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About this test
Our panel of six mums have spent a mammoth three months putting a variety
of first beds to the test. These include cot beds (‘great if you’re on
a budget and want to use it from birth’), junior beds (‘perfect for increasing
independence and potty training’) and novelty beds (‘good if bedtime is
an issue’).
Our bed-savvy panel agreed that safety and comfort are the most important
factors to consider with quality coming a close third. As one panel member
put it: ‘A high quality, safe, comfortable and supportive bed is essential
for your growing child and will ensure years of good use’.
We tested for
- Construction
- Design/Style
- Quality
- Value for Money
- Longevity
- Practicality
Points to consider
Design : Toddler beds vary massively so it’s important to select
one that suits your tot’s nature. Designs like the Natural toddler bed
have a built in bed rail to provide extra security for your child and
help prevent them from roaming the house at night.
This is a great feature for wriggly kids and can provide extra reassurance
for you, but bear in mind that you won’t be able to remove it once your
child gets older. A good temporary option is the Tomy
Folding Bed Rail which attaches to the side of the bed until your
toddler no longer requires it.
Another important point to consider is the distance to the floor. Our
panel found that the bed heights ‘varied greatly’ and as a general rule
of thumb ‘would prefer to opt for something that’s low to the ground to
allow your child easy access and a safer sleep’.
Size: Toddler beds come in lots of different shapes and sizes
so it’s important to check out the dimensions first. Longer beds are best
for longevity and if you have an especially tall child or they like lots
of space for teddies and playtime, you might even want to think about
investing in a standard sized single like the Treehouse
Kids Scroll Bed. Our panel liked its ‘roomy feel’, describing it as
a ‘great quality investment that will last your child for years’.
Cot beds are a more compact option but should still last your child for
at least 2 years once the bars have been removed. They also offer great
value for money as you can use them from birth, saving you hundreds of
pounds if you invest in the right model.
Quality: What toddler doesn’t love jumping marathons and rough
and tumble games?! If yours is particularly prone to bouts of bouncing
excitement, investing in a good quality bed will be a smart move. Our
panel felt that the ‘slightly more expensive models offered more in terms
of quality’ and advised to ‘check on wood quality, structure and the sturdiness
of the base before you buy’.
Another important factor to consider is the standard of the mattress.
Where possible, buy a high quality sprung and well ventilated mattress
that will provide plenty of support for your growing child. ‘It’s important
for your child’s health’ according to our panel, and ‘one of those things
you simply have to spend money on’.
Awards – which products won
Our panel gave the Best Buy award to the Ellen
Junior Bedstead for its ‘comfortable, classic and safe design that
eases the transition from cot to bed’. Best Value went to the Mothercare
Suffolk Cotbed – ‘a gorgeous, high quality bed that provides excellent
value for money’.
Where to next?
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
Hauck
Berlin Cotbed 7/10
Ellen
Junior Bedstead 9/10
Little
Tikes Cozy Cottage 7/10
Mothercare
Suffolk Cot bed 8.5/10
Natural
Toddler Bed 8/10
Treehouse
Kids Scroll Bed 8/10
- Read
our features on sleeping - Read
our reviews of bedtime products and sleep aids - Add
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