Selecting the right size bed for your child is more than just a matter of comfort, it's an important part of their development, safety and overall wellbeing. The perfect bed ensures they have enough space to stretch, grow and enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Choosing the right bed can feel surprisingly complicated. Children grow quickly, sleep habits evolve, and safety needs change dramatically from infancy through the early school years and beyond. The right bed supports healthy sleep, confidence and independence, while the wrong choice may mean poor sleep or needing to replace the bed sooner than expected.
Wise people say that if your children sleep soundly, so will you. This guide will help you find the right solution, from cots and toddler beds to single beds, bunk beds and raised beds for older children.
Understanding Bed Sizes
Picking the right bed size is crucial for your child’s comfort and safety. There are several factors to consider, including the standard sizes for children’s beds and the differences between UK and European dimensions.
UK vs EU Kids Beds
Euro size beds only slightly vary in dimensions compared to UK size beds. With most EU beds coming in slightly larger than their UK counterparts. The differences are as such:
|
Location |
Name |
Width (cm) |
Length (cm) |
|
UK |
Single |
90 |
190 |
|
EU |
EU - Single |
90 |
200 |
|
UK |
Toddler |
70 |
140 |
|
EU |
EU - Toddler |
70 |
140 |
Understanding these differences can help ensure you choose the correct mattress and bed frame combination.
From Birth to 2–4 Years: Cots and Cot Beds
At this stage, safety is the most important consideration.
When choosing a cot or cot bed, look for:
- Adjustable mattress height — usually three levels. A higher level is useful during the early months, then gradually lowered as your baby becomes more mobile. Once they can stand, the mattress base must be at the lowest level.
- A sturdy frame with strong slatted sides. Always check the stability of the bed — if it moves or wobbles, it may not be secure enough.
- Longevity through transformable designs.
A standard cot typically lasts from birth to around 18–24 months, while a cot bed can last from birth to 4+ years. Many cot beds convert into toddler beds by removing the side rails.
Our Little Wren Cot Bed is a great example of a transformable cot bed designed to grow with your child.
Best Bed Size for Toddlers (18 Months - 4 Years)
Toddler beds bridge the gap between a cot and a full-size bed.
They are smaller than single beds and sit lower to the ground, which helps children build confidence when transitioning out of a cot. Many toddler beds also include side rails to reduce the risk of rolling out during sleep.
Toddler beds are particularly useful if:
- Your child is becoming more independent
- They have started climbing out of their cot
- A full-size single bed feels too large or overwhelming
Many cot beds also transform into this size, helping extend the life of your original purchase.
Typical Toddler Bed Size
70 cm x 140 cm
When choosing a toddler bed, it’s important that the product meets recognised safety testing standards.
Toddler beds should conform to BS 8509:2008+A1:2011, and all paint finishes should be non-toxic and tested to EN71-3 safety standards.
Best Bed Size for Bigger Kids
Star Bright Single Bed, Bright White
The single bed is the most versatile and long-lasting option for children.
Once children sleep confidently through the night and are past the rolling-out-of-bed stage, they are usually ready for a standard bed.
Single beds are suitable for children from around 4 years old and can last well into teenage years.
They also provide flexibility for:
- Underbed storage drawers
- Sleepovers
- Guest sleeping
GLTC offers a range of styles, from the modern Skylark single bed to the more classic Lulworth bed and storage-focused options like the Stowaway storage bed.
Standard Single Bed Size
90 cm x 190 cm
If you have a younger child who may still roll during sleep, bed guards can provide additional reassurance until they are fully settled.
Best Bed Size for Teens
As children grow into their teenage years, their bedroom often becomes a place for relaxing, studying and socialising as well as sleeping.
Beds that maximise space can be particularly useful at this stage. Options such as high sleepers with desks, cabin beds with storage or beds with pull-out trundles can help create a practical and organised room.
For teenagers who prefer more space to stretch out, small double beds (120 cm x 190 cm) or standard doubles can be a comfortable choice.
Choosing the Right Type of Bed
Single Beds vs. Toddler Beds
Toddler beds offer a compact, secure sleeping space ideal for children transitioning from a cot.
Single beds provide a more flexible and longer-lasting solution. Recommended for children aged four and above, they offer additional height and space that can be used for storage drawers or sleepovers.
Bunk Beds
Paddington Bunk Bed, Grey Stardust Curtains
If your children are sharing a room, bunk beds are a great solution. They are space-saving option that can be versatile too. It is important to ensure the age of your child or children is appropriate when considering bunk beds given the ladder accessibility for the top bunk.
- Lower bunk: suitable for children aged 4 years and older
- Upper bunk: suitable for children aged 6 years and older
The higher age recommendation is because a ladder must be climbed to reach the top bunk. If a child cannot climb safely and independently, they may be too young for a raised sleeping position.
Bunk beds are an excellent solution for shared rooms and can often be separated into two single beds later on.
Cabin Beds and Mid-Sleeper Beds
Nimbus Cabin Bed with Desk & Wardrobe
Cabin beds and mid-sleepers are raised single beds designed to maximise bedroom space.
As children get older, their bedrooms often need to multi-task. They need to be a study space, a play space or social space, a quiet space and a sleep space. Some bed options are a solution to all your multi-tasking needs and are wrapped up in a neat footprint, so can easily suit smaller room sizes.
Mid-Sleepers or Cabin beds are a full-sized single bed that is set higher than a standard single, but not as high as an upper bunk bed. They are an option for younger children who love the idea of a “higher” bed, but not too high. And, because these beds involve climbing a ladder, the recommended age is 6 years and older.
Many designs include clever built-in features such as:
- Storage drawers
- Book shelves
- Pull-out desks
They are ideal for smaller bedrooms where every centimetre counts.
High Sleepers
Merlin High Sleeper with Desk, Silver Grey
High sleepers are a full-sized single bed that is as high or higher than an upper bunk bed. These options are for older children who are confident and happy to sleep up high and to climb up and down a ladder to & from bed.
The recommended age for these higher beds is 6 years+.
The space underneath the bed can be used for:
- Study desks
- Storage units
- Chill-out areas
- Sleepover beds
They offer an excellent all-in-one bedroom solution, particularly for older children whose rooms need to serve multiple purposes.
Stowaway Single Storage Bed, 3 Drawer
The Science of Sleep: How Bed Size Impacts Rest
The relationship between bed size and sleep quality is often underestimated.
A bed that is too small can restrict movement, interrupt sleep cycles and make it harder for children to settle comfortably. On the other hand, a bed that feels too large may make younger children feel insecure.
The right bed size provides a balance of comfort, security and space, helping support deeper, more restorative sleep.
Materials and Construction
At GLTC, our beds are designed with durability, safety and longevity in mind.
Our beds are crafted from high-quality materials and responsibly sourced wood, ensuring strong construction that supports growing children for years to come.
Nearly all GLTC beds are backed by a five-year workmanship guarantee, providing reassurance that your investment will remain a trusted part of your home.
Rest Assured in Your Choice
Choosing the right bed is about more than just dimensions, it's about creating a safe and comfortable environment where your child can rest, recharge and grow.
Whether you're picking your baby's first cot, helping your toddler transition to their first bed, or selecting a practical solution for a teenager’s bedroom, the right bed helps make their room a space where they feel secure and inspired.
Shop The Perfect Bed For Your Child Here!
To discuss any of our kid’s beds in more detail, you can contact our friendly customer service team info@greatlittletrading.co.uk.
