Toddler bed VS. Junior bed: What to choose?

When it's time to transition to a "big kid" bed, it can be a bit challenging to decide between a standard child's bed, also called toddler bed, measuring 70x140 cm and a slightly larger junior bed. What are the differences, and how do you make your choice? We'll try to help you with a few key points. If you're torn between a 70x140 cm bed and a larger one (80x160 cm), we hope this article will assist you in making your decision...

The 70x140 cm Toddler Bed: Perfectly Suited from 18-24 Months

Due to its 140 cm length, the toddler bed is perfectly suited for little ones from 2 years old and sometimes even from 18 months, depending on the child and their motor development. Since it's not too big, it provides reassurance to young children accustomed to sleeping in cribs. If your child is ready to leave their baby crib relatively early, consider a 70x140 cm toddler bed. If your child is already quite tall at 2 years old, and if you, as parents, are tall too, don't hesitate to opt for a slightly longer junior bed that can be used for a longer period. In this case, choose a 80x160 cm junior bed with protective rails for added reassurance! We often talk about the appropriate size of a kid's bed in terms of width and length, but we often forget to mention that toddler beds are designed with the child's height in mind, offering low sleeping heights!

For example, a Petite Amélie kid's bed has a sleeping height of approximately 33 cm! This makes it easy for young children to climb in and out of bed by themselves. Ideal for building their confidence and independence. The keys to safe and nurturing learning.

For reference, a 70x140 cm toddler bed measures approximately 27.5 x 55 inches, making it a cosy and familiar size for children who have just outgrown their cot. Many parents find this size works well in smaller bedrooms too, leaving plenty of floor space for play. If you're wondering when your toddler is truly ready for a bed, the signs often go beyond age alone: climbing out of the cot, showing interest in a "big" bed, and being able to follow simple bedtime instructions are all gentle cues that the time may be right.

What Bed Should a 2-Year-Old Sleep In? A Decision Framework

Choosing the right bed for a two-year-old can feel like a big step. Rather than focusing on age alone, it helps to consider a few practical factors together. Here is a simple way to think it through:

• Your child's height: If your little one is average height for their age, a 70x140 cm (approx. 27.5 x 55") toddler bed offers a snug, reassuring space. For taller children, or if both parents are tall, a 80x160 cm (aprox. 31.5 × 63") junior bed gives a little extra room to grow.
• Developmental readiness: Is your child attempting to climb out of their cot? Asking about a "big" bed? Able to get in and out of low furniture with confidence? These are all signs that the transition may feel natural.
• Room size: A toddler bed at 70x140 cm fits comfortably into most nurseries and smaller bedrooms, while a junior bed or single bed will need a bit more floor space.
• Sibling planning: If a younger sibling will soon need the cot, moving your toddler to a 70x140 cm bed keeps both children in a size that suits them. The cot stays with the baby, and the toddler bed can later pass down too.

For most two-year-olds, a 70x140 cm toddler bed strikes the right balance: close to the ground, cosy enough to feel secure, and sized for the years ahead. If you'd like to explore the differences in more detail, our guide on toddler bed vs. junior bed walks through each option side by side.

Toddler Bed Size Comparison: 70x140 vs 80x160 vs 90x200

Seeing the numbers next to each other can make the decision clearer. Here is a straightforward comparison of the three most common children's bed sizes:

If you'd like a bed that bridges the gap, an extendable bed starts at 140 cm and grows to 200 cm, adapting to your child's height over the years.

Safety needs ?

Children's beds often come with small (or sometimes larger) protective rails. Especially handy: when a bed has rails on both sides, you're free to place it in the middle of the room rather than right up against a wall. The shorter rail can usually be installed on whichever side suits your room best – and once your little one is ready, you can simply remove it.

The low height of the rail helps prevent falls during the night and gives your child that cosy, secure feeling while they sleep – and peace of mind for you too!

Beyond the rails, a few other details are worth looking for. A mattress that fits snugly inside the bed frame, with no gaps around the edges, helps your child sleep soundly and safely. Rounded corners and smooth finishes on the bed itself mean there are no sharp edges for little hands or feet to catch. And placing the bed firmly against a wall, or far enough from it that no gap can form, keeps your child secure from all sides. For a deeper look at toddler bed guards and rail options, our dedicated guide covers the details.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Toddler's Bed

The bed frame is only half the story. A well-chosen mattress makes a real difference to your toddler's comfort and support. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Firmness: A firm mattress supports growing bodies well. A simple hand-pressure test can help: press down gently with your palm and let go. If the surface springs back quickly rather than holding the impression, the firmness is generally suitable for a young child.
• Snug fit: The mattress should sit closely inside the bed frame with no noticeable gaps around the edges. This keeps the sleep surface stable and prevents little limbs from slipping into spaces.
• Breathable, hypoallergenic materials: Materials that allow air to circulate help keep your child comfortable through the night. Hypoallergenic options are a thoughtful choice for sensitive skin.
• Condition: If you already have a 70x140 cm cot mattress in good condition, with no sagging and a clean, supportive surface, it can often be reused in a toddler bed of the same dimensions. A snug fit remains the priority.

Choosing the right mattress alongside the right bed means your child's sleep space is comfortable from every angle.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment Beyond the Bed

Once the bed and mattress are sorted, a few simple steps help make the whole bedroom a calm, secure space for sleep:

• Bed placement: Position the bed against a solid wall, or leave a generous distance so no gap can form between the bed and the wall. Avoid placing the bed near windows or balcony doors.
• Clear sleep area: Keep the area around the bed free of loose items that could be pulled into the sleeping space.
• Anchor nearby furniture: Bookshelves, dressers, and wardrobes near the bed should be secured to the wall so they stay firmly in place.
• A gentle nightlight: A soft, low-level light near the door or hallway can help your child navigate safely if they wake during the night, without disturbing their sleep.

These small details come together to create a sleep space where your child feels comfortable and you feel at ease.

The Toddler Bed / Junior Bed for Whom?

If you're looking for a more lasting solution, we recommend a junior bed. Its 160 cm length extends its usability by two to three years.

Who is the toddler bed / junior bed for? Expecting parents who plan to expand their family within two or three years often choose a standard baby crib measuring 60x120 cm first, followed by a 70x140 cm toddler bed as a transitional step. After their first child's two or three years, they will purchase a toddler bed, and the younger sibling will sleep in the baby crib. A few years later, the older child will transition to a standard adult bed measuring 90x200 cm, and the younger one will take their place in the toddler bed... This solution ensures that each child always sleeps in a bed that's suitable for their size, with no advance planning required.

However, the junior bed will appeal to parents seeking more durability, especially if they have only one child. The junior bed is suitable for your child up to 8 years old and a bit longer depending on the child's height.

On the other hand, parents who used an adjustable crib for their baby may more easily transition to a junior bed to continue the journey. After an adjustable baby crib, which includes a removable side that serves as a small adult bed, a larger bed will be necessary.

Another tip: if your child tends to move a lot, they might be more comfortable in a slightly larger bed where they won't feel restricted.In this case, opt for a junior bed with protective rails.

The 3-3-3 Approach: Setting Realistic Expectations for the Transition

Moving from a cot to a toddler bed is a change, and like most changes in early childhood, it rarely happens overnight. A helpful way to think about it is in three gentle phases:

• The first 3 days: Everything feels new. Your child may test the boundaries of their new bed, get up a few times, or need extra reassurance at bedtime. This is completely normal. Keep bedtime calm and consistent, and gently guide them back to bed as needed.
• The first 3 weeks: A new habit starts to take shape. The novelty settles, and your child begins to understand the routine. Some nights will be smoother than others, and that is part of the process.
• The first 3 months: By now, the new bed feels like home. Bedtime has become familiar, and both you and your child can settle in with confidence.

Knowing that early resistance is simply part of adjusting can take some of the pressure off those first few nights. Patience and consistency are your best companions during this time.

Is Your Child Ready? A Practical Readiness Checklist

Every child is different, and there is no single "right" moment for the move. But a few gentle cues can help you gauge whether your little one is ready:

• Physical readiness: Your child is attempting to climb out of their cot, walks confidently, and can climb onto low furniture with ease.
• Emotional readiness: They can express basic comfort needs ("I want my blanket," "I'm thirsty"), and separation at bedtime feels manageable, even if not always easy.
• Behavioural readiness: They follow simple instructions most of the time ("stay in bed," "lie down") and can stay in a designated area during quiet moments.

If most of these sound familiar, your child is likely ready for the next step. If only one or two feel true, there is no rush. Waiting a few weeks and trying again is always a kind choice.

Managing Sleep Resistance After the Transition

Even with the best timing, some children take a little while to settle into their new bed. If your toddler gets up repeatedly, resists bedtime, or seems unsettled, here are a few calm strategies:

• Keep the routine consistent: A familiar sequence of bath, story, and lights-out helps your child know what to expect. Predictability is comforting.
• Use gentle encouragement: Praise your child when they stay in bed, and quietly guide them back without making it a big event if they get up.
• Keep the sleep space calm: A simple, uncluttered bedroom with soft lighting helps signal that it is time to rest.
• Know when to pause: If the transition feels consistently difficult after several weeks, it is completely fine to try again a little later. There is no deadline, and your child will get there in their own time.

The move to a toddler bed is one of many milestones, and like all of them, it unfolds at your child's own pace.

A Functional Bed: Our Advice

Think about storage in all its forms! Underbeds are often dead spaces where dirty socks and toys lie around. Equip yourself with a children's bed drawer to accommodate children's sheets and duvet covers, to store a second mattress for entertaining friends or to store disguises, toys, clothes... If you are short of space, a large storage drawer will seduce you with its large storage capacity!

Buy an extendable child's bed: the extendable child's bed grows with your child. Can be used as a 140 cm child's bed, it can then be extended to 170 cm and finally to 200 cm. You therefore go from a small, reassuring child's bed into a real single bed.

An extendable bed is a particularly thoughtful choice if you want one bed to carry your child from toddlerhood through to the primary school years. Starting at 140 cm when they are small and extending as they grow means fewer transitions and a familiar sleep space at every stage. Pair it with the right mattress, and the bed adapts as naturally as your child does.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size is a standard toddler bed in the UK?

The standard UK toddler bed size is 70x140 cm, which is approximately 27.5 x 55 inches. The next step up is the 80x160 cm (approx. 31.5 × 63") junior bed, which offers a few extra years of use. Eventually, most children move on to a 90x200 cm (approx. 35.5 x 79") single bed. Both metric and imperial measurements are good to have in mind when planning your child's room.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for toddlers?

The 3-3-3 approach is a helpful way to think about adjustment periods. In the context of the toddler bed transition, it means roughly 3 days for your child to begin getting used to the new bed, 3 weeks for the new routine to become more familiar, and 3 months for it to feel completely natural. Early resistance and a few wobbly nights are a normal part of the process, so give yourself and your child grace during those first days.

What bed should my 2-year-old sleep in?

For most two-year-olds, a 70x140 cm toddler bed is a wonderful choice. It is close to the ground, cosy in proportion, and feels reassuringly snug after the cot. If your child is particularly tall, or if both parents are tall, a 80x160 cm junior bed may be a better fit from the start. Remember that readiness depends on developmental cues, such as climbing ability and verbal confidence, rather than age alone.

How do I know my toddler is ready to move from a cot to a bed?

A few signs can help you decide: your child is attempting to climb out of their cot, showing interest in a "big kid" bed, walking and climbing confidently, and able to follow simple instructions like "lie down" or "stay in bed." Most children show these signs somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, though every child finds their own timing.

Do toddler beds need guardrails?

Guardrails are recommended, especially during the early months of the transition. They help your child feel secure and reduce the chance of rolling out during sleep. Many toddler beds come with removable rails, so you can take them off once your child feels confident and settled in their bed.

How long can my child use a 70x140 cm toddler bed?

A 70x140 cm toddler bed typically suits children from around age 2 to 4 or 5, depending on their height and how quickly they grow. An extendable bed is a lovely option if you want to stretch usability further, as it adapts from 140 cm up to 200 cm. A 80x160 cm junior bed, by comparison, can serve comfortably until around age 7 or 8.

What firmness should a toddler mattress be?

A firm mattress is generally recommended for toddlers, as it offers the support growing bodies need. You can do a simple hand-pressure test: press the surface with your palm and release. If the mattress springs back quickly rather than holding the impression, it is a good level of firmness. Breathable and hypoallergenic materials are also worth considering for a comfortable night's sleep.

Can I use the same mattress from my baby's cot in a toddler bed?

If your cot mattress is 70x140 cm and still in good condition, with no sagging and a clean, supportive surface, it can be reused in a toddler bed of the same size. The most important thing is a snug fit: the mattress should sit closely within the bed frame with no gaps around the edges.

We hope these few tips have helped you in making your choice. Whichever toddler bed size you choose, you can feel confident knowing that Petite Amélie beds are designed with your child's safety and comfort at heart, meeting the European safety standard EN 716. From the low sleeping height to the smooth finishes and sturdy construction, every detail is made to support a peaceful night's sleep for your little one and peace of mind for you. Have a beautiful day, and see you very soon on www.petiteamélie.co.uk!