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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 (70x160 cm), we hope this article will assist you in making your decision...
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 70x160 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...
To put that in perspective, many toddler beds on the market sit between 20 and 35 cm from the floor. A lower sleeping height means your child can get in and out with ease, which supports their growing sense of independence. If you are also thinking about how a toddler bed compares with other bed types, here is a quick overview:
TODDLER BED «PLUME» WHITE 140 X 70
Two is a wonderful age, and it is also one of the most common moments for parents to start thinking about the move from cot to bed. Every child is different: some show signs of readiness as early as 18 months, while others are happier in their cot until closer to three. So how do you decide what is right for your 2-year-old?
A 70x140 cm toddler bed is often an ideal fit at this stage. Its compact size feels cosy and familiar after a cot, while the low sleeping height allows your child to get in and out independently. Paired with protective rails on both sides, it offers a gentle, secure start to nights in a "big" bed.
Before making the switch, consider a few things. Is your child already attempting to climb out of the cot? Are they showing curiosity about sleeping in a bed like an older sibling? Do they have the coordination to climb a low step safely? If you recognise any of these signs, a toddler bed with rails is a reassuring next step. If your little one still seems content and settled in their cot, there is no rush. The best time to move is when your child, and you, feel ready.
Knowing when your child is ready for a bed can feel like guesswork. These gentle indicators can help you feel more confident in your timing:
Not every child will show all of these signs at once, and that is perfectly normal. Trust your instinct as a parent. You know your child best.
Moving from cot to toddler bed is a big change, and it helps to have a gentle timeline in mind. Many parents find the "3-3-3 rule" a reassuring way to think about the adjustment:
Patience and consistency are your best tools. Keep the bedtime routine familiar, offer plenty of reassurance, and celebrate the small victories. Before long, bedtime in the new bed will feel as natural as it did in the cot.
Once you have chosen the right bed, a few thoughtful steps can make the move smoother for everyone. If you are looking for more in-depth guidance, we also have a dedicated article on a successful transition to a toddler bed.
Every family finds its own rhythm. The transition rarely happens overnight, but with gentle guidance it often goes more smoothly than expected.
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, there are a few more details worth considering when looking at a toddler bed's safety. Rounded edges and smooth surfaces help protect little hands and heads from bumps. The gaps between any slats or bars should be narrow enough that a small arm or leg cannot become trapped. A non-toxic finish on the wood ensures your child sleeps surrounded by safe, natural materials.
Mattress fit matters just as much as the bed itself. The mattress should sit snugly within the frame. When the mattress is in place, you should be able to fit no more than two fingers between the mattress edge and the bed frame on any side. A good fit means there are no gaps where little limbs could slip.
If the bed features safety rails, check that the rail extends well above the mattress surface once the mattress is in place. This ensures the rail still provides meaningful protection. And when it comes to certifications, look for beds that meet recognised European safety standards, which cover everything from structural strength to the materials used in paints and finishes. These standards exist to give you confidence that the bed has been thoroughly tested.
The mattress is just as important as the bed frame when it comes to your child's comfort and safety. A standard toddler bed uses a 70x140 cm mattress, while a junior bed requires a 70x160 cm mattress. Always match the mattress size to the bed frame so it fits snugly with no gaps around the edges.
Mattress thickness is another detail to keep in mind. If the bed has safety rails, a thicker mattress will reduce the height of the rail above the sleeping surface. Make sure the rail still sits high enough to offer real protection once the mattress is in place.
Look for breathable, natural materials that help regulate your child's temperature through the night. A firm, supportive mattress is generally recommended for young children, as it offers the right level of support for growing bodies. For more guidance on choosing between mattress types, our article on selecting the right crib mattress covers many of the same principles.
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.
Toddler bed «Cocoon» 140 x 70 cm|Walnut colour
When thinking about age specifically: for children around 18 months to 2 years, a 70x140 cm toddler bed with rails on both sides often feels like the gentlest step up from a cot. Between the ages of 3 and 4, many children are ready for a bed without rails, or with just one rail on the open side. And from around 4 to 5, a junior bed (70x160 cm) can offer the extra room a growing child appreciates, especially if they tend to stretch out or move during the night.
If you are drawn to a Montessori approach, a floor bed is worth considering. A floor bed sits at ground level, giving your child the freedom to get in and out entirely on their own. This supports their sense of independence from a young age and encourages them to see their bedroom as a space they can navigate confidently.
Floor beds tend to suit children who are naturally confident and curious explorers. Because there is no height to manage, the space around the bed becomes just as important as the bed itself. Keep the surrounding area clear, ensure furniture is stable, and place the bed away from windows. A snug-fitting mattress on the bed frame is essential, just as with any toddler bed.
A house bed frame is a popular variation of the floor bed. It adds a gentle sense of enclosure, creating a cosy "room within a room" feeling that many children love. Whether you choose a simple floor frame or a house bed shape, the Montessori-inspired philosophy remains the same: a calm, child-led sleeping space that grows with your little one.
With several styles to choose from, it helps to see them side by side. Here is a quick comparison of the most common toddler bed types:
Each type has its own strengths. The best toddler bed for your family depends on your child's age, temperament, room size, and how long you would like the bed to last. If longevity is a priority, an extendable bed offers a thoughtful solution that adapts as your child grows.
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.
When choosing a toddler bed, think about the room as a whole. Leave enough space around the bed for your child to move freely and for you to sit comfortably nearby at bedtime. A clear path between the bed and the door helps little ones feel confident navigating in the dark. And if your child's room doubles as a play space, a bed with built-in storage keeps bedding, spare clothes, and favourite toys neatly out of the way during the day. For more ideas on making the most of a shared space, our guide to smart storage solutions is full of gentle inspiration.
Our Brume bed, extendable in three different sizes. Available in 2 colours: white and light grey
Most 2-year-olds are well suited to a 70x140 cm toddler bed with safety rails on both sides. The compact size feels reassuring after a cot, and the low sleeping height makes it easy for your child to get in and out independently. That said, readiness varies from child to child. Some toddlers are ready closer to 18 months, while others are happier staying in their cot until around three. Key signs to look for include climbing attempts, curiosity about a "big" bed, and growing confidence with physical tasks.
The 3-3-3 rule is a helpful way to think about the timeline of transitioning from cot to bed. It suggests that the first 3 days are about initial adjustment, where some unsettled nights are completely normal. Over the next 3 weeks, new habits begin to form as your child grows familiar with their bed. And within 3 months, the new sleeping arrangement usually feels fully settled. Setbacks along the way are natural and nothing to worry about.
A toddler bed is typically 70x140 cm, designed for children from around 18 months up to approximately 4 or 5 years. A junior bed measures 70x160 cm, offering extra length that can last until around age 8. The right choice depends on your child's size, whether a younger sibling may inherit the bed, and how long you would like the bed to serve. Both types can come with removable safety rails for the early years.
Floor beds placed at ground level are designed with safety in mind, as there is very little height for your child to navigate. To keep things safe, the mattress should fit snugly within the frame with no gaps, the area around the bed should be child-proofed, and the bed should be placed away from windows. Floor beds are rooted in Montessori principles, encouraging independence by allowing your child to get in and out freely. As with any bed, a thoughtful room layout makes all the difference.
A few gentle signs can guide you: your child attempts to climb out of the cot, they are reaching or exceeding the cot's height limit, they show interest in a "big" bed, they are beginning toilet training and need easier access at night, or they can follow simple instructions about staying in bed. Not every child will tick every box, and there is no single "right" moment. If your little one seems content in the cot, there is no need to rush the move.
A standard toddler bed uses a 70x140 cm mattress. The mattress should fit snugly within the bed frame, with no more than a two-finger gap on any side. If the bed has safety rails, pay attention to mattress thickness too: the rail should still sit high enough above the mattress surface to offer meaningful protection while your child sleeps.
Yes, some toddlers are ready from 18 months, particularly if they are already climbing out of their cot or are physically tall for their age. A toddler bed with safety rails on both sides and a low sleeping height gives your child a secure, comfortable start. Keep in mind that readiness depends on the individual child's development and temperament. If your 18-month-old is still happy and safe in their cot, it is perfectly fine to wait a little longer.
We hope these few tips have helped you in making your choice. All Petite Amélie children's beds are designed to meet European safety standards, including CE certification, so you can feel confident that every bed has been carefully tested for your child's wellbeing. Have a beautiful day, and see you very soon on www.petiteamélie.co.uk!
The Petite Amélie team is made up of parents, creatives, and specialists who share a passion for creating beautiful, practical spaces for families. From product design to customer experience, we work closely together to bring thoughtful ideas to life and support everyday family moments.
Toddler Bed «Plume» 140x70 Grey
Toddler Bed «Plume» 140x70 Black
MIDSLEEPER SINGLE BED 200X90 «ARBRE II» | WHITE
TODDLER BED «PLUME» | 70 X 140 CM | NATURAL
EXTENDABLE TODDLER BED «BRUME» | 80 X 140-200 CM | GREY
EXTENDABLE TODDLER BED «BRUME» | 80 X 140-200 CM | WHITE
TODDLER BED «PLUME» | WALNUT
