kids bed guide

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Bed for Your Child

Selecting the right bed for your child is a key decision that goes beyond just aesthetics. A well-suited bed can enhance your child’s comfort, safety, and even their sense of personal space. It can maximise room functionality, accommodate your child’s hobbies, and grow with them through different life stages. This guide will help you navigate the options and choose the perfect bed based on your child’s age, room size, and unique needs.

Why the Right Bed Matters

A thoughtfully chosen bed contributes to:

  • Restful Sleep: Essential for your child’s growth, mood, and development.
  • Space Optimisation: Beds can incorporate storage, study areas, or even play zones.
  • Safety: Properly designed beds ensure your child sleeps securely.
  • Expression: A bed tailored to your child’s hobbies or personality helps create a space they’ll love.

Key Factors to Consider

When choosing a bed, think about:

  1. Age and Growth: Does the bed accommodate your child’s current and future needs?
  2. Room Size and Layout: Does it leave room for other furniture or play areas?
  3. Hobbies and Interests: Could the bed include features like a desk for studying or a slide for fun?
  4. Safety: Does it meet safety standards and fit your child’s developmental stage?

Bed Types for Children: Recommendations and Considerations

1. Bunk Beds

Best For: Ages 6+ for the top bunk, all ages for the bottom.

Bunk beds are a versatile and space-saving solution, ideal for shared bedrooms or kids who enjoy climbing into bed.

Benefits:

  • Space Efficiency: Vertical stacking leaves more floor space.
  • Sleepovers: Accommodates guests or siblings.
  • Fun Factor: Climbing ladders and sleeping on different levels adds excitement.

Safety Tips:

  • Limit the top bunk to kids aged 6+ to reduce fall risks.
  • Ensure sturdy guardrails and a secure ladder.
  • Use a mattress no thicker than 15cm on the top bunk to maintain guardrail effectiveness.

Ideal For: Siblings sharing a room or kids who love hosting friends.

2. High Sleeper Beds

Best For: Ages 6+

High sleepers elevate the bed, freeing up valuable space underneath for desks, wardrobes, or seating areas. They’re perfect for growing kids and teens with a need for multi-functional spaces.

Benefits:

  • Combines sleeping, studying, and storage into one piece.
  • Maximises floor space for small rooms.
  • Creates a dedicated study or gaming zone.

Safety Tips:

  • Only suitable for kids aged 6+.
  • Guardrails should surround the bed.
  • Choose a ladder that’s secure and easy to climb.

Ideal For: Compact bedrooms and teens who need a workspace or storage.

3. Cabin Beds

Best For: Ages 4+

Cabin beds are mid-height beds with built-in drawers, shelves, or cupboards, making them a practical choice for tidying up toys, clothes, or books.

Benefits:

  • Organises clutter with integrated storage.
  • Low height makes them safe for younger kids.
  • Encourages independence by giving children easy access to their belongings.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure the bed is sturdy and properly assembled.
  • Avoid overloading storage compartments to prevent imbalance.

Ideal For: Kids who need storage space without sacrificing room to play.

4. Single Beds with Storage

Best For: Ages 4+

Single beds with storage combine functionality with simplicity. They work well in rooms where keeping things tidy is a priority.

Benefits:

  • Saves space by integrating drawers or compartments.
  • Great for kids of all ages, offering a clean, streamlined look.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure drawers are easy for children to open and close.
  • Avoid overloading storage to maintain balance.

Ideal For: Smaller rooms where storage is a must.

5. Daybeds

Best For: Ages 8+

Daybeds provide a dual-purpose solution, acting as a bed by night and a seating area by day. They’re particularly suited to teens or multi-functional rooms.

Benefits:

  • Doubles as a lounging space for reading or socialising.
  • Many include trundles for extra sleeping space.
  • Stylish designs make them perfect for older kids.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure the frame is stable and securely assembled.
  • Teach children to safely handle the trundle mechanism if included.

Ideal For: Teens and rooms that double as study or relaxation spaces.

6. Gaming Beds

Best For: Ages 8+

Gaming beds cater to children and teens who love gaming or need a dedicated study area. These beds often feature desks, monitor stands, and storage for gaming accessories.

Benefits:

  • Keeps gaming and study equipment organised.
  • Frees up floor space by combining functions.
  • Adds a modern, tech-friendly touch to the room.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure electronics are stored safely to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Regularly check the bed and desk for stability and wear.

Ideal For: Tech-savvy teens who need a stylish, organised space.

7. Beds with Slides

Best For: Ages 4-8

Beds with slides combine practicality and fun, making them a hit with younger kids.

Benefits:

  • Turns bedtime into an adventure.
  • Often paired with mid sleepers or cabin beds.
  • Encourages active play indoors.

Safety Tips:

  • Securely attach the slide and ensure smooth edges.
  • Place a soft rug or mat at the base of the slide to cushion landings.

Ideal For: Younger kids who love playful designs.

Matching the Bed to Your Child’s Interests

In addition to age and room size, consider your child’s hobbies and interests when choosing a bed:

  • Studious Kids: High sleepers with desks create a perfect study zone.
  • Bookworms: Cabin beds or daybeds with nearby shelves are ideal.
  • Gamers: Gaming beds offer an organised setup with a modern edge.
  • Adventurous Kids: Beds with slides or themed designs add a playful touch.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bed

  1. Measure Your Space
    Ensure there’s enough room for the bed, as well as clearance for movement, ladders, or drawers.

  2. Prioritise Safety
    For younger kids, stick to low beds with guardrails. High sleepers and bunks should have secure ladders and proper mattress heights.

  3. Think Long-Term
    Choose a bed that can grow with your child or adapt to their changing needs, such as bunk beds that convert into single beds.

  4. Get Your Child Involved
    Let them pick a design or feature they love - whether it’s a colour, desk, or slide.

Explore Millie & Jones' Kids’ Bed Collection

At Millie & Jones, we specialise in creating stylish, functional, and safe spaces for children. Our range of beds includes everything from playful designs for little ones to sophisticated options for teens.

Transform your child’s bedroom with a bed that fits their personality, hobbies, and space. Explore our collections today to find the perfect fit for your family.

Back to blog