Collaborative Post¦ Your child starts walking, and before you know it, they’ve grown out of their bed. The transition from baby to toddler and toddler to child happens scarily fast, and upgrading to a single bed at the right time will support your child’s growth.
The best time to move your child into a single bed is between ages three and four, but that’s only a general rule. You should go off your child’s size.
How big is your child? If they can’t stretch out without hitting the sides of their cot bed, or their feet are less than 30cm from the end, they need a single bed – waiting any longer will only provide an uncomfortable sleep environment.
Sometimes, however, your child will signal they are ready for a children’s bed by wanting to sleep in your or their sibling’s bed.
Join us below to learn how to spot when it’s time to move your child into a single bed.
Go by age
Looking at your child’s age is the most straightforward approach to timing their bed transition. While every child develops differently, the sweet spot typically falls between ages three and four.
Your toddler’s physical and emotional development should align with this timeframe, preparing them for a standard single bed. Don’t wait beyond four and a half years – by then, most children have outgrown their toddler bed physically and developmentally.
Go by space
Take a good look at your little one’s current bed setup. If you notice them constantly bumping against the sides while sleeping or their feet creeping closer to the bed end, it’s time for an upgrade.
You want at least 30cm of space between their feet and the bed end to accommodate growth spurts. Watch for signs of discomfort or restless sleep—these could indicate that they need more space to move freely.
Pictured: Julian Bowen Kimbo 3FT Single Midsleeper – Blue. Priced £569 available from Bedstar.
Go by behaviour
Notice how your child acts around bedtime? They might be dropping hints about needing a bigger bed without saying it directly.
Throwing toys out of bed to create more space, asking to sleep in your bed or their sibling’s bed, or showing excitement about “big kid” beds are all telling signs.
Your child might also become more restless at bedtime, struggling to find a comfortable position in their current bed.
Go by bed condition
Start inspecting your child’s current bed for signs of wear and tear.
A squeaky bed frame, sagging mattress, or loose components suggest it’s time for an upgrade, regardless of age or size. If you’ve had the bed since they were born, chances are it’s taken quite a beating. Rather than replacing parts of a toddler bed, investing in a quality single makes more financial sense.
Pictured: Bedmr Tyler Wooden Bed with Trundle Bed – white. Priced £443 available from Bedstar.
Single versus small single
Small single beds are 75 x 190 cm, saving 15 cm in width. They suit extremely narrow bedrooms and younger children, but they are quickly outgrown by around age eight, making a standard single bed a better choice in most cases.
A regular single measures 90cm x 190cm compared to a small single, and that extra 15cm width makes a huge difference in comfort and longevity.
Built-in storage
Another massive benefit of upgrading your kid’s bed to a standard single is the built-in storage capabilities, such as drawers and lift-up ottomans.
Ottoman storage is especially useful because it uses the whole mattress underside as storage space—you can pack all your kid’s bedding, seasonal clothes, shoes, and other bits and bobs into it to keep your kid’s room tidy.
Storage beds cost more than standard beds but are worth it in small bedrooms or if you lack an airing cupboard or attic for bedding.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post with Bedstar.