Full Test Results
First beds
<<Back to test overview
Meet our panel
|
|
- Susan & Kiyan, 2
- Kara & Ruby, 4
- Claire & Ella, 13 months
|
- Helen & Mason, 18 months
- Linda & Jake, 2
- Laura & Eddie, 3
|
|
This month's panel have spent the past three months putting six junior
beds through a set of strict testing criteria. Here they give their honest
opinions on the features and benefits of each model on test.
 Hauck
Berlin Cot bed - 7/10
Convertible cot bed package with mattress and bedding
Price: £159.99
Supplier: www.hauckuk.com
T: 0870 840 6727
'A bargain package'
 The Hauck Berlin comes
with a cot bumper, duvet and cover, pillow case, mattress and canopy -
making it a great option for parents on a budget. Our panel found it easy
to put together and converting to a bed was relatively straightforward,
though having a partner on hand to help is recommended.
 The quality isn't
great and though it happily converts from a cot to a bed, our panel were
sceptical about how long it would actually last for.
  Ellen
Junior Bedstead - 9/10
Antique pine bedstead
Price: £100
Supplier: www.johnlewis.co.uk
T: 0845 072 4462
'Great style that works in any room'
It's
constructed before delivery so there's no need to spend time on instructions
or mess around with screws. Our panel also loved its 'sleek, smart design'
and found its low frame 'ideal for easing the transition from cot to bed'.
It's also a good size and will last your child well into school age.
You
have to buy the mattress separately which bumps the cost up (prices starting
at £45 for a foam based option) but our panel agreed the more expensive
sprung mattresses were a good investment for long term support.
 Little
Tikes Cozy Cottage Bed - 7/10
Themed novelty bed with mattress
Price: £232.90
Available from: www.littletikes.co.uk
'A great role play bed'
A sturdy,
easily constructible novelty bed that's perfect for girls (there are plenty
of options for boys on the Little Tikes website), our panel liked the
way it encouraged role-play and 'made the perfect setting for story time'.
The headboard has a shingled roof with shutters that open to reveal a
bookshelf, it's low to the ground and the mattress included is good quality.
Your
child will probably outgrow it quickly and at £232.90, you might not get
the best possible value for money. The colours are quite bright so if
you're looking for something tasteful to match the neutral tones of the
rest of your house, forget it!
 Mothercare
Suffolk Cot bed -8.5/10
Practical cot bed with mattress
 Price:
£239.98
Supplier: www.mothercare.co.uk
T: 08453 30 40 70
'Unbeatable value for money'
It's easy to put together,
the wood is great quality and the unisex style will suit any nursery or
toddler room. Our panel particularly liked the way it lowered to the ground
on converting to a bed - 'creating an ultra safe sleeping area for toddlers
and peace of mind for you'.
It's obviously a standard
cot length so if you have big kids who are likely to grow out of it quickly,
it might not last for more than a couple of years.
READ
FULL REVIEW
 Natural
Toddler Bed - 8/10
Junior bed with built in side guards & mattress
Price: £150.00
Available from: www.thetoddlerbedcompany.com
T: 0870 850 7756
'If side guards are important - this is the one'
It comes
with built on side guards to ensure maximum protection for your child
whilst sleeping. The quality of the wood is good and it can be stained
to make it darker or left as it is. Its small size makes it ideal for
tiny bedrooms and the sturdy frame will happily hold a parent during book
time.
It's
quite narrow and the length is smaller than some of the other beds on
test so it's not the best option for taller kids or those who like lots
of space to move around.
 Treehouse
Kids Scroll Bed - 8/10
Hand finished single bed with optional side guards
Price: £229
Available from: www.treehousekids.co.uk
T: 01743 233355
'As classic as they come'
Available
in mahogany or white, this scroll designed bed is a great style for either
a boy or a girl. It's a standard size single so as long as you don't mind
your toddler having lots of space initially, it will provide comfort and
support for years to come. The quality is wonderful and it comes with
optional side guards that clip onto the bedstead until your child no longer
needs them. It's also finished with lead and toxic free paint which makes
it a safe and eco-friendly option too.
It's
a tad pricey (foam mattresses start at £40 and the bed guards start at
£39) and it can be a bit tricky to put together, you really need two sets
of hands!
Where to next:
| 
