Posted by Lisa Neatham
on August 28, 2026
There comes a point with every toddler when the cot just isn't the right fit any more. Maybe they've worked out how to climb the sides, maybe they're pointing at their big sister's bed and asking for one of their own, or maybe you just need the cot back for a new arrival. Whatever's brought you here, the next question is usually the same one: toddler bed or single bed?
Both are good options. It really comes down to your child's age, how confident they are, and how long you want the bed to last. Here's how to work out which is right for yours.
What's the difference?
| Bed type | Typical mattress size | Age range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cot bed | 140 x 70cm | Birth to approx. 2-3 years | Babies and young toddlers |
| Toddler bed | 140 x 70cm | 18 months to approx. 5 years | A gentle, low first step out of the cot |
| Single bed | 190 x 90cm | 4 years and up | Older children, and beyond |
A toddler bed uses the same size mattress as most cot beds, so if you're moving on from a cot bed, the mattress can often come with you.It's low to the ground, compact, and built with a young child's height in mind rather than an adult's. A single bed is the bigger, longer-term option, sized to grow with your child well into their school years.
Tip: Always check the size carefully, as a gap larger than 3 cm can pose a serious safety risk. Ideally, gaps should be kept to less than 1–2 cm.
Browse Toddler Beds · Browse Single Beds
What bed should my 24 month old sleep in?
Two is one of the most common ages for this decision to come up, though every child gets there in their own time. Some are ready from 18 months, others are perfectly happy in a cot until closer to three, and there's no prize for going early.
For most 2 year olds, a toddler bed is the better fit. It keeps things cosy and familiar after the cot, sits low enough for your child to climb in and out on their own. It usually comes with rails on both sides for reassurance while they get used to the extra freedom.
A few things worth thinking about before you make the switch:
- Is your child trying to climb out of the cot?
- Are they curious about a "big" bed, or asking for one like an older sibling's?
- Do they have the balance and coordination to manage a low step safely?
- Are they starting potty training, and needing easier access at night?
If a few of those sound familiar, a toddler bed is a good next move. If your little one still seems settled and happy where they are, there's no rush at all.
Signs your toddler is ready to leave the cot
There's no single moment that tells you it's time, but a few signs tend to show up together:
- They're climbing. Attempting to get out of the cot is usually the clearest sign they've outgrown it.
- They're getting tall. If the cot rail sits below their chest when they stand, a low toddler bed will feel more comfortable.
- They're asking. Talking about, or pointing at, a "big" bed like a sibling's or friend's is a good moment to seize.
- They understand simple instructions. Being able to follow "stay in bed" or "it's time to sleep" suggests they're ready for the extra freedom a bed brings.
- They're restless. Frequent waking or fidgeting in the cot can simply mean they need more room to move.
You don't need every box ticked. Trust your instinct here, you know your child better than any checklist does.
What to expect once you make the switch
It's a big change, so it helps to know roughly what's normal. The first few nights can be a little unsettled, with your child getting out of bed, calling for you, or taking longer to drop off than usual. That's completely typical and nothing to worry about.
Over the following weeks, most children start to settle into a rhythm as the new bed becomes part of their routine. Give it a couple of months and it usually feels like it's always been there, small wobbles and all. Patience and a consistent bedtime routine do more here than anything else.
Safety features to look for
Whichever bed you choose, a few details make a real difference to how safe and secure it feels for your child.
Rails. Toddler beds typically come with removable safety rails on one or both sides, keeping little ones secure while they adjust to sleeping without the sides of a cot. Once your child's confident, the rails can often come off.
Rounded edges and smooth finishes. These protect little hands and heads from bumps, and a non-toxic finish means your child is sleeping surrounded by safe materials.
A snug mattress fit. The mattress should sit closely within the frame, ideally with no more than a couple of fingers' width of gap on any side. Too much space around the edges can leave a spot for little arms or legs to get stuck.
Rail height once the mattress is in. If the bed has rails, check they still sit comfortably above the mattress surface once it's in place. A thick mattress can eat into how much protection the rail actually offers.
Recognised safety standards. Look for beds tested to UK and European safety standards, covering everything from structural strength to the safety of paints and finishes.
Choosing the right mattress
The mattress matters just as much as the bed frame. Toddler beds take a 140 x 70cm mattress, the same size as most cot bed mattresses, so it's often one less thing to buy from scratch. Single beds need a 190 x 90cm mattress.
Look for something firm and supportive, since growing bodies require proper support through the night, and breathable, natural materials that help keep your child comfortable whatever the season.
Toddler bed, or straight to a single bed?
Some parents skip the toddler bed altogether and go straight to a single. It's a fair option, particularly if your child is already tall for their age, if you're short on space and don't want to buy twice, or if there's an older sibling's single bed being handed down.
That said, for most toddlers, the jump from a cot to a full-size single is a big one. A toddler bed bridges the gap nicely: it's compact, low to the ground, and gives your child that same snug, secure feeling they had in the cot, just with a bit more room to grow into. It also tends to suit smaller bedrooms better, freeing up space for toys and storage until they're properly ready for a single.
If you do go straight to a single bed, our cabin beds and mid-sleepers are worth a look further down the line too, though these are recommended for children aged 6 and up once they're confident climbers.
A few practical extras
Think about storage. The space under a bed is often wasted, so a frame with a built-in drawer is a handy way to store spare bedding, out-of-season clothes, or the toys that would otherwise end up on the floor.
Position it thoughtfully. Placing the bed against a wall gives a sense of security, and keeping the surrounding floor clear and soft helps if there's the odd tumble in the early days.
Keep the routine the same. Bath, story, cuddle, sleep, whatever your usual wind-down looks like, keep it consistent. The bed is new, the routine doesn't need to be.
FAQs
What bed should a 2 year old sleep in?
Most 2 year olds do well in a 140 x 70cm toddler bed with rails, since the compact size and low height make the move from a cot feel gentle rather than sudden. Some children are ready from 18 months, others closer to three, so go by the signs of readiness rather than age alone.
How do I know my toddler is ready to leave the cot?
Look out for climbing attempts, growing taller than the cot rail, curiosity about a "big" bed, and the ability to follow simple bedtime instructions. Not every child shows every sign, and there's no need to rush if they still seem happy in the cot.
What's the difference between a toddler bed and a single bed?
A toddler bed uses a 140 x 70cm mattress and suits children from around 18 months to 5 years old. A single bed uses a larger 190 x 90cm mattress and is the longer-term option from around age 4 onwards. Many families use a toddler bed as the step in between.
Can an 18 month old use a toddler bed?
Yes, some toddlers are ready from 18 months, particularly if they're already climbing out of the cot or tall for their age. A toddler bed with rails on both sides gives a secure start. If your 18 month old still seems settled in the cot, it's fine to wait.
What mattress size fits a toddler bed?
A standard toddler bed takes a 140 x 70cm mattress, the same size as most cot bed mattresses. It should fit snugly in the frame, with no more than a couple of fingers' gap around the edges.
How long does the move from cot to bed usually take to settle?
Expect a few unsettled nights to start with, followed by a few weeks of finding a new rhythm. Most children feel fully at home in their new bed within a couple of months, with the odd wobble along the way being completely normal.
