Cots are great for keeping squirmy wormy babes contained while they sleep. But when darling bub is baby no more, it may be time to transition.
Toddlers with a strong sense of independence often show signs of wanting a bigger bed, but a regular-sized single bed can be quite the leap for a little ‘big’ kid. The happy medium is a toddler bed – not too big and not too small, just right for sleepy bears.
Buying a toddler bed also makes a lot of sense if you’re tight on space, or the cot in bubba’s nursery doesn’t easily transition into a bed.
What to look for when buying a toddler bed
Here are some of the key features to look for when buying a toddler bed:
Height: Look for a toddler bed that sits lower to the ground, as transitioning tots may find themselves rolling beyond the edge.
Guard Rails: While toddler beds are generally low to the ground, it’s still a shock to fall out of one!
Safe Bed Frame: Round edges are the safest for toddlers tossing in their sleep.
Weight Limit: Toddlers don’t all come in one size, so make sure you check the weight limit on any toddler bed you’re buying.
Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes: They may be getting older, but toddlers are still prone to the odd gnawing and chewing of…well… anything, really.
16 toddler beds for growing kids
Oeuf
Oeuf Perch Toddler Bed ($699): A triumph of design (a win for parents!) and a safe and sturdy sleep nest for transitioning toddlers, the Oeuf Perch is a stunner. A low-profile bed with a security rail that transforms into a sofa once the toddler days are done. Sublime.
Mocka
Mocka House Bed ($349.95): A budget-beater without compromising on style, the House Bed makes the toddler bed transition even more fun. Safe as houses (pardon the pun) thanks to its floor position, it’s a whimsical entry into the world of big beds.
Plyroom
Plyroom Sleigh Single Bed ($1,650): Sleek and minimalist, there’s nothing overwhelming about this thoughtfully crafted toddler bed. The side and end rails help mimic that cocooned-in-a-cot feeling. It’s also a fabulous compromise, having the safety features of a toddler bed with the mattress size of a single.
Boori
Boori Casa Toddler Bed ($299.95): Crafted from sustainably sourced Australian Araucaria timber and finished with a water-based bio-paint, this is a toddler bed for the environmentally conscious. Two safety guard panels help keep teeny transitioners in place.
KidKraft
KidKraft Airplane Toddler Bed ($270.20): Up, up and away into the Land of Nod with a toddler bed that looks just like an aeroplane. With its cute wings, hidey holes and propellor just try and get your toddler out of it!
IKEA
IKEA MINNEN ($199): A super-smart, budget-friendly toddler bed that grows along with your kiddo. Paired with the PLUTTEN mattress, it can be adjusted to three different lengths.
Fantastic Furniture
Fantastic Furniture Cabin Toddler Bed ($129): Smooth, round edges and high side rails create a warm cocoon for sleepy kittens who still need the comfort of close quarters.
Worlds Apart
Worlds Apart Toddler Bed ($399): Dial up the fun factor to max with a bright toddler bed that makes going to sleep an adventure. With a tent canopy and LED lights this bed is sure to make the transition from cot a memorable one!
Hip Kids
Kids Loft Timber Bed ($749.95): The fun factor is high with this toddler sleep space. A single-sized bed with all the appeal of a loft without the dizzying height. With a cute slide and climbing wall, getting tornado toddlers into bed is a cinch!
Harvey Norman
Harvey Norman Cali Bed ($699): Guard rails that match the aesthetic of the bed mean transitioning toddlers still feel like a big kid.
Childcare
Hudson Toddler Bed ($199): A super sweet sleep nest with bed rails on each side and suitable from 18 months up to 23 kilos, this sturdy toddler bed is a subtle new addition to the nursery. Just transfer your cot mattress to this frame and transitioning toddlers are good to go.
Sleeparoo
JCB Single Bed from Sleeparoo ($719): A novel way to make the transition from cot to bed an easy one. Just tell your young rev head they’re sleeping in a truck and there’ll be no tears at bedtime.
Amart
Amart Cubby House Single Bed ($719): A thing of beauty as well as a cosy space to curl up and cuddle the night away. The walls of this sleepy home feel just like the familiar surrounds of a cot.
Forty Winks
Forty Winks Mercury Bunk Bed ($1,199): For toddlers who are feeling the move from cot to bed is a little too overwhelming, share a space with a big sibling might just help ease their fears. With a bottom bunk that’s at ground level, it means a safe, cosy nook for newly-crowned big kids.
Snooze
Snooze Mini Me Compact Bunk Frame ($1,399): A compact bunk option so siblings are close enough to comfort each other, this delight is nice and low to the ground for both kiddos.
Oak Grace
Oak Grace Low Line Single Bunk Bed ($679): Low enough to be an ideal toddler transition bed, and stylish and sturdy enough to last two sleepy crumpets for quite a few years.
Read next
Need a little more help with your toddler at bedtime? These next articles cover everything from techniques to products to have on hand: