When should baby move to a child's bed?

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When should you move your baby to a big kid bed?

The transition from a cot to a child's bed is a significant moment in a little one's life. They leave the reassuring cocoon they've known since birth to enjoy more space and freedom. Parents may have many questions. Choosing the ideal children's bed, the most suitable age for transition, ways to facilitate this change, etc. We try to answer all these questions!

The different types of children's beds

First of all, it's important to know that there are many types of children's beds available both in stores and online. It's an opportunity to choose a bed that suits your child, as well as the space you have, your preferences, and your budget!

The single bed

First possibility: the children's bed. Just like an adult bed, it has a standard height from the floor and is equipped with a bed base and sometimes a headboard. Most commonly found in 90x190cm dimensions, it can be kept until adulthood as this is the standard single bed size.

The trundle bed

The children's trundle bed looks exactly like a single bed. The difference is that it has a drawer under the bed base that can be pulled out to provide an additional sleeping space. This also comes with a bed base where you just need to add a mattress! These bed bases are retractable, so they can be positioned at the same height as the upper single bed.

The Montessori bed

Another very popular children's bed is the Montessori children's bed! Inspired by the famous method, it's a bed very close to the floor which helps limit the risk of falls. With its low height, it also allows the child to get in and out of bed with much more autonomy.

The convertible children's bed

For a smooth transition from a cot to a children's bed, why not choose a convertible children's bed? This is a small-sized bed, usually 90x140cm, which can later be extended to 90x190cm. The child feels secure and isn't overwhelmed by a too-large bed initially. The furniture can then grow with them. For example, our LEVIS convertible children's bed transforms from one size to another with its conversion kit and comes in 6 colours.

The loft bed

If your child's room lacks space, a wooden loft bed could be the perfect solution. The child's bed is positioned at height, accessed by a ladder. This allows for other items to be placed underneath, such as a bench or desk for example. It's a great way to optimise space in the room!

The bunk bed

The wooden bunk bed is an interesting solution for small shared rooms. It provides two sleeping spaces positioned one above the other, thus saving a considerable amount of space.

The mid-height cabin bed

The mid-height cabin bed is slightly lower than the top bunk of a children's bunk bed, but higher than a standard bed. It's an opportunity for children to gain some height and access their children's bed with a cabin-like structure via a small ladder, making bedtime much more fun. For parents, the space underneath the bed can be used to store baskets and toy boxes to save space! The children's cabin bed is often a real favourite with little ones!

The storage bed

Finally, you can also choose the 90x190 storage bed. This children's bed features integrated storage, whether it's a drawer under the bed base, shelves around the bed, or storage in the headboard. It also helps save space and maintain a tidy room.

Which children's bed should you choose?

The choice of the ideal bed primarily depends on your child and the room available. For smaller rooms, we recommend the 90x190 storage bed, the loft bed, or the mid-height cabin bed. If you have several children, you might consider a children's bunk bed or a trundle bed. The convertible children's bed, mid-height cabin bed, or Montessori bed have both playful and reassuring aspects to facilitate the transition. The single bed is certainly the most durable option over time.

Furthermore, we prefer to opt for solid wood beds for greater durability, French manufacturing for proximity, and ecological materials for the environment and children's well-being.

What is the ideal age for a big kid bed?

Every child grows at their own pace, so it's difficult to specify an ideal age to transition from a cot to a child's bed. Most often, it's around 18 months when the child starts feeling cramped in their cot. There are some unmistakable signs such as:

  • The fact that they can stand without holding onto the bars and try to climb over them (this can be very dangerous, so it's time to switch to a big kid bed!)
  • Throwing their stuffed animals over the bed is certainly a sign that they're trying to gain more space
  • Their desire to gain daily autonomy

Once these signs are observed, you can consider the transition from a cot to a children's bed. Of course, the transition should be made gradually by explaining the change to the child and helping them become familiar with their new environment for nighttime and naps through play and fun activities.