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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To advocate for DD having a double bed?

248 replies

xhelper · 13/12/2022 15:40

DD is in a cot currently, but will soon be moving into her own bed

I want to give her a double bed, H thinks it's ridiculously OTT?

Now, hear me out on this... I spent ages looking at all the super pretty Little White company fairy bedding sets, and couldn't wait to do all of that

But they don't come in double size and I think she might be more comfy in a double?

Who doesn't want a double over a single bed anyway?

H thinks I'm mad but says 'you do you darling'

Would you give your toddler a double bed? AIBU?

OP posts:
gamerchick · 13/12/2022 20:42

All of mine went into a double bed. They are so useful for illness or a bad night when you can just crawl in next to them.

bleakmidwinterlady · 13/12/2022 20:42

Ooh a single cover takes up much less space in the WM and you could wash everything together

I wouldn't want to wash a kingsize duvet and bottom sheet all at once despite having a large drum on my WM

Purplechicken207 · 13/12/2022 20:42

Ontheele · 13/12/2022 20:35

The vomit on the bedding and having to wash it isn't really a valid point. It makes no difference because it goes in the washer you are not having to wash the bedding by hand. So if it's a single or a double your stripping doesn't make that much difference and making a bed up is a boring job... again single or double.

My DS is tall he's only nearly 8 and 5ft tall, size 6 in trainers. It's a good job I bought him a double because the single wouldn't have lasted long!

I think it boils down to space also we do have space in his room still.

Show quote history

Would make a difference here, for regular washing. It would take my bed stuff from 1 load to 2! And for us, significantly harder to dry a double on the radiator

Snugglemonkey · 13/12/2022 20:45

Saltywalruss · 13/12/2022 15:46

She is only one person. A single bed has plenty of space for one person, even an adult one!

I think "plenty of room" is a bit of a stretch. They are ok in an emergency, but would you seriously choose to sleep in one? I wouldn't.

gamerchick · 13/12/2022 20:46

Good grief you don't have to have a double quilt. Just a double sheet. Have a bit of imagination.

Original poster
xhelper · 13/12/2022 20:53

gamerchick · 13/12/2022 20:46

Good grief you don't have to have a double quilt. Just a double sheet. Have a bit of imagination.

Why would I want a double sheet and not a double bed?

OP posts:
Iwantmyoldnameback · 13/12/2022 20:53

I am amazed by the size of every body's bedrooms. Only two of my four bedrooms are big enough for double beds - and I mean doubles not King. Technically they are all described as double bedrooms but if you put the beds in there would be no room for wardrobes, bed side tables desks or dressing tables.

Athenen0ctua · 13/12/2022 20:53

Snugglemonkey · 13/12/2022 20:45

I think "plenty of room" is a bit of a stretch. They are ok in an emergency, but would you seriously choose to sleep in one? I wouldn't.

Show quote history

I second that there is plenty of room for one person. I'm 5' 5 and slept in one by choice into adulthood. They are 2/3 of the size of a double which is often shared between two. I've shared a single with a 5 year old in an emergency!

Original poster
xhelper · 13/12/2022 20:53

DonnaBanana · 13/12/2022 20:40

I think it’s a bit weird but not unreasonable. It’s like when people put six year olds in bikinis or beauty pageants.. let kids be kids?

How on earth are those things comparable to a double bed? Grin

OP posts:
Nix32 · 13/12/2022 20:55

My daughter went from a cot to a small double. We co-slept so it worked brilliantly. I think it's a great idea.

Eyerollcentral · 13/12/2022 21:00

Depends on the size of the room, more room to play with a single bed. Seems like you prefer the look of a double bed in which case it’s up to you, but think most young children would prefer more floor space to be honest

Athenen0ctua · 13/12/2022 21:01

Nix32 · 13/12/2022 20:55

My daughter went from a cot to a small double. We co-slept so it worked brilliantly. I think it's a great idea.

That's sharing though which is different, a single isn't big enough for an adult and child. DS technically went straight into a double but it was my double, with me.

Sewannoying · 13/12/2022 21:03

Iwantmyoldnameback · 13/12/2022 20:53

I am amazed by the size of every body's bedrooms. Only two of my four bedrooms are big enough for double beds - and I mean doubles not King. Technically they are all described as double bedrooms but if you put the beds in there would be no room for wardrobes, bed side tables desks or dressing tables.

Ignoring the double bed, chest of drawers, desk and bedside table, my DD has a space of 2m by 2.5m to play in, if she chooses to play in her bedroom. I think that’s ample space, and I only live in a standard 3 bed 1960s semi.

It’s great. Easy to do bedtime stories and cuddles. And gives extra storage space for cuddly toys, as some pp have mentioned.

Ritasueandbobtoo9 · 13/12/2022 21:05

I think your unreasonable to ask a bunch of strangers about this surely if the room is big enough why wouldn’t you?

poefaced · 13/12/2022 21:06

I don’t think I would have liked a double bed when I was young. I loved my cosy single bed and slept in one till late into my twenties.

Even now when DH is away, I still hug the edge of the bed.

I don’t think all kids automatically love a double.

tenbob · 13/12/2022 21:07

I moved DS1 straight from a cot into a double bed (actually a king size because it was our old bed and I didn’t want to buy a new one)

it has been a great idea. When one of us has to sleep with him when he is ill, there is plenty of space. DS2 has ‘sleepovers’ with him as a treat, we can use it as an extra spare bed when we have lots of guests…

I found some cute bedding sets in John Lewis, and GLTC do a few larger size duvet covers as well

if the room is big enough, it’s a no brainier

Purplechicken207 · 13/12/2022 21:27

Also, if she's had a cot this whole time, worth bearing in mind you may want/need bed bumpers. Most doubles don't have them built on so it's another thing to consider/buy. Mine have both been in floor beds with built in rail bumpers (aside from an entry/exit point) from around 7 months. Oldest went into a single with bed rails at about 2.5yrs. She'd have fallen out without them

OceanbreezeSun · 13/12/2022 21:29

Yes - do it!

Our dd is 3 and has a double bed - it’s a floor bed but has a proper frame etc (not just a mattress on the floor)
We used to co sleep, so felt it was a natural progression & it made the transition easier for all of us. It also means dh and I can lay with her, have a cuddle & read stories without one of us falling off the end!
She has plenty of room and really loves it.

ReluctantLondoners · 13/12/2022 21:34

I managed to find Frozen duvet cover and matching pillow cases for a double bed. So I'm sure you'll find child friendly options you like

The6thQueen · 13/12/2022 21:42

How on earth is putting a child in a double bed making them grow up too fast?! When did the size of bed you sleep in become a rite of passage? It’s not like she’s signing her daughter up to start a sexual relationship because the bed fits two people 🤣

The6thQueen · 13/12/2022 21:42

Sorry, that was in reply to @DonnaBanana

Nanalisa60 · 13/12/2022 21:45

What about a small double 4ft bed, then just use a double quilt on it.

Testina · 13/12/2022 21:47

ReluctantLondoners · 13/12/2022 21:34

I managed to find Frozen duvet cover and matching pillow cases for a double bed. So I'm sure you'll find child friendly options you like

@ReluctantLondoners I’m just drawing the Venn diagram for people who buy Disney Frozen duvets, and people who are “devastated” when they can’t get The White Company children’s duvets in double size. I just can’t make those circles cross 🤣

Testina · 13/12/2022 21:48

Sorry, not “devastated” but “heartbroken” -point still stands!

BelenaConhamHarter · 13/12/2022 21:59

I accidentally bought a double mattress for my bed when DS was tiny and it was such a complete nightmare to switch we just stuck it in his room and got rid of the cot.

Best thing we ever did. For all the reasons above. DH and I both work full time and getting into bed with DS is guaranteed family time at the end of every day. We'd never all fit in there so comfortably and for so long if DS had a single.

We didn't buy him a bed frame until he was about seven and needed the extra storage. Some of my favourite memories are of him telling his little friends that they could jump on his bed all they wanted - although I guess they could have just about managed that on a single too.

Cot beds / toddler beds are a complete scam.