When the risk of your child climbing over the side of the cot becomes too great, it may be time to invest in your child’s first bed; bringing with it some independence, freedom and their own cosy and comfortable duvet.
Cot beds are the obvious bed choice for children, however, they don’t always offer the best value for money. Whilst it may be a cliche, it’s worth remembering that kids grow incredibly fast. Before you know it, those tiny toes will be touching the top of their bed and you’ll be needing to invest in another.
If you’re looking for a more budget (and eco-friendly) option, extendable beds can be a great solution, growing with your child by adjusting in length as your child gets taller.
Whilst some extendable beds require conversion kits and/or extendable mattresses, they offer a great alternative to a cot bed - less wasteful and a more sustainable choice. They also generally work out cheaper than purchasing a cot bed and a single too.
There are a relatively small number of extendable beds to choose from, but here’s our ES Best round-up of the best you can buy today.
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Ikea MINNEN Extendable Bed
The most affordable extendable bed on our list, the Ikea MINNEN Extendable Bed has a timeless steel design with adorable sun beam detailing on the sides. Available in a choice of white or pink, it offers a classic and traditional look for any child’s bedroom.
With a base that sits relatively low to the ground, climbing in and out by themselves will be a doddle, whilst the side support panels reduce the need for unsightly bed guards.
Whilst it does require some initial self assembly (IKEA is the queen of flat pack after all), it’s relatively quick and easy to adjust and extend when needed, simply unscrewing and pulling out the frame.
There’s no mattress included, so you’ll need to add the Innerlig three part extendable mattress to your basket too, which comes in a choice of foam, sprung or pocket sprung.
- Dimensions: Length 135cm - 206cm, width 85cm
- Mattress: Innerlig Extendable Mattress sold separately
- Material: Steel
- Colour: White or pink
Buy now £124.00, Ikea
Habitat Bloom Extendable Bed
A classic bed that will last from toddler nap time right through to their teenage years, the Habitat Bloom Extendable bed has a sturdy wooden design and is available in a choice of white or pine.
The simple to assemble bed frame is made with FSC wood (with MDF slats) and can simply be pulled out and resecured when its time to extend. It even includes supportive side panels for younger children, which can be removed as your child grows in confidence.
You’ll need to add on the Habitat Lexi Extendable Mattress (RRP £160) which comes with a simple extension piece, converting the mattress from a toddler bed to a single size in seconds.
- Dimensions: Length 148.8cm to L196.4 cm, width 89.6cm
- Mattress: Habitat Lexi Extendable Mattress (RRP £160) sold separately
- Material: Wood
- Colour: White or pine
Buy now £200.00, Argos
Stokke® Sleepi Bed V3
Whilst it doesn’t extend as such, the Stokke Sleepi Bed V3 is a configurable sleeping solution suitable for children from newborn through to the age of 5 years. â
A Scandinavian design crib that grows with your child, the Sleepi Bed V3 can be tailored and used at a variety of height levels to suit your child’s development stage. Made from high quality European beach wood, the Sleepi Bed V3 has a unique oval shape with curved sides that looks stunning in modern bedrooms and nurseries.
Suitable from birth, the curved nature of the crib offers a comfortable cocoon to reassure and calm your baby or toddler. Once your child is old enough to get in and out without assistance, you can simply remove the wheels and sides to transition to a toddler bed.
- Dimensions: Length 141cm, width 78cm
- Mattress: Stokke® Sleepi™ Bed Mattress V3 (RRP £195) sold separately
- Material: Wood
- Colour: Natural, White or Hazy Grey
Buy now £529.00, Stokke
John Lewis Stompi Bed
Suitable for children aged 18 months to around 7 years of age, this traditional white painted pine bed can be extended to three different positions and unlike some of its competitors, comes with a three–part extendable mattress included.
An ideal transition from the cot, the high sides protect your child from falling out the bed during the night, whilst offering security and comfortable surroundings for older children.
The Stompa beds come with a slightly longer lead time for delivery, but are worth the wait when you learn that they’re delivered and assembled on site by the supplier (a real positive for flat pack phobics). They also come with a five year guarantee too, which is great for peace of mind.
- Dimensions: Length 114-183cm, width 85.7cm
- Mattress: Extendable mattress included
- Material: Painted pine wood
- Colour: White
Buy now £559.00, John Lewis
SnuzKot Mode Cot Bed
Suitable from birth to 10 years, this high-quality beech wood cot bed is designed to grow with your child and fully stand the test of time - with no veneer or MDF in sight.
A unique and stylish design - we love the white wood with contrasting grey slats that’ll blend seamlessly into any modern home.
Subtly adjusting to each development stage, you can first take off one side (ideal for potty training or encouraging independence) before converting to a toddler bed from around 18 months of age.
When your child is around four years old, you can convert the SnuzKot to a larger bed using the additional junior bed extension kit, offering a spacious and comfortable place to sleep until your child is ten.
- Dimensions: Length 117cm to 158cm, width 72cm
- Mattress: Not included - required SnuzKot Pocket Sprung Mattress (RRP £139.95) and Extension piece (RRP £49.95)
Buy now £379.00, SnuzKot
Verdict
The perfect choice of extendable bed will depend upon your style preferences and the overall bedroom aesthetic, however, for value for money alone, we can’t fault the Ikea Minnen. Yes it requires some initial assembly; but once built, it’s quick and easy to adjust, growing with your child from toddler to teen (or at least until they beg you for a double!).
