Kids' beds by age: from first big bed to teen room

From the cot: toddler beds and floor beds

There's no fixed age to move out of a cot. Most children make the switch when they start climbing out, or when the cot or cot bed is needed for a new baby. A first bed should be low to the floor so a tumble out of bed is a short one.

• Toddler beds are small, low beds. Most take a cot bed size mattress (commonly 140 × 70 cm); check the size on the product page.
• Montessori-style floor beds sit right down at floor level, often with a house-shaped frame, so a toddler can climb in and out on their own.

More in our toddler and Montessori bed guide.

Ages 3 to 5: a first single bed

A standard 3ft single (90 × 190 cm) bed will see most children right through primary school, so it's a good point to buy a bed that will last. Keep it low for now:

• Low single beds, house beds and novelty beds suit this age well.
• Storage drawers underneath are useful for toys and spare bedding.
• Avoid top bunks, mid sleepers and high sleepers until 6. EN 747, the bunk and high bed standard, requires a warning that raised beds are not suitable for under-6s.

Ages 6 to 9: cabin beds, mid sleepers and bunks

From 6, raised beds become an option, and this is when most families make the most of a small bedroom:

• Cabin beds add drawers and cupboards under the bed.
• Mid sleepers leave space underneath for play.
• Bunk beds let two children share, with the 6-and-over child on top.

See cabin, mid and high sleepers explained and the bunk bed safety guide.

Ages 10 to 12: high sleepers and desks

Homework starts to need a proper space. A high sleeper with a desk underneath gives you a bedroom and a study area in the floor space of one single bed, which is a big help in a box room. Read beds with desks.

Teenagers: a bigger bed and a place to hang out

Teenagers often outgrow a 3ft single, both in size and in style. A 4ft small double (120 × 190 cm) is a common next step if the room allows, and gaming beds, storage beds and grown-up upholstered designs all suit teenage rooms. See teenager and gaming beds.

How much sleep do children need?

The HSE's guidance on sleep gives these averages:

A comfortable bed in a dark, quiet, not-too-warm room helps. Our sleep tips summarise the HSE's advice.

Not sure? Use the finder

The kids' bed finder asks how many children share the room, their ages, your ceiling height and what matters most, then shows beds in stock today.