Best Toddler Beds in Singapore: When to Switch and What to Buy
When to move from cot to toddler bed, what to look for, and the best toddler bed picks in Singapore, from IKEA value buys to low Montessori floor beds.
Babylove Editorial Team
Updated
4 min read
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In this guide
Most children move from a cot to a toddler bed between about 18 months and 3 years old, usually once they start climbing out of the cot. There is no prize for switching early. For most Singapore families, the IKEA KRITTER is the best-value toddler bed, the IKEA MINNEN is the best frame that grows with your child, and a low floor bed such as the Piccolo House Matilda suits families who want a Montessori-style set-up.
Below we explain when to switch, what to look for and our six picks for 2026, plus how to make the move without losing sleep.
When to move from a cot to a toddler bed
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting site, HealthyChildren.org, it is time to think about a bed when your child can climb over the cot rail, or when the rail is below chest height at the lowest mattress setting. A fall from a cot rail is higher than a fall from a low bed.
Other reasons to switch include potty training at night or needing the cot for a new sibling. If the new baby will start off in your room, a bassinet or bedside crib can buy you a few more months before the cot is needed. If none of these apply and your toddler sleeps well, it is fine to wait. Avoid switching at the same time as another big change, such as a new baby or starting childcare. Our toddler sleep schedule guide covers naps and bedtimes during the transition.
Our picks at a glance
| Bed | Type | Mattress size | Typical SG price |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA KRITTER | Toddler bed with rail | 70 x 160cm | About S$179 |
| IKEA MINNEN | Extendable bed | Up to 80 x 200cm | About S$189 |
| Piccolo House Matilda | Floor bed | Single | About S$599–799 |
| Boori Natty Bedside Bed | Guarded single bed | Single | About S$649 |
| Babyletto Rizo | Floor bed | Twin (US) | About S$1,348 |
| Lifetime Montessori Bed | Floor bed | 90 or 120 x 200cm | About S$1,622 |
Prices are typical listed prices from Singapore retailers in 2026 and usually exclude the mattress.
How we chose
We picked beds sold by Singapore retailers, from IKEA to local furniture brands, so you can see them in person and get local delivery. We prioritised a low height or guard rails, sturdy construction, sensible sizes for HDB bedrooms and value over the years you will use the bed. We have not been paid by any brand to include a bed, and if you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission.
The best toddler beds in Singapore
IKEA KRITTER Bed Frame with Slatted Base and Rail
- Low and affordable
- Guard rail included
- Smaller footprint than a single bed
- Needs a 70 x 160cm mattress, sold separately
- Outgrown by around school age
IKEA MINNEN Extendable Bed Frame with Slatted Base
- Lasts from toddler to older child
- Slim frame suits small rooms
- Low price
- Needs a separate guard rail for young toddlers
- Extendable mattress costs extra
Piccolo House Matilda Single Floor Bed
- Very low to the ground
- Local brand and showroom
- Single size lasts for years
- Takes more floor space than a toddler bed
- Pricier than IKEA
Boori Natty Bedside Bed
- Solid build
- Guarded sides
- Matches other Boori furniture
- Higher off the ground than a floor bed
- Single mattress sold separately
Babyletto Rizo Montessori-Inspired Twin Floor Bed
- Low, independent access
- Rounded, stylish frame
- Local stockist
- Expensive
- Twin size differs from local single mattresses
Lifetime Kidsrooms Montessori Bed
- Solid beech build
- Converts as your child grows
- Long warranty
- Very expensive
- Accessories and mattress sold separately
Toddler bed, floor bed or single bed?
Toddler bed
A small bed, often around cot size or a little longer, with low sides or a rail. It saves space and feels familiar, but your child will outgrow it within a few years.
Floor bed
A frame that sits on or very near the floor. It is popular with Montessori-minded parents because children can get in and out by themselves, and a roll-out is barely a drop. Most use a full single mattress.
Single bed with a rail
Buying a single bed now and adding a guard rail avoids a second purchase later. It is the most economical route over time, but it is higher off the floor and takes more space.
If you own a convertible cot, check whether the maker sells a toddler bed kit first. Our baby cots guide covers models that convert. Kits usually reuse your existing cot mattress, so check it is still firm and fits snugly, and see our firm cot mattress picks if it needs replacing.
What to look for in a toddler bed
- Height: the lower the better for children under 3.
- Guard rails: a rail on any open side helps with rolling out. Check there are no gaps where a head or limb could get trapped.
- A firm, well-fitting mattress: there should be no gap between mattress and frame. Buy the size the frame was designed for.
- Sturdy build: toddlers bounce. Look for a solid frame and slats, and tighten bolts regularly.
- Room fit: measure your room, including space for the wardrobe and door to open fully. If a changing station shares the room, some changing tables that convert into shelves or dressers free up space later.
- Breathable materials: in our humid climate, a slatted base helps the mattress air and reduces mould risk.
Making the switch go smoothly
A toddler who can leave the bed can roam the flat at night, so childproof the whole bedroom first. Anchor wardrobes and shelves to the wall, cover sockets, tie up blind cords and make sure window grilles are locked. Consider a gate at the bedroom door or the kitchen, and our guide to the best baby gates can help you choose. A video baby monitor also lets you check on night-time wanderings from your own room. Our cot to bed transition guide covers night wandering in more detail.
Pillows and a light blanket are generally fine from around 18 months to 2 years in a toddler bed, but keep them small and flat. Expect a few unsettled nights, which is normal at this age, and our guide to toddler milestones explains why independence can make bedtime a battle.
The bottom line
Wait until your toddler is climbing out of the cot or needs a bed for another reason, then choose something low with a rail. The IKEA KRITTER and MINNEN are excellent value, the Piccolo House Matilda is a good local floor bed, and the Boori Natty and Lifetime beds are built to last into the school years. Browse more in our nursery and sleep picks.
What age should a toddler move to a bed?
Most children move between about 18 months and 3 years. The best signal is when your child can climb out of the cot or the rail is below chest height, not a particular birthday.
Do I need a special toddler bed?
No. A low floor bed or a single bed with a guard rail works just as well and lasts longer. Toddler beds are handy for small rooms and some children like their cosy size.
What mattress size does a toddler bed need?
It depends on the frame. IKEA’s KRITTER uses a 70 x 160cm mattress, while floor beds usually take a single. Always buy the size the frame was designed for so there are no gaps.
My toddler keeps getting out of bed. What should I do?
Stay calm and consistent. Walk your child back to bed with minimal talk each time, keep the bedtime routine the same, and praise them for staying in bed. If sleep problems persist, speak to your doctor at a polyclinic or your paediatrician.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor, midwife or paediatrician. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
