Kids Bed Buying Guide

With so many different options to choose from, buying a new kids' bed can feel like an overwhelming choice. We’ve put together all the best knowledge, advice and guidance that Nöa & Nani have to offer to make the process feel like a breeze. From choosing the right size for your child to understanding mattress measurements, this guide has everything you need to find a new bed that your child will love and enjoy.

Table of contents:

Beds and mattress sizes

What are the different kid's bed types?

Age restrictions

What else do I need to consider when buying a kid's bed?

Bed and mattress sizes

Before choosing your child’s bed, it’s essential to consider the mattress options available. We’ve compiled a helpful guide on choosing the best mattress for your child’s bed to ensure you’ve thought of everything before buying. 

Check out our mattress sizes chart for common measurements at a glance: 

UK Mattress Sizes

Small single	75cm x 190cm
Standard single	90cm x 190cm
Small double	120cm x 190cm
Standard double	135cm x 190cm

 

European Mattress Sizes

Single	90cm x 200cm
Small double	120cm x 200cm
Standard double	140cm x 200cm

What size bed is right for my child? 

It's important to make sure the bed you select is suitable for your child’s age in terms of style and safety. For example, a high-sleeper bed isn’t appropriate for very small children, and older kids will likely prefer a nice neutral style of bed that can adapt as they do.

What are the different kid's bed types?

• Kids & teen single beds: Choose these for children 10 years old and up. Children’s singles are slightly smaller and lower to the ground than a full-size single, making them a safe space for your child. If your child is blossoming into a teenager and young adult, you should choose a bed to reflect this so that your child feels more comfortable. A teen single bed is larger than a children’s size and is available in much more mature themes to reflect your child’s changing tastes.
• Cabin beds: An ideal space-saving solution, offering a fun alternative to a single bed with added storage. Some styles come fitted with extra features like a desk or slide. Browse our Parent’s Guide to Kids Cabin Beds for more information. 
• Mid-sleepers: Suitable for children and pre-teens, mid and high-sleepers are excellent space-saving solutions for smaller bedrooms. Choosing a mid or high sleeper allows for more floor space beneath the bed, so you can set up extra storage space or even create little dens or nest spaces for your child to relax, read, and play. Learn The Difference Between a Mid and High Sleeper with our guide. 
• High-sleepers: Standing tall at around 175cm to 190cm, we recommend this option for older children and pre-teens. High sleepers offer more flexibility for what may be placed below them; for example, small wardrobes and children’s desks are popular choices. 
• Bunk beds: The ideal choice if you’ve got more than one child to cater to, bunk beds are advised for children aged six years and over. Bunk beds can make sharing a room much more exciting. By utilising the room’s ceiling space, bunk beds clear up more floor space for your little ones to play. Discover more in our Bunk Bed Safety Guide and Parent’s Guide to Bunk Beds. 

Age restrictions

Always check the age restrictions of any bed that you are considering. Despite the advice in our guide, every design is different, and a manufacturer may advise a slightly different age restriction depending on its design. We recommend always taking the time to learn a bed’s age restrictions before purchasing!

Age is an important factor to consider when choosing your child’s bed. If you buy a bed designed for older children, your bed choice can come with safety issues. Your child’s bed should be a safe place where you can leave them unoccupied at nighttime without worrying.

FAQs

Can a 3-year-old sleep in a normal bed?

Children tend to transition from a cot to a toddler bed anywhere between 18 months and 3 years old. It’s different for every family, though. For more information and advice, read our blog, How to Successfully Transition Your Child from a Cot to a Bed.

What age is a full-size bed for?

Generally, children are ready for a full-sized bed at around 10 years old. However, you might need to transition earlier if they have big growth spurts before then. 

What bed can a 2-year-old use? 

For a two-year-old, a cot or toddler bed is the safest option, depending on where they are in their development and sleep schedule. 

Can adults use high-sleepers?

The high-sleeper and bunk bed range at Nöa & Nani is designed for children aged 5-13 years; they are unsuitable for adults. 

Are high beds safe?

Our high-sleeper beds are safe for children between 5-13 years of age. All our products are tested to British Safety Standards EN747. 

What is the maximum age for a cabin bed? 

Our range of cabin beds is designed for children between 3 and 10 years old. 

What else do I need to consider when buying a kid’s bed?

Does it have room for them to grow? 

Before making any large purchases, take the time to consider your child’s growth. Between the ages of 8 and 15, kids are likely to have significant growth spurts, so it's important to keep this in mind when finding a bed for them during this portion of their development. It’s always best to choose a bed that will suit them for the longest amount of time. This means buying a bigger bed is usually the best option for children in this age range. They need room for a comfortable and restful sleep to grow and develop during these critical years. 

Bed storage

If your child’s bedroom is small, you should consider a bed that allows maximum storage and floor space. By choosing a mid or high sleeper, or a cabin bed, you can make the most of under-bed space by adding more storage or room for your children to play safely.

Do your children share a bedroom?

If you have two or more children sharing a room, space is at a premium. Bunk beds are a great option for a shared room. Our classic bunk beds are ideal for two little sleepers, or there are triple bunk beds for three little ones or extra sleepover space.  

If you have older children, you might opt for two single beds instead. Our single beds with storage are great for maximising the limited space in a shared room. Plus, the individual storage spaces give each child a sense of privacy. 

Does your child have a lot of sleepovers? 

A bunk bed is a great option if your child loves sleepovers and you expect an influx of guests. They provide extra space for guests and don’t take up any more floor space than a regular single bed. 

Another option is a trundle bed - a single bed with an additional pull-out sleeping space, perfect for sleepovers. 

Find the perfect kids bed at Nöa & Nani

Now you’re ready to shop for your ideal kid's bed, check out the full collection at Nöa & Nani. Discover our extensive range, from single beds to bunk beds, cabin beds, trundle beds and everything in between. There is a kid’s bed for every little one at Nöa & Nani. 

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