The best bed guide: 10 of the best beds for toddlers and tweens
Sweet dreams are made of these!
Sleep is crucial to our wellbeing so you want to make the right bed choice when your little one is ready to move from the cot to their first toddler bed.
We’ve rounded up a list from Amart Furniture of the best first beds for toddlers, great bunk beds for growing kids up to tweens, and the cutest novelty beds you’ve ever seen!
When is a toddler ready to move from a cot to a bed?
Ages vary from 1.5 years to 3.5 years, and if you could delay until closer to three, you may find the transition more readily. The three main reasons for moving your toddler from a cot to a bed are:
- Too big for cot
- Climbing out (safety)
- They’re getting a new sibling!
Transitioning from cot to bed
Choose a bed that’s sturdy and low to the ground in case of sleepy falls. Make up the bed with some of your child’s favourite patterns or characters and, if you have space, put the bed in their room so they get used to it. You can read bedtime stories there plus your tot might start to take afternoon naps in their new bed. To reassure yourself and stop your child from falling, consider a bed guard for your child’s first proper bed.
Best first bed options for your toddler
Kids will be happy to snuggle into their favourite bedding in this simple yet beautiful new bed. The Orient is tall enough to fit a trundle underneath but not so tall that they’d hurt themselves if they fall. Classic white means it’ll fit in perfectly with the bedroom’s colour palette. A sturdy and popular bed, you can pop a bed guard on it to give you peace of mind.
If you know your tot is going to want night-time visits (or if you simply enjoy cuddling up at bedtime), the Addison is a jumbo king single, meaning it’s more spacious than a standard bed. The storage is a useful addition that becomes increasingly useful as your child grows, with a bookshelf headboard for books and toys. A neutral white finish means this bed will fit seamlessly into any room. Additional bed styles and furniture is available.
Tully is a gorgeous federation style bed that’s jumbo size and will allow your child to grow from a little one into a tween or even teen. Made of sturdy pine and finished in a rich stain, the Tully’s high headboard features a pretty leadlight and has plenty of room for underbed storage. Other beds and pieces of furniture are available in the Tully range.
A perfect transition bed for a little one who wants to play on their new bed as much as sleep on it! Captain Jack’s single is easy to put together, has terrific storage, and is great as a spare bed at Grandma’s as well as for an everyday bed. Made of wood and MDF, it’s strong and durable, meaning you’ll get years of use from this popular bed.
Room for two! Bunk beds and trundles
Bunk beds and trundles are ideal for saving space, older siblings and sleepovers. Plus trundles can be useful when kids are unwell and need Mum or Dad close by – they also mean parents can get some much-needed shut-eye.
Look for trundle beds that are low to the ground, to reduce the chance of children getting hurt if they fall. The style in the gallery below is still high enough to fit the trundle underneath.
What age is ok for bunk beds?
Six years old is generally considered the youngest age for bunk beds. Sturdier styles can still accommodate tweens and teens up to the age of 16.
Bunk bed safety:
- Ensure the guardrails are securely installed on all sides of the top bunk with correct spacing for access openings.
- Check connections and fasteners regularly to ensure the bunk can hold the weight of a child or adult.
- Avoid placing the bunk bed near blinds and curtain cords, heaters, lights and ceiling fans as they can pose a hazard.
- Remove ladders when the bunk bed is not in use.
CAPTAIN JACK Single Trundle Bed
Great as a first bed for little kids, Captain Jack’s trundle bed means siblings, friends, cousins and parents can sleep over without a fuss. It’s a fantastic bed for grandparents to have in their spare room and three drawers provide useful storage. Whatever the theme of the bedrooms, classic white means this bed will fit in brilliantly. You can also find matching pieces in this range.
Excellent value for money, this bunk is ideal for older siblings, sleepovers or Pop’s spare room. It complies with Australian Safety Standard Requirements and will fit into any room.
CAPTAIN JACK Single Cabin Bunk Bed
No need to worry that this bunk bed will be too high for little kids. This sturdy design is low to the ground with an easy-to-reach top bunk. Featuring a functional design, the cabin bunk bed adds a playful touch to this super cute bed. The lower bunk is a good transition when moving from a cot, and there is a range of furniture to complement it.
Novelty beds for toddlers
These playful beds can make the transition from cot to bed easier, although they generally cost a little more than standard beds because children outgrow them in emotional ways as well as physical ways.
Which little future fire fighter (or fan of Fireman Sam) wouldn’t want to sleep in this bed? Made from durable MDF and finished in, you guessed it, fire engine red, this will brighten up any kids’ room.
Made for sleep and play this gorgeous solid cubby bed comes in pecan and country brown, fitting in perfectly with neutral tones. The pretty design will have your child begging to go to bed!
This single bed tent’s chiffon-style fabric canopy is dotted with peep holes at both ends, helping with air flow and breathability. The contemporary design means this sweet teepee bed can be a staple as the style of the room grows and changes with your child.
Brought to you by Amart.
