It’s surprising how fast children grow and sooner or later the time will come when you want to upgrade form a cot to a proper bed. There is no perfect age for when this occurs – all kids are different after all. However, the best way to make the transition is start with a toddler bed which is just like a full-sized single bed but just a bit smaller and lower down to the floor so it’s easy to get in an out of. Ideally you’ll want a bed which incorporates a safety rail at one or both sides, just in case, but you’ll probably be surprised just how quickly your youngster adapts to his or her new sleeping space.
Budget Toddler Beds Under £100
You can find quite a selection of junior beds in the less than £100 range although you’ll usually have to buy a separate mattress which can push the price up significantly. Some retailers will sell the basic frame for a very low price in the hope you’ll buy a mattress at the same time and this is how they make a profit. It makes sense, therefore, to check if you can buy a mattress elsewhere and if it is a standard size: 700mm x 1400mm (70 × 140 cm) or 27½ × 55 inches.
The Devonshire from Kiddicare is a budget solution which they claim to be the cheapest starter bed you can buy and at £39.99 who can argue? The frame is made from solid pine with a slatted base. A great value first bed.
This bed is from Kiddicare’s interiors collection and is a simple design starter bed with a funky natural finish and comes complete with side guard rails – £64.99
The budget range Boris Toddler Bed from John Lewis is made from solid pine and comes in both a dark wood or painted white finish and includes side safety rails. £69
The Ladybird Sweet Dreams starter bed from Very is a simple, quality design with a slatted base and comes complete with guard rails – £79
The Vroom Vroom Starter Bed from Tesco is an ideal first bed for a transport themed decorating scheme with lorries, diggers and fire engines printed on the head and footboard -£99
Mid Price Beds £100 and Over…
You’ll find most toddler beds in the price range between £100 – £160 and there is great value to be had if you shop around. The few beds above this price range tend to be made from solid hardwood and will last for years so are ideal for growing families, for passing on to relatives or for re-selling when no longer needed as some of these brand name toddler beds are constantly in demand.
Made from solid birch and painted white the Anna Junior Bed from John Lewis is a bed that will suit any colour scheme and offers great value for money -£100
Young Peppa Pig and George fans will love the Peppa Toddler Bed from Tesco with their favourite porcine characters printed on the head and footboards. Made from mdf the bed is finished with a tough clear lacquer which is easy to wipe clean – £110
The same bed but with a theme boys will like. The Thomas the Tank Engine Bed is now departing from platform 1 at Tesco Direct, all aboard! £110
The Fairy Castle themed starter bed from GLTC is the perfect sleeping place for little girls and if you believe in fairies start clapping now because this bed can be yours for just £124
The Saplings Poppy sleigh style toddler bed from Very has a very modern look and makes a stylish alternative to a standard junior bed design – £125
The Stella starter bed from GLTC is a lovely feminine design with pretty, cut out petals in the foot and headboards – £135
He’ll really dig this JCB Junior Bed from Tesco! The front bucket doubles as a handy storage box too – £150
The Doll’s House Toddler Bed from GLTC with pink trim and delightful window shapes in the head and footboards. The white finish and panelled wood sides make this a really stylish junior bed which probably explains why it’s a best seller - £155
Now the Star Toddler bed from GLTC is a very similar design (although you wouldn’t know it at first glance) and is the perfect first bed for boys with its striking red, white and blue finish and cut-out stars detailing – £155
Bed time tantrums will become just a distant memory if he has one of these Fire Engine Toddler Beds from GLTC to retire to – in fact, you’ll struggle to get him out of it – £155
The Baby Weaver toddler bed from Kiddicare is a top-rated starter bed which comes complete with guard rails, mattress, duvet and duvet cover, pillow and pillowcase. A good value all-in-one solution – £172.99
Young fans of the Pixar movie Cars 2 will find the Lightning McQueen Toddler Bed from John Lewis the perfect place to take a pit-stop and recharge their batteries. The front bonnet doubles as a storage box for bedding or toys and, with the lid down, makes a handy bench too – £199.95
Made from chunky solid oak the Saplings Warwick Toddler Bed from Very is a contemporary design and is a junior bed of the finest quality. £240
The Boori Classic Single Bedstead from John Lewis is made from Araucaria timber with a teak coloured finish. This bed is also available with a dark oak finish or painted white and comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty. Boori beds are designed for kid’s from toddler age upwards and through to teens and, therefore, the mattress size is larger at 1900 x 900mm (6’3″ x 3’0″) – £399
Although junior beds are recommended for kids aged from 2 to 6 there are no set rules for when they should progress to a full size bed and you’ll need to play it by ear where your own child is concerned. Bear this in mind though when buying your bed or a replacement mattress as it may need to last longer than you might first imagine.
The Sleep Council have published a useful guide for parents on all matters sleep related entitled The Good Night Guide for Children – download a free copy here (PDF).
