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The best toddler bed 2026: space-saving beds for safety, comfort and fun
From fun floor beds to extendable beds which will last them years, the best toddler bed will tick all the boxes that matter: safety, comfort, fun and a good night's sleep for the whole family.
By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Aug 19, 2025
Moving your child from their cot to their first ‘big bed’ can feel like a daunting task as a parent. While some will opt to move their child straight into a single bed equipped with toddler-friendly bed guards, other parents may prefer to invest in a bespoke toddler bed or floor bed once their little one has outgrown their cot.
Often lower than standard single beds, a toddler bed can often feel like a safer option for little ones unused to sleeping without bars, not to mention those middle-of-the-night potty or toilet trips. Many toddler beds also have in-built guard rails for peace of mind without losing the feel of it being a more grown up bed than their cot, while others have convertible features which mean they could last your child from toddlerhood all the way through their teens.
The best toddler beds: at a glance
Best toddler bed overall: Habitat Jesse Toddler Bed with Drawer | £130
Best floor bed for toddlers: Home Modern Solid Pine Wood Kids Bed | £153
Best toddler bed budget buy: Habitat Jesse Toddler Bed | £85
Best extendable toddler bed: IKEA Minnen | £95
Best toddler bed bundle including mattress: Kinder Valley Complete 7 Piece Toddler Bed Bundle | £190
Best toddler bed for travel: Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Hand Pump | £35
Most fun toddler bed: MCC racing car Junior Bed Toddler Kids Bed | £70
Best character toddler bed: Peppa Pig Toddler Bed |
£100£85 (-15%)
Here at Mumsnet our mission is to make life easier for parents, which is why we’ve done the hard work for you, scouring online reviews and expert-led safe-sleeping guidance and cross-referencing with recommendations from Mumsnet users to narrow down our choices of the best toddler beds. Here's our pick of the best toddler beds to make that all-important transition from baby to big kid bed all the more easy (and peaceful!) for the whole family.
Read next: Find more bedtime essentials for peaceful nights with our guides to the best baby monitors, best travel cots and best mattress protectors
Best toddler bed overall
Ideal for smaller bedrooms
Classic, sleek design
Includes a safety rail
Mattress is not included - requires a 140 x 70cm mattress
Cannot buy the drawer separately
Won't last as long as the larger toddler bed options
Key specs
Price on writing: £130 | Size: L144.8 x W74.4 x H57 cm | Age range: 18 months - 5 years (approx) | Mattress included?: No
The Jesse Toddler Bed from Habitat has been designed with the growing toddler in mind, featuring similar top-end railings but with the added bonus of a drawer for storage.
Although many parents do opt to transition their toddler straight into a single bed equipped with a bed guard, this isn't an option for all families, particularly if your child's room is small. With the Jesse, you get all the advantages of a toddler bed with the added benefits of inbuilt storage for teddies, bed sheets and clothes.
Read next: Find more bedtime essentials for the whole family with our guides to the best Moses baskets, swaddles and baby sleeping bags.
Best floor bed for toddlers
Attractive, fun design
Affordable
Larger than many toddler beds so will last longer
Floor beds can be an ideal solution for toddlers transitioning out of cots or potty training
Doubles up as a den/playhouse
Will need a larger space than the smaller, space-saving toddler beds
Does not include mattress - requires a 190 x 90cm mattress
You may bang your head when changing bedding!
Key specs
Price on writing: £153| Size: L196 cm x W97 cm x H145 cm | Age range: Not specified | Mattress included?: No
When it comes to the best toddler beds, floor beds - also known as Montessori beds - make up a huge chunk of the market. Generally speaking, a Montessori bed aligns with the Montessori Method principles of added freedom for children - it will be close enough to the floor for even the smallest toddler to get in and out of independently and won't have restrictive railings around it.
If you're a fan of the floor bed style for your toddler - and particularly one which can double as a fun playhouse/den - then there are endless possibilities online to choose from. We opted for the Home Modern House Bed because it's nice and simple, has plenty of reviews praising its easy assembly and unlike more premium options such as the Flair Canopy House Bed and the Dunelm House Bed, it's under £160.
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Best toddler bed budget buy
Traditional style
Also available in blue
Manufacturer claims it lasts
Doesn't last as long as a single bed
Mattress not included
Key specs
Price on writing: £85 | Size: H57 x L145 x W75cm | Age range: From 18 months to four years | Mattress included?: No
Searching for the best toddler bed, much like trying to choose the right bunk bed or perfect mattress, can feel like a bit of a minefield. How much space will it take up? Do you need inbuilt storage options? Should you choose a Montessori floor bed or go for something extendable that'll last for years?
Sometimes it can be worth taking a step back and considering something a bit more simple from a trusted retailer. That's why we like the Jesse - it's the same size as a standard cot bed, but unlike your average converted cot bed, it features toddler-friend guard rails on the top end. These have the double advantage of providing a bit of extra security for any night-time movement, but they're short so they feel more grown-up than a cot to your toddler. Plus, it costs less than £100 and comes in different colours.
The design is sleek and simple, cot bed-sized mattresses are easy to source, and reviewers say it's easy to assemble and feels nice and sturdy. Sure, it may not last as long as the likes of the IKEA Minnen or just a standard single, but at 140cm long, there's no reason to believe that it won't last them well into middle childhood.
Best extendable toddler bed
Grows with your child
Includes in-built guard rails (which don't look like guard rails)
Metal frame gives it a clean, modern look
Mattress sold separately and will need to be compatible with an extendable bed
Requires extra faff every time you want to extend it
Key specs
Price on writing: From £129 | Size: L 137 - 207 cm, W 86cm, H92 cm | Age range: Not specified | Mattress included?: No
What Mumsnet users say
If you want a toddler bed which will grow as your child does, look no further. The IKEA Minnen starts out as a compact 137 cm long which will feel nice and secure for your little one, but can then be extended twice to 170 cm and eventually 207 cm.
The bed does require assembly, with some reviewers recommending expert assistance here, and it requires a three-part extendable mattress, but if you're looking for a bed with the advantages of a toddler bed with the life-span of a big bed, the Minnen ticks the boxes.
Related: Discover the best night lights and the top-ranking mattresses for kids with our guides.
Best toddler bed bundle including mattress
Bundle includes mattress, duvet, pillow and bedding
Good price for what is included
No choice of bedding
Won't last as long as larger beds
Key specs
Price on writing: £170 | Size:145 cm x 77 cm x 63 cm | Age range: Not specified | Mattress included?: Yes
Need a toddler bed? And a mattress? And appropriately-sized bedding including duvet and pillow? This 7-piece toddler bed set from Kinder Valley covers all the bases.
Featuring a nice solid base and classic wooden frame with in-built guard, it has all the advantages of a traditional toddler bed too.
It's not quite as exciting as the Racing Car or the Peppa Pig bed featured below, admittedly, but if you're on the hunt for a one-click-and-done toddler bed purchase - this is the one for you. For what's included, the price isn't half bad either.
Best toddler bed for travel
2-in-1 airbed and mattress ideal for holidays
Pump and carry-bag included
Raised sides for peace of mind
Risk of puncture
Key specs
Price on writing: £35 | Size: H25, L168, W107cm | Age range: 3 - 6 | Mattress included?: Yes
What Mumsnet users say
For holidays, camping trips and sleepovers, the Intex Kidz Travel Bed is an ideal solution when your little one has outgrown their travel cot but still needs the extra safety of raised sides.
It comes with a carry bag and hand pump and provides a sleep area of 71 x 132cm which gives your toddler plenty of wiggle-room. There's also a removable inner mattress for extra comfort to help ensure your little one gets plenty of Zs wherever you are!
Read next: Find the best baby blankets and weighted blankets for kids
Most fun toddler bed
Fun design will make bedtimes a breeze
Made from sturdy, solid MDF
Low design for peace of mind
Mattress not included (requires a 140 cm x 70 cm mattress)
Child may lose interest in it
Only comfortably fits children up to 120 cm tall
Key specs
Price on writing: £70 | Size: 158 cm x 73 cm x 46 cm | Age range: 2 - 5 years or up to 120cm height | Mattress included?: No
If your little one is car-mad then the chances are they will love a car bed - and this one from MCC Direct is made of solid, sturdy engineered wood and has great reviews.
Like the ANYDAY Elemental and the Jesse Toddler Bed, it takes a standard cot bed mattress and won't take up too much space in smaller bedrooms. Plus, it's floor-based so there's no risk of middle-of-the-night tumbles. Beep beep! Where do we get one?
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Best character toddler bed
Includes under-bed storage
Features side guards for added security
Easy to assemble
Pricey
Child may outgrow Peppa before they outgrow the bed
Mattress not included (requires a cot bed size mattress 140 cm x 70 cm)
Key specs
Price on writing: £80 | Size: 142 x 77 x 63 cm | Age range: Not specified | Mattress included?: No
What Mumsnet users say
If your toddler is Peppa-mad (and let's face it, those who aren't are few and far between!) they will love this bed. Featuring the endlessly popular TV pig, this toddler bed is bright, colourful and easy to put up. What's more, it features fabric storage drawers and side panels for added practicality and safety.
Sure, it might not appeal to the decorating goddess within, but if your priority is a toddler bed that they will love hands down (which can only make the transition from cot easier, after all) you may as well give in to the pull of everyone's favourite porcine pal.
At what age should you transition from cot to toddler bed?
Every toddler is different and there isn't really a perfect age to move them from their cot to their toddler bed, or convert to a cot bed. Most toddler beds on our list are designed for children aged from 18 months, though if your little one has begun to climb out of their cot before this point, it might be worth considering a toddler bed sooner.
Of course, the downside to transitioning to a 'big bed' is that they'll be more likely to get up in the night, so it's worth weighing up the pros and cons before making that all-important decision. If they're happy, safe and comfortable in a cot, there's no reason to move them until they're closer to three, at which point they're more likely to understand that they need to stay in bed at night!
What type of bed is best for a toddler?
Again, there's no reason why you can't keep your toddler in their cot if they're happy and safe sleeping in there. But if you are looking to make that move, there are a huge number of bed options to consider, from the traditional toddler beds such as the Habitat Jesse to floor beds to those which grow with your child.
Floor beds saved my sanity. I was still going to bed at the same time as DS when he was 11 months, to make sure he didnt roll out of our bed 🙈 So we switched to the floor bed in his room. I put the video camera on so I could keep an eye or see if he'd rolled on to the floor. Perfect. I managed to get my evenings back and spend some time with OH. Wonderful. -PlinkPlink
If your child has been sleeping in a cot bed then this may well prove to be the perfect 'big kid bed' for them once converted - on the plus side you won't have to shop around for a new mattress, but on the down-side you won't get the added security of the guard rails many toddler beds come with.
Of course, you may just opt for them to go straight into a single or even a double bed. These will usually be a little higher than bespoke toddler or cot beds so it may be worth using a bed guard and/or putting something soft on the floor to prevent any night-time bumps and bruises.
What are the benefits of a toddler bed?
My son went in a toddler bed at 17 months. I didn't want a standard single as they are much higher.
-Advice from Mumsnet user happymummy12345
The best thing about a toddler bed is that it has been designed with a toddler in mind. Often it features extra safety measures when compared with a standard single bed, such as in-built bed rails or guards and is closer to the ground. They're also smaller, which can feel more comforting to a toddler who is used to sleeping in a cot. Often toddler beds will feature fun designs or extra features which can help make bedtime more fun for everyone.
What to consider when choosing a toddler bed:
There are many important factors to consider when choosing the best toddler bed for your child, including:
Safety - many toddlers transitioning from a cot won't be used to sleeping without railings either side of them - does their toddler bed feature a guard or side rails to prevent them falling out? Is it low enough to the floor so they can climb in and out safely and independently? Does it feel sturdy and secure?
Size - be sure to measure the space you have before hitting the purchase button, not just the size of the mattress required! If the toddler bed you have in mind is not a standard size, will you be able to find a mattress for it easily?
Storage - does the toddler bed come with storage options? Do you need it to?
Your toddler - letting your toddler help choose their big bed may make the transition from cot to toddler bed all the more easy (though you may want to restrict some of the choices on offer ahead of time!) If you've the space, it might be a good idea to set the new bed up a few nights before moving your child into it.
What is the best toddler bed?
For a reasonably-priced, reliable toddler bed which looks great and has all the safety features you could want and storage to boot, we like the Habitat Jesse. It comes in a choice of colours, is close to the ground and although not as long-lasting as a single bed or the IKEA Minnen, is still large enough for many years of peaceful nights for your toddler (and you!)
About the author
Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.
She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles, travel cots and cribs.
How we chose our recommendations
Before we began researching the best toddler beds, we first scrutinised the latest safe sleep advice from trusted organisations such as The Lullaby Trust, the NCT and the NHS so we could be confident that all the toddler beds we were recommending were safe.
We also consulted renowned consumer organisations such as Which? to gather information on how to choose the best quality products and also those that would offer the most value for money.
Finally, we scoured the Mumsnet forums, where real parents offer honest and impartial advice about the products that have worked for them, as well as analysing reviews from customers and consumer experts on various other websites.
Why you should trust us
At Mumsnet, we believe parents should be able to access impartial and honest advice about products and services they may purchase.
We consult real parents as well as experts so we can offer the benefit of honest experience and we don’t take payment for our reviews from companies.
Our team of writers is made up of experienced consumer and parenting journalists who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge at their fingertips.