versatile option that can last for many years. It offers more space for a growing child: not too big for a 4 year old, and with plenty of room for them as they get older, even well into their school years. 

Bunk Beds

For ages 6-16. Bunk beds are ideal for shared rooms with siblings and for hosting sleepovers! Bunk beds save space and can be fun for your little ones, but due to their height they’re best for slightly older kids. The top bunk should be out of bounds to kids under 6, and either bunk should be used only by those under 16. 

Themed Beds/Car Beds

For ages 4 and up. Perfect for adding a touch of fun and imagination to their room. These can come in various designs like race cars, princess chariots, or diggers, allowing your kids to immerse themselves in their favourite universe. Many of our themed beds come with LED lights and sounds, making for an even more immersive experience!

Day Beds

For all ages (depending on size). Day beds are versatile pieces of furniture that can serve as both a sofa and a bed. They’re ideal for smaller rooms or multi-purpose spaces. Some of our day beds come with included underbed storage, perfect for storing away toys and other bedroom clutter. 

Midsleepers

For all ages (depending on size). Midsleepers are elevated beds that provide space underneath for storage, play, or a desk. They are higher than standard beds but lower than highsleepers. They’re a fun alternative to a standard bed, giving your child some extra altitude at bedtime! They also provide lots of space underneath for other furniture items, such as a little stool and table. 

Highsleepers

For ages 4 and up. Highsleepers, or loft beds, are elevated beds that create an even larger amount of space underneath for a desk, wardrobe, or even a small sofa. They’re often preferred by older kids who enjoy the added height and the potential for a private area beneath.

Bespoke Beds

Our Bespoke Beds are custom-made to fit specific needs and preferences. These beds can be tailored in design, size, and features. Check out our bed builder to create the bed of your child’s dreams!

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Safety Side Rails

For younger children, especially those under 4, Safety Side Rails are a fantastic way to prevent falls. They’re the perfect method to help toddlers transition from a cot, especially if they’re prone to rolling over in their sleep. Side rails not only prevent bedside upsets, they can also prevent injuries from falls. 

Sturdy Construction

Check that your chosen bed is made from robust materials and is well-constructed to withstand inevitable mattress jumping! Thankfully, our beds are made with the highest quality wood, ensuring a solid and long-lasting foundation for countless nights of peaceful sleep (and play). 

Mattress Fit

There’s a number of considerations for mattresses: 

  • Ensure the mattress fits snugly within the bed frame to avoid gaps where limbs could get trapped.
  • For bunk beds, the mattress should be no deeper than 15cm to ensure it fits within the frame. 
  • Consider the type of mattress - if they like to fidget, a pocket sprung or memory foam mattress may provide the extra support they need.

Storage Solutions

Beds with built-in drawers or storage compartments are great for keeping their room tidy. With our ottomans and divans with drawers, you can declutter in an instant, with plenty of space to store their toys, clothes and more, all underneath their bed. 

FINAL TIPS

Involve Your Child

Let your child be part of the decision-making process. Not only will they be happier with the finished product, it can also make them more excited about their new bed!

Plan for the Future

Consider how long the bed will be suitable and whether it can adapt to your child’s changing needs. Nobody wants to buy a bed only to need to replace it only a year or two later.

ADVICE FROM REAL PARENTS

Monika, mother of a 4 year old:

What were your priorities when buying a new bed? 

Style and comfort rules above all else! Balancing both of these is tricky, but ensuring it looks great while providing maximum comfort meant we found a bed that will stand the test of time. 

What type of bed did you eventually choose and why? 

We chose a treehouse-style midsleeper. It’s stylish and has storage drawers under the bed which is handy for extra bedding, blankets etc, helping us keep bedroom clutter at a minimum.

What kind of mattress did you choose and why? 

I went for a foam mattress. I was looking for something that had great reviews but was also reasonably priced. The mattress we chose provides the perfect amount of comfort for someone as small as our four year old!

How do you balance between budget and your desired features in a bed? 

It was a kids’ bed so we will need to upgrade it again in a few years time, so for that reason we didn’t go for top of the range price. We didn’t choose the cheapest bed/mattress either, as we wanted the quality to be good and we needed it to look great as well. I’m always happy to spend more money for items that are stylish and good quality, so I guess if it was slightly more expensive than what we had paid for, I would still have chosen the same bed frame.

Ryan, dad of a 10 year old:

What were your priorities when buying a new bed? 

  • One that had sufficient quality and a look that meant it could serve Ella from her pre-teens all the way to being a young adult.
  • It needed to have some storage as it felt like a waste to buy a bed that didn’t offer this.

What type of bed did you eventually choose and why? 

We went for an Ottoman Storage Bed in Grey.

We got our daughter to visit a number of bed shops to tell us the style of headboard that she was looking for and what colour she wanted.

From here, we searched online for a reputable brand that could deliver the bed in a good timeframe, that wasn’t the cheapest on the market, but not at the very top end of price

What kind of mattress did you choose and why? 

We chose against purchasing the “upsell” option, based on the fact that the last time we did this, the mattress was clearly very cheap and not the highest quality. 

Similar to the bed decision, we tried to find a “middle of the road” option for price - and opted for a softer mattress as this was our daughter’s preference after claiming her first mattress felt hard and didn’t want one that was the same.

How do you balance between budget and your desired features in a bed? 

We simply kept looking for the type of bed  we wanted online until we found what option was available at the very best price. We wouldn’t have compromised on the style and features for price, but ultimately searched until we found the most competitive price.

Buying a bed for your child involves careful consideration of their needs, safety, and comfort. By following this guide, you can make an informed decision that ensures your child gets a good night’s sleep, every night.

Happy shopping!