Which bed size for which age?

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in a child's room. The baby co-sleeper must be fully adapted to the child's needs and create a safe sleeping environment. Baby bed – what size is right for what age? When is a junior bed appropriate and which bed for preschool children?

How to choose a comfortable and safe bed for a child?

The choice depends on the child's age. The mattress and decorative aspect also play a big role. A height-adjustable co-sleeper should integrate harmoniously into the children's room. When buying, the following points are important:

• Age and size of the child – For newborns, a 90x40 cm co-sleeper is recommended. A 60x120 cm cot with mattress and safety rails is ideal for ages 0 to 3. For school children, a 160x80 cm house bed is suitable, teenagers sleep comfortably in 140x200 cm.

• Child's weight – A toddler up to 30 kg sleeps comfortably on a 120x60 cm mattress (11 cm height). For 50–60 kg, more height is recommended.

• Ergonomics – The functional complete co-sleeper grows with the baby. Models with drawers, shelves, or a changing top save space and are practical.

• Comfort – A good mattress should not be too firm. Flexible foam models adapt to the body shape.

• Safety – The co-sleeper with mattress should be made of pollutant-free wood, with safe bar spacing and stable construction. For older children, it should ideally not be too high so they can easily get out of bed.

Baby bed: what size to choose?

No matter the child's size, the bed must be practical and safe. What bed size is suitable for children?

Which baby bed for a newborn?

The baby bed should have vertical bars and a lowered side so that the mother can more easily reach the baby at night. The mattress must allow air to pass through; one made of foam covered with cotton fabric is best. The fewer items in the bed, the better. The ideal solution is the 100 x 50 cm co-sleeper. In such a model, you can adjust the lying position as desired, so the bed can serve as a co-sleeper or a single bed.

Crib for a one-year-old and two-year-old child

The model of bed for children who are beginning the adventure of walking should be equipped with removable barriers that, when closed, protect the child from falling out and can be opened under parental supervision so that the child can maintain a bond with mom and dad. A good choice is a 60 × 120 cm cot with a mattress. And when is a larger bed worth considering? It all depends on how quickly the baby grows.

Perfect bed for a preschooler

A bed for a 4 or 5-year-old should be larger, and a 160 x 80 cm bed is ideal. The child tests various things during this time and has a lot of energy, so the bed must be safe and extremely stable. For preschool children, robust wooden models are best. At this age, children pay attention to details. So it's worth choosing a bed with a decorative look or a bed in the shape of a house with a canopy.

What bed size for school children?

A first grader learns independence, so the right model is a single bed for a child, whose height guarantees easy entry and exit. The bed should have a comfortable headboard, as it is no longer just a sleeping place, but also becomes a place for reading and learning. The size of the bed for school children should take into account the student's size, weight, and personal taste. A teenager's bed is characterized by functionality and simplicity. The less complicated the frame and the more mysterious storage options, the better.

Beds for teenagers

Growing children already want to decide for themselves what should be in their room. Depending on their interests, they decorate their territory. When choosing a bed, however, not only the design but above all the quality and practicality should be considered. The ideal teenage bed size is 140 x 200 cm. Such a surface is suitable for boys and girls from 12 years of age.

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Updated: 2026

About the Author

Babyhafen Expert Team

For over 13 years, Babyhafen has been dedicated to safe and practical sleeping solutions for babies. Our recommendations are based on experience, customer feedback, and current safety recommendations.

Babyhafen develops cots and co-sleepers for parents in Germany with a focus on safety, comfort, and everyday usability.