A Guide to the Best Kids Beds
The best kids' bed is the one that fits your child's age, your room and the way your family lives. A toddler needs something low and safe. A school-age child might need storage or a desk. Siblings sharing a room need to save space. This guide explains the main types of kids' bed and who each one suits, with links to our detailed guides.
Toddler beds
A toddler bed is low to the ground, often with side rails, which makes it a gentle step up from a cot. Many take a cot bed mattress. House-shaped frames are especially popular, such as the Hoppekids Shorty Housebed with Safety Rail White. See toddler beds and our toddler bed guide.
Single beds
A standard single is the classic first big bed and lasts well into the teenage years. Choose a simple frame that can be restyled as your child grows, like the Noomi Alisa Solid Wood House Bed White. Browse children's single beds.
Storage beds
Drawers or an ottoman base turn the space under the bed into storage for toys, clothes and bedding. That's a big help in smaller rooms. Try the Noomi Pradis Single Storage Bed White (FSC-Certified) or the Flair Millie Low Sleeper House Bed with Storage White. See storage beds.
Cabin beds and mid sleepers
Cabin beds and mid sleepers raise the mattress so there's room for storage, a den or a pull-out desk underneath, without the height of a high sleeper. They're a great choice for primary-school children. The Flair Ellie House Mid Sleeper Bed White Solid Wood adds a playful house frame. Read the cabin bed guide and mid sleeper guide.
High sleepers
A high sleeper lifts the bed high enough to fit a desk, sofa or wardrobe underneath. It's ideal for older children and teens who need a study space. The Recoil Ultimate Lumi Gaming High Sleeper with Desk Charcoal & Orange is one example. High sleepers aren't recommended for children under six. Check your ceiling height too, so there's comfortable room to sit up in bed. See our high sleeper guide.
Bunk beds and triple bunks
Bunk beds sleep two children in the floor space of one bed. Triple bunks fit three. Many have stairs with storage or split into two singles later. Try the Flair Oscar Staircase Triple Bunk Bed White With Storage. The top bunk isn't recommended for children under six. Browse bunk beds and read the bunk bed guide.
Trundle beds and small doubles
A trundle bed hides a second bed underneath for sleepovers. A small double (4ft) gives older children and teens more room to stretch out, such as the Flair Explorer Playhouse Small Double Bed White. See trundle beds and small double beds.
Five questions to ask before you buy
- How old is my child, and how long do I want the bed to last?
- How much floor space and ceiling height do I have?
- Do I need storage, a desk or a spare bed for sleepovers?
- What mattress size does the bed take? Is it included?
- Will the style still suit them in a few years?
Still unsure? Start with our ultimate guide to kids beds or our guide to kids beds by age, or browse all kids beds.
Frequently asked questions
What age can a child go in a bunk bed?
Top bunks and high sleepers aren't recommended for children under six. Younger children can use the bottom bunk.
What's the difference between a cabin bed and a mid sleeper?
Both raise the mattress. Cabin beds usually have built-in storage underneath, while mid sleepers often leave open space for a den, desk or extra storage.
When should my child move from a cot to a bed?
Many children move between 18 months and three years, often when they start climbing out of the cot. Every child is different.
Do kids beds come with a mattress?
Usually not, unless the product says so. Check the product page for the mattress size, then browse our kids' mattresses.