Introduction

Transitioning your little one from a cot to their very first bed is a big milestone—for both parents and toddlers. A toddler bed helps make this change smoother by offering a safe, secure, and comfortable place for your child to sleep. Designed lower to the ground and often with protective side rails, toddler beds give your child the independence of a “big kid” bed while still providing peace of mind for parents.

Choosing the right toddler bed can feel overwhelming, with so many styles, materials, and features available. Safety, durability, and practicality are all important factors, as well as finding a design your child will love.

In this toddler bed buying guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to consider—from safety features and mattress sizes to practical tips on helping your child settle into their new bed with confidence.

Things you should consider when purchasing a toddler bed:

• Space in your child's room

• What mattress you should get

• If it is the best option for your child based off their age

What Age Are Toddler Beds Suitable For?

Toddler beds are designed to bridge the gap between a cot and a standard single bed, giving children a safe and comfortable place to sleep during those early years of independence. While every child develops at their own pace, toddler beds are generally best suited for children aged between 18 months and around 5–6 years. Here’s a clearer breakdown:

2–3 years old – Ideal

This is the most common age for little ones to move into a toddler bed. By this stage, many children are climbing out of their cot or starting to want more independence. A toddler bed is low to the ground, which makes it safer if they roll out, and the addition of side rails offers extra reassurance.

4–5 years old – Still Suitable

Toddler beds can still work well at this age, especially if your child is on the smaller side or prefers the comfort of a familiar sleeping space. However, as they grow taller and heavier, it may be worth considering moving them into a single bed for long-term use.

6–8 years old – Not Recommended

By this age, most children will have outgrown a toddler bed both in terms of size and durability. A standard single bed is the better option, giving them more room to stretch out and ensuring the bed lasts well into their teenage years. Cabin beds, mid-sleepers, or bunk beds can also be a fun and practical choice for this age group.

In summary, toddler beds are perfect for easing your child into independent sleeping from around 2 years old, but they’re best suited for children around aged 4-5. After that, upgrading to a bigger bed ensures both comfort and longevity.

What Size is a Toddler Bed?

Toddler beds are designed to offer a safe and comfortable transition from a cot to a full-sized bed. At Children’s Bed Shop, all toddler beds are tailored to fit a standard toddler mattress measuring 140 cm × 70 cm. However, the overall dimensions of the bed frames vary, providing options to suit different room sizes and preferences. 

Smallest Toddler Bed: Kidsaw Gruffalo Toddler Bed

The Kidsaw Gruffalo Toddler Bed is the smallest option available on the site. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller rooms or for parents seeking a cosier sleeping space for their child. The bed's playful design featuring characters from the beloved Gruffalo story adds a fun element to the bedroom.

Largest Toddler Bed: Vipack Dallas Toddler Bed

The Vipack Dallas Toddler Bed is the largest toddler bed on the site. Its slightly larger frame provides more space for growing children, ensuring comfort as they transition into a bigger bed. The bed's sturdy construction and classic design make it a durable choice for any child's bedroom.

 

Are Toddler Beds Safe?

Safety is always the number one priority when it comes to your child’s first bed, and it’s completely natural for parents to feel a little anxious about making the move from a cot. The good news is that toddler beds are specifically designed with young children in mind, making them one of the safest options during this stage of development.

Firstly, toddler beds are lower to the ground than a standard single bed. This means it is far easier for your child to get into bed by themselves. Many models also feature protective side rails that provide extra security, helping your child feel secure and preventing them from falling.

Secondly, all toddler beds at Children’s Bed Shop are built to fit a 140cm × 70cm mattress, ensuring a snug fit without dangerous gaps. This sizing standard is important for both comfort and safety, as it prevents entrapment risks that can occur with ill-fitting mattresses.

The frames themselves are made from durable, child-friendly materials, designed to withstand the everyday bumps and play that naturally come with toddler life. Whether you prefer a playful themed bed or a simple wooden design, each model is built to meet strict safety standards and give you complete peace of mind.

Lastly, the transition to a toddler bed can also make your child feel more secure. The lower height and smaller size help them adjust gradually to independent sleeping, while still giving parents reassurance that their child is safe and comfortable.

What Mattress Is Suitable?

A toddler bed is only as safe and comfortable as the mattress you pair it with. To ensure the right fit, all toddler beds at Children’s Bed Shop are designed for a junior-size mattress measuring 140cm x 70cm. This size is smaller than a standard single mattress and is the only option that guarantees a secure fit without gaps around the edges.

When choosing a mattress for your toddler, there are a few things to consider. Many parents opt for a foam mattress, which is lightweight, easy to move, and provides a firm yet comfortable surface for younger children. Foam mattresses are also practical because they’re simple to rotate and often come with removable covers for easy cleaning.

Another option is a sprung or pocket sprung mattress, which offers additional support as your child grows. These mattresses are slightly heavier but provide excellent durability and comfort, especially for toddlers who may use their bed for several years before moving up to a single.

For peace of mind, every junior mattress sold on the Children’s Bed Shop site is designed with children’s safety in mind, using durable, child-friendly materials that meet strict quality standards. Whether you prefer foam for practicality or springs for long-term support, you can be confident that all the mattresses in the 140cm x 70cm range are suitable for toddler beds.

How to Pick the Right Toddler Bed

Choosing your child’s first bed is an exciting milestone, but with so many options available it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The most important factor to keep in mind is safety. A good toddler bed should sit low to the ground and often comes with protective side rails, helping your little one climb in and out on their own while reducing the risk of falls.

It’s also worth considering the size of the bedroom. Toddler beds are naturally more compact than single beds, which makes them perfect for smaller rooms or shared spaces where maximising floor area is important. If space isn’t an issue, you might prefer a sturdier frame or even a themed design that becomes a fun focal point in your child’s room.

Style and personality also play a big part in the decision. Some parents choose a simple, neutral wooden frame that blends effortlessly with any décor and grows with the room over time. Others opt for colourful, character-themed designs that spark excitement and make the transition from cot to bed feel like a big adventure. For many children, the look and feel of their new bed can make bedtime more appealing and help them settle into the change more smoothly.

It’s also helpful to think about how long you’d like the bed to last. If you want something to see your child through to school age, a durable and timeless design is a sensible choice. If you’re treating it as a short-term step before moving on to a bigger bed, a playful style that makes bedtime fun could be just right. The best toddler bed is one that balances safety, practicality, and personality, while giving your child independence and comfort.

Our Most Popular Toddler Beds

With so many toddler beds to choose from, it can sometimes help to know which designs other parents are loving the most. Based on our data, these three stand out as customer favourites — and it’s easy to see why.

The Kidsaw Tractor Junior Toddler Bed is a fantastic choice for little ones who love the outdoors or anything with wheels. Shaped like a bright green tractor, it brings a sense of fun and adventure to bedtime, turning the end of the day into something to look forward to. Despite its playful design, it’s built with practicality in mind, sitting low to the ground and offering a sturdy frame that’s perfectly sized for toddlers.

For children who dream of speed, the Vipack Toddler Racing Car Bed is a real winner. Its sporty design, complete with bold colours and sleek car styling, makes it one of the most eye-catching options in our collection. More than just a bed, it sparks imagination and role play, helping bedtime feel less like a routine and more like part of the day’s fun. Parents also appreciate its solid build quality, designed to last through the early years.

If you prefer something versatile and timeless, the Vipack Kiddy Toddler Bed in White is a stylish option that suits any bedroom décor. Its clean, neutral finish makes it easy to accessorise, while the simple design offers long-lasting appeal. As an added bonus, it comes with a free storage box — perfect for keeping toys, books, or bedding neatly tucked away.

Each of these beds has its own unique charm, but they all combine safety, durability, and comfort, making them firm favourites with parents and children alike.

Conclusion

Making the move from a cot to a toddler bed is a big step for both you and your child, and choosing the right one can make all the difference. From ensuring safety and comfort to finding a style that suits your child’s personality and your space, the perfect toddler bed will help make this transition smooth and enjoyable.

At Children’s Bed Shop, every toddler bed is designed with little ones in mind — low to the ground, safe, sturdy, and built to last through those all-important early years. Whether you prefer a playful themed bed, a timeless wooden frame, or a practical option with built-in storage, there’s something to suit every family’s needs.

By focusing on safety, size, and style, you can feel confident that your child’s first bed will not only support their independence but also make bedtime something they look forward to. With the right choice, you’ll be giving them a secure and comfortable place to rest, play, and grow.

If you have any further questions before purchasing the next bed for your toddler then please get in touch with our friendly team. We are on hand to provide you with all the information you may need.