When to Switch to Bunk Beds: A Parent's Guide to Transitioning with Confidence

As children grow, so do their needs—and their sleeping arrangements are no exception. One of the most exciting transitions in childhood is the move from a toddler bed to a bunk bed. But when is the right time? What safety factors should you consider? And how can you make the switch stress-free for both you and your child?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about transitioning kids to bunk beds, including expert-backed tips and recommendations from Noomi and Flair Furnishings, two brands known for stylish, safe, and adaptable children’s furniture.

🧒 When to Switch to Bunk Beds: What Age Is Best?

According to safety experts and UK regulations, children should be at least 6 years old before sleeping in the top bunk. This is a crucial guideline for minimising the risk of falls and injuries. That said, the bottom bunk can be suitable for children aged 4+, especially if they're outgrowing their toddler bed.

Younger children might enjoy a safer, starter-friendly option like the Noomi Solid Wood Shorty Bunk Bed in White, which sits lower to the ground and offers fun, accessible features for toddlers making their first big move.

🛏️ How to Know Your Child Is Ready for a Bunk Bed

1. They Sleep Through the Night

Frequent bathroom trips or night-time wakeups? Start with a low or mid sleeper before considering a top bunk. Alternatively, consider assigning them the bottom bunk or sticking with a cot bed until they're more independent.

2. They Can Climb Confidently

Climbing ladders is part of the bunk bed experience. Beds like the Noomi Nora Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Optional Storage include sturdy ladders designed with safety in mind.

3. They Share a Room

Bunk beds are space-saving lifesavers for shared rooms or sleepovers. Consider the Noomi Nora Triple Bunk Bed or the Flair Oscar Triple Bunk Bed if you need space for three children in one beautifully compact frame.

🧱 Choosing the Right Bunk Bed Design

🔹 Standard Bunk Beds

Ideal for siblings or everyday use, the Noomi Nora Solid Wood Bunk Bed with Optional Storage offers timeless design and durable craftsmanship. Made from FSC-certified solid wood, it's as stylish as it is sturdy.

Another great option is the Flair Wooden Zoom Detachable Bunk Bed with Trundle, which can be separated into two singles and even includes a pull-out trundle—perfect for sleepovers.

🔹 Toddler-Friendly & Compact Bunk Beds

If you're transitioning a younger child, go for a compact or low-height model like the Noomi Nora Shorty Bunk Bed, designed for smaller rooms and little sleepers just starting their bunk bed journey.

🔹 Storage Bunk Beds

Need extra room for toys, clothes or bedding? The Flair Benito Bunk Bed with Wardrobe includes integrated wardrobe storage, offering a space-saving all-in-one bedroom solution.

You can also explore the Flair Flick Triple Bunk Bed with Storage, which combines generous under bed storage with a triple-sleeper design.

🔹 Convertible & Multi-Functional Beds

Looking for bunk beds that grow with your child? The Noomi Tera High Sleeper with Single L-Shaped Bed & Desk offers a future-proof layout that combines sleep, study and lounge areas—all customisable as your child’s needs evolve.

For older kids or compact teen spaces, check out the Flair Skyhigh Gaming High Sleeper which integrates a bed with a desk and storage, perfect for gaming or schoolwork.

📏 Bunk Bed Safety Essentials

• Top bunk mattress thickness: no more than 16cm to ensure guardrails are effective.
• Install safety rails on all sides—even the wall side.
• Avoid second-hand bunk beds which may not meet current safety standards.
• Place beds away from windows, fans, or ceiling lights.

Explore our mattress collection for bunk beds to find options that comply with safety standards.

🔐 Safety Tips for Bunk Bed Transitions

Transitioning to a bunk bed is a big step, but ensuring safety makes all the difference. Here’s how to make it worry-free:

✅ Keep Mattress Heights in Check

To prevent children from rolling over the safety rails, make sure the top bunk mattress is no thicker than 16cm. For example, the Noomi Nora Solid Wood Bunk Bed is designed to accommodate a snug, safe mattress height.

✅ Install Guardrails on All Sides

Even if the bed is against a wall, fit a guardrail. This is standard on products like the Flair Furnishings Slick Staircase Bunk Bed, which includes full protective barriers.

✅ Place Bunks in Safe Areas

Avoid placing the bed beneath windows, ceiling fans or lights. Make sure there’s sufficient ceiling clearance—especially for models like the Noomi Tera High Sleeper with Small Double L-Shaped Bed & Desk.

✅ Light the Way at Night

Using a soft night light helps children safely climb down in the dark—especially important with loft and high sleeper beds like the Flair Skyhigh Gaming High Sleeper.

✅ Conduct Regular Stability Checks

Ensure all screws and fittings stay tight, especially with convertible models like the Flair Wooden Zoom Detachable Bunk Bed with Trundle, which can be split into two single beds.

✅ Set a “One on Top” Rule

Only one child should use the top bunk at a time. Models like the Noomi Nora Triple Bunk Bed are perfect if you need more sleeping space but want to minimise top bunk use.

🌱 Grow With Them: Beds That Adapt

As your child matures, their bedroom needs change too. Here are some adaptable beds from Noomi and Flair that evolve with them:

• Noomi Tera High Sleeper with Single L-Shaped Bed & Desk
  Sleep, lounge and study—all in one evolving layout.
• Noomi Studio Loft Bed – Double
  Ideal for growing teens, offering lofted sleeping space and open floorspace underneath.
• Noomi Tera Solid Wood Small Double High Sleeper
  A future-proof option that combines strength, comfort, and smart use of vertical space.
• Flair White Charlie Mid Sleeper Set with Storage & Desk
  Designed for early learners and readers, this bed includes an integrated desk and shelving.
• Flair Wooden Zoom Triple Bunk Bed
  Grows with large families and offers flexibility for hosting guests.
  
  

🛍 Explore More from Little Gliders

At Little Gliders, we carefully curate a premium collection of child-safe, FSC-certified and future-ready beds built for years of comfort and fun.

Browse collections:

• 👉 All Noomi Beds & Sleepers
• 👉 Flair Furnishings Collection
• 👉 High Sleepers & Gaming Beds
• 👉 Children’s Beds Collection
  
  

❓ FAQs About Bunk Beds at Little Gliders

🔸 What age is safe for bunk beds?

Children must be 6+ for the top bunk. Bottom bunks or midsleepers like the Noomi Nora Shorty Bunk Bed suit ages 4–6.

🔸 Are Noomi bunk beds suitable for toddlers?

Yes—beds like the Noomi Nora Shorty Bunk Bed are compact and low enough for younger children starting the transition.

🔸 Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes, we offer free UK mainland delivery.

🔸 Is financing available?

Absolutely—take advantage of 0% Klarna financing on all bunk beds.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Ready to Make the Move?

The journey from cot to bunk bed is a big milestone—and with the right design, it can be fun, functional, and totally safe. Whether you’re planning for siblings, saving space, or future-proofing your setup, explore our bestselling Noomi and Flair Furnishings collections today.

👉 Browse all Noomi beds & high sleepers
👉 Explore Flair Furnishings bunk beds
👉 Shop our full kids’ bed collection