AD | Kids’ beds – where do you even start? When it came to buying Flora’s first proper bed, I really had a wait, what??? moment. Where did time go? How had she grown out of her toddler bed already? Our wee girl wasn’t so little any more so it was important that we found the right first bed for her. When I started researching, I soon found out there are so many things that need to be considered when choosing your child’s bed. The transition from a cot or toddler bed to a starter bed can feel quite overwhelming. But it’s a milestone that you should definitely treasure and can be a lot of fun. So, here are a few of my top tips that I discovered when choosing Flora’s first bed, to help you find the right bed for your little one too.
Choosing your child’s bed – how old should they be?
To be honest, there is no right or wrong answer for this, it’s all dependent on whether you feel your child is ready. Flora moved from her toddler bed to her first proper bed when she was four years old, but I know some people do it sooner and some do it later. I think having a cot bed that converted into a toddler bed certainly made the transition easier for Flora. Plus the fact that she’s always been VERY tall for her age. Our little Yeti 🙂
What type of bed should you choose?
I remember scrolling through site after site of different beds, I didn’t know which one to choose! There are so many variations, but my first priority was always making sure they were safe. Low beds are a great starter bed though. Not only does it limit any accidents happening should they fall out, but it also allows them to get in and out by themselves.
Once your child has grown out of their starter bed, cabin beds or something like these mid sleeper beds from Room to Grow may be more of a practical option. They’re suitable for children aged six and upwards, allowing you to save space (meaning more playing room!) I’ve seen some come with built in desks, cupboards and even bookcases which Flora would have loved!
Is the bed safe?
This may sound silly, as why would you purposely buy a bed that is not safe? But make sure to look out for beds that have smooth, rounded edges and finishes to prevent any injuries (you know what kids can be like…) And check too that the bed comes with safety rails. Or, if not, does the bed allow you to add them? We used these fantastic blow up tubes with their integrated sheet* for a while, and they were great to take on holiday as well.
Other factors to think about (similar to when choosing a bed for yourself) is to make sure that it’s sturdy, constructed well, and durable. After all, beds are a considerable investment so you want them to last for a few years at least.
Is the bed comfy?
Once I found the right bed for Flora, I also wanted to make sure she was going to stay in it all night (fingers crossed!). So make sure that the bed is cosy and comfortable – I found that buying the bed and mattress together helped this. But if you’re not buying online (as I did) I’d also highly recommend trying the bed out for yourself. If you can, lie down on it and see how you find it – chances are if you find it uncomfortable to lie on, so will your little one. Better still, take your child with you and let them try it out for comfort too.
Make it fun!
One of my biggest tips when choosing your child’s bed is to make it fun! It can be quite daunting for your little one to move from a cot bed to a starter bed, or into a “big bed”. As I’d involved Flora throughout the selection process, when it came to the transition, it wasn’t scary for her. She chose her duvet cover and then even helped us put her bed together when it arrived. And when the time came to actually go to bed, she couldn’t wait. Oh, and as an added bonus, she stayed in it all night too!
So, these are my top 5 tips to consider when choosing your child’s bed. Have you had to go through this process yet? How did you find it? What tips would you suggest to make the process as easy and fun as possible?
* This is a sponsored post with affiliate links – please see my disclaimer.
A lovely read, thank you. Very important reasons when buying a first bed. Yes I went through the same when my daughter was that age. Lots of questions.. What size do I go for, is she going to fall out, what if she doesn’t like it. This was 20 years ago and there wasn’t many reviews and choices that we have these days. I did take her round a few bed shops, gave her chance to lie and sit on it, check the height and drop of the bed. When she chose, we also bought the mattress with the bed so we knew we had the correct size. We also went and bought colourful new sheets and blankets of her choice… I think it was Blues Clues, so she could feel safe and comfortable with the things she likes. She did well! Got out of bed a couple of times.. Just to check where we were, bless. Then settled after that.
Ah, that’s so lovely to hear. I think involving kids from the start is so important. Just because there are lots of online reviews around now doesn’t mean they can’t have a hand in choosing the bed and bedding, does it? I honestly believe it really does make it far less scary. And that’s so sweet she wanted to check where you were, bless her!
Making it fun is definitely important, when our Jack went to a bed, his Grandad made him one from scratch whilst we were on holiday, in the shape of a board, complete with mast and sails. Then for Lily it was a carriage with 2 horses on the front. They loved them, Lily is still in hers.
Oh my goodness, that’s amazing, what a very special experience for both of them. I’m not surprised Lily is still in her bed now!
Great post! These tips are very important to consider. Thank you for sharing this!
You’re welcome, I’m glad they were helpful.
This is such a great and informative post. I don’t have any children, but I am sure a lot of thought goes into what kind of bed you should purchase for them.
Thank you, and yes, that’s very true 😊
This is such a helpful post. Choosing the right bed is so important to get right.
Thank you, and yes, it really is!
Wonderful post! I will keep these in mind when we transition out of a crib.
Thank you, I’m so glad it was helpful!
I love the bumpers and also thing that the set up with the desk is perfect. I’m sure any child will love it! I never thought to try the mattress out first. (Silly me) Thanks so much.
Not silly at all, I mean it’s not for you so why would you? But yes, the desk set up is perfect, Flora would have loved that one!
Loved this post, as well as the vastly different styles of beds you shared! I had never heard of the blow up tubes, but that is an incredible idea to keep a bed comfy and safe.
I love that you involved Flora in the process of picking out her bed because I feel like that really does make a kid feel like it is something special they have a say in.
There’s quite a variety out there, lots to choose from for even the pickiest child (and mum!). Thank you, Jaya, that’s exactly why we involved Flora, I’m glad that came across 🙂
This was such a lovely read, Lisa! I’ll definitely have to keep this in mind when picking out beds for my future kids!
Ah, thank you, Eena, I’m glad to hear that!
It is so important to think long term when it comes to choosing a bed for a child. They grow so fast! Safety is the most important part. When I was a kid, I was always scared of falling off the bed. I like the idea of making it fun. It really enhances their imagination that way. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥
Oh yes, they do, Flora is nearly as tall as me now and she’s only 10, eeek! Thank you, Nancy 🙂
Brilliant advice, choosing a bed for anyone is hard enough but for children it can be really tough.
The urge to get something that will last a long time can often lead to making the wrong choice.
A mid-sleeper was my sons absolute favourite bed ever! Although at 12 he can’t wait to get in to his new room with a double bed!!
Super helpful Lisa, thanks for sharing x
Yes, we were wondering about a mid-sleeper for Flora but in the end, as she’d had a convertible cot-bed, we decided to go for an adult bed, also because she’s so tall! I’m glad this was helpful, and I hope your son loves his double bed – what a luxury! x
Informative and will keep the facts in mind whenever buying bed in future for my little princess .
Thank you, I’m glad it was useful – happy hunting in due course!
These tips are so important, I’m going to pass these details onto my sister in law!
Love, Amie ❤️
The Curvaceous Vegan
Thank you, Amie, I hope she finds them useful too!
A perfectly timed post as we are currently researching beds for my eldest, so many options but he is enjoying looking with us and seeing what he possibly can have for his big boy bed. Some great tips and advice thank you,
Sarah
http://Www.simplysarahjayneloves.com
Oh that’s great to hear – and good luck choosing his new bed, he sounds like he’s enjoying the search already 🙂
These are some really good points to consider when buying a child’s bed! So important to make sure you choose the right one for them. Thank you for sharing these tips Lisa xx
Thank you, Lauren, I’m so glad they were useful! Xx
Comfort and safety are so important! I remember having more than one tantrum as a kid when I wasn’t allowed the biggest bunk for whatever reason. I always had so much fun picking them when I got a tiny bit older x
Sophie
Truth be told, Flora would have loved a bunk bed too, but in the end the idea of a “big” bed won her over! x
So needed to read this today!! We will be changing my son to a toddler bed/big boy bed soon! So sad about it lol
Oh, good timing then! Yes, it marks a new era doesn’t it, onwards and upwards!