Previously when your baby out grew their cot the next step was to move in to a standard single bed which was quite a wrench for a child who had been used to the security of an enclosed environment.

Today the move from cot to grown up bed is much easier thanks to the introduction of the toddler bed, or junior bed, which is either a stand alone piece of furniture or produced by removing the sides, and adding shallow safety rails, to your original cot bed.

If you are stuck for space, or have a child with lots of toys, then why not choose a junior bed with storage included, for example the Thomas The Tank Engine junior bed shown here, which has two pull out drawers under a bench seat at the front of the train.

Junior beds are made to fit a mattress 70cm by 140cm and come in all shapes and sizes from basic wooden frames to novelty cars or trains.

The length of time you will be able to use the toddler bed really depends on the height and weight of your child however it can be a valuable tool in a smooth transition for you child from the comfort of their cot to the excitement of their very first grown up bed.