Joybuy Insights

Buying a Children’s Bed: How to Compare Size, Safety and Features

A children’s bed should suit your child’s age, the room and your family’s everyday routine. The choice ranges from a baby bed and bedside cot to a classic cot bed, a convertible bed or a loft bed with desk. Many products appear more comprehensive than they are practical because of accessories, LED lighting or decorative features. However, the key considerations remain the right sleeping area, a safe construction and features that genuinely suit how the bed will be used.

Common pitfalls when buying a children’s bed

1. Accessories are mistaken for safety features

A children’s bed with canopy, bumper or extensive textile accessories can look appealing. However, these elements do not replace suitable safety rails, stable connections between the components or an appropriate mattress. For babies and toddlers, you must also follow guidance on climbing ability, removable rails and unsupervised use.

2. The external dimensions do not fit the available space

The descriptions children’s bed 60x120 cm or children’s bed 70x140 cm generally refer to the sleeping area, not the overall dimensions. Frames, castors, drawers, ladders or a canopy may require additional centimetres. Before buying, check the available floor space, doorways and the distance from radiators or windows.

This is even more important with a loft bed: a model with a 140x200 cm sleeping area can take up considerably more room once the desk, ladder and side elements are taken into account.

3. A mattress is not always included

The term children’s bed with mattress only applies to products where a mattress is explicitly included in the delivery. It is not included with many loft beds. Even with a children’s bed complete set, it is worth checking the product details: bed linen, canopy, bumper, slatted base and mattress may be combined in different ways.

The most important buying criteria

Sleeping area and mattress compatibility

The mattress must fit into the bed frame without large gaps. For a baby bed measuring 60x120 cm or a convertible bed measuring 70x140 cm, you should use exactly this size. With a loft bed measuring 140x200 cm, the permitted mattress height is also important, as a mattress that is too high can reduce the effective height of the fall protection.

Check the following before buying:

  • Sleeping area and external dimensions
  • Recommended mattress height
  • Whether the mattress and slatted base are included
  • Maximum load capacity
  • The manufacturer’s recommended age or height

Construction, safety rails and fastening

The rails on a cot bed should be securely attached. Removable rails are practical, but should only be removed once your child can safely get in and out of bed. A bedside cot must be compatible with the parents’ bed and secured using the specified fastenings. Make sure you observe the permitted height and maximum thickness of the bed side.

With a loft bed, full-length fall protection and a stable ladder are among the most important criteria. The specified anti-tip system must be mounted to the wall in accordance with the instructions.

Materials, assembly and care

Information such as MDF, solid wood, metal, maximum load, included components and certifications can be compared objectively. Labelling according to a relevant standard may help with assessment, but it does not replace following the assembly and safety instructions.

Check all screws before first use and inspect them again after a few days. Wooden surfaces can usually be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth. Electrical components, USB ports and LED lights on a loft bed must not come into contact with liquids.

Our selection for different user profiles

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
roba Multifunctional Bed Star Grey with Side Table Function

roba Multifunctional Bed Star Grey with Side Table Function, 60x120 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This 3-in-1 model is ideal for families looking to combine a bedside cot, cot bed and toddler bed in one solution. The sleeping area measures 60x120 cm.

How this product avoids the pitfall

According to the product details, the mattress, slatted base, bed reducer, canopy and canopy pole are included. This means you do not need to source the key accessories separately.

Main benefit & strengths

Six height settings from 22 to 42 cm, five removable rails and a stated load capacity of up to 50 kg.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
roba Complete Bed Set Liebhabbär 70x140 cm

roba Complete Bed Set „Liebhabbär“, 70x140 cm

Why this product suits this profile: This set is aimed at parents who want to buy a coordinated bed, mattress and textile accessories. The 70x140 cm sleeping area provides more room than a compact baby bed.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details explicitly list the bed, mattress, bed linen, padded protection, canopy and canopy pole. Nevertheless, check that the 70x140 cm mattress fits before assembly.

Main benefit & strengths

Untreated wood according to the product description, plus machine-washable textiles following the care label.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Top Bed 140x200 cm with Corner Desk and Storage

Top Bed 140x200 cm Vintage Brown-Black with Corner Desk, Storage and LED

Why this product suits this profile: For children aged 6 and over, this loft bed with desk can combine sleeping, working and storage space. The sleeping area measures 140x200 cm; according to the product details, the mattress is not included.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product data specifies the required mattress thickness of 10 cm, the wall fixing to prevent tipping and the maximum load. This allows you to check the key buying details before placing your order.

Main benefit & strengths

Integrated corner desk, storage steps, shelving elements, USB and Type-C ports, plus LED lighting with remote control or app.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Checklist before buying

  • Recommended age: Is the model suitable for your child’s stage of development?
  • Sleeping area: Do you need a children’s bed measuring 60x120 cm, 70x140 cm or 140x200 cm?
  • Mattress: Is it included, and what height is permitted?
  • Load capacity: Does the stated limit apply to the bed, the desk or individual shelves?
  • Safety clearance: Are the safety rails, slats and wall fixings correctly specified?
  • Contents: Are the slatted base, bed linen, canopy, storage components or assembly accessories included?
  • Room planning: Is there enough floor space and ceiling height?
  • Assembly: Is the bed delivered in several packages, and does it need to be fixed to the wall?

Frequently asked questions about children’s beds

When should a baby bed be replaced with a larger children’s bed?

The timing depends not only on age, but also on your child’s development and mobility. If your child is climbing over the rails or the sleeping area is no longer sufficient, reassess whether the bed is still suitable based on the manufacturer’s guidance. With a convertible bed, removable rails or a sleeping area that can be adapted can make the transition easier.

Which mattress fits a children’s bed?

The mattress must match the stated sleeping area exactly, for example 60x120 cm, 70x140 cm or 140x200 cm. Gaps between the mattress and the frame should be avoided. With a loft bed, you must also observe the permitted mattress height so that the guard rail continues to provide adequate protection.

How much does a children’s bed cost to run?

A classic children’s bed does not normally incur regular energy costs. A loft bed with LED lighting may involve additional electricity consumption and battery costs. The deciding factors are how long the lighting is used, the type of power supply and the features included. With all models, you should also plan occasional checks of the screws, connections and fastenings.