Whether your kid loves to have friends over, or you’re just looking for a spare mattress for when guests stay, you're probably going to need a sleepover bed to accommodate their stay.
For kids, an air mattress generally works best. Being smaller and more compact, they're generally easier to blow up than an adult blow-up bed, plus they're easier to store! Not only are they fitting for last-minute visitors or friends, but they're also cost-effective and may be a better option than investing in a sofa bed.
What do I use kids' blow up and sleepover beds for?
Kids blow up beds, or sleepover beds, are useful for a variety of different functions. Whether you're an adventurous family who needs to take an inflatable bed on your travels, you want a spare bed for friends and family at home or are looking for something easy for sleepovers, there are loads of reasons.
Some beds can be more novelty than others - you can get ones with unicorns or teddy bears on them, while others are more functional with comfort in mind. Take this into consideration when you're investing in your sleepover bed. Some beds are made with kids in mind, so might have features that you won't use as an adult, like inflatable bed guards.
Can I use an inflatable bed for a toddler or baby?
Using an air bed for any child younger than 15 months is definitely not recommended, as they can be hazardous and put your child at risk. A nap mat or toddler travel bed would be more beneficial, however.
Above two years, you should be able to use a kids' blow-up bed to keep any child snug at night. Plus, a lot of kids' blow-up beds will include bumpers to ensure their safety, and no accidents in the middle of the night! These will stop them from rolling around and keep them safe and snug.
Best sleepover beds UK 2022
Ready Steady Bed
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Best foldable sleepover bed
If you're looking for something you can leave out in a bedroom or playroom, this Ready Steady Bed can be used as a sofa during the day and then unfolded at night when your child has friends over. Just add a sleeping bag or duvet cover and pillow and you're good to go.
Age: Toddler
Size: 71 x 60 x 42 cm (as sofa) 60 x 168 x13 (as bed)
Features:
Doubles up as a sofa and bed, water-resistant
The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed
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Best top-rated kids blow up bed
Our overall favourite kids blow-up bed is this The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed which has comfort and safety in mind. With inflated security rails, you can be sure that your toddler won't fall onto the floor with this mattress. It also has tuck features so that your child can snuggle up.
If you want, you can also get this in a family size that will fit two people.
Age: Toddler
Size: 152 x 92 x 23 cm (inflated)
Item Weight: 7.5lbs
Max Weight Recommendation: 100lbs
Features: Security rails, tuck feature, inflates in 5 minutes
Read Mother and Baby's full review on The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed here.
Tot-2-Ten Bundle Bed
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Best sleepover bed for ease
This lightweight sleepover bed includes a 5cm thick self-inflating mattress, helping to create a cosy, comfy space for your toddler while on your travels. The included duvet and pillow (both made with 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles) buttons at the bottom and top to keep them in place. Weighing just 5kg, it all folds up neatly to store and carry in the handy bag included.
Plus, for every Bundle Bed sold between now and the end of the year, Bundle Bed will donate a warm blanket and a sleeping bag to Choose Love
Age: Toddler
Size: 165cm x 50cm (unrolled) / 50cm x 25cm (rolled)
Item Weight: 5kg
Features: self-inflating, includes fitted sheet and 15-tog duvet, can add on optional bumpers
Butterfly Craze Pillow Bed Floor Lounger
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Best childs' sleepover bed with no fuss assembly
Stuff this lounger with five pillows and you've got a whole new sleepover bed for your little one's sleepover. Easily machine washable in case of any mess or accidents, this one is perfect for taking with you to travel too. The king size can also be used for teens, so it has a chance to grow with them as well.
Age: 5 - 12 years
Size: 28.4 x 25.1 x 8.1 cm
Item Weight: 789.25 Grams
Max Weight Recommendation: 22.7kg
Features: 5 hidden zips for the pillow compartments
ReadyBed Single Inflatable Camping Air Bed and Sleeping Bag
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Best childs camping blow up bed
With camping in mind, this Readybed Single camping bed has a sleeping bag included as well as a pillow for a good nights sleep. You won't be forgetting anything because it's all included! It inflates in 40 seconds and is waterproof, has a washable cover and is perfect for any travelling you might be doing.
Age: 3-6 years
Size: 178 x 75 x 20 cm (inflated)
Max Weight Recommendation: 100kg
Features: Repair kit included, carry bag, sleeping bag and pillow
Intex Kidz Travel Bed with Hand Pump
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Best childs blow up bed with hand pump
Need to invest in a travel bed with hand pump included? This Intex blow up bed already has one so you won't have to worry. It has raised bumper sides for full safety, as well as a removable inner mattress. It's big enough for children to move around but also cosy to sleep in.
Age: 3-6 years
Size: 107 x 168 x 25 cm (inflated)
Item Weight: 11.43 kg
Max Weight Recommendation: 22.7kg
Features: Bumper sides, carry bag, pump included, removable inner mattress
Bestway Kids Teddy Bear Air Bed
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Best novelty childs' sleepover bed
This one's for all those kids at heart out there. You inflate this Bestway Teddy Air Bed up with a pump (not included) to make an amazing space for sleepovers or visitors. It also has a six-month guarantee so you'll be sure to enjoy this.
Age: 3 years+
Size: 109 x 188 x 89 cm (inflated)
Item Weight: 3.04kg
Max Weight Recommendation: 72kg
Features: Large novelty teddy inflatable, bumper sides for safety
Bestway Kids’ Unicorn Air Bed
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Best novelty childs' sleepover bed shaped like a UNICORN
This dreamy unicorn bed is a fabulous option for little ones to get them comfortable, settled and excited for bed. Perfect for sleepovers or taking to relatives for the weekend, this brightly coloured unicorn air bed is fun, practical and has the wow factor.
Age: 3 years+
Size: 104 x 1996 x 84 cm (inflated)
Item Weight: 3.04kg
Max Weight Recommendation: 72kg
Features: Large novelty unicorn inflatable, bumper sides for safety
Disney Princess Junior ReadyBed Air Bed and Sleeping Bag
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Best branded child's sleepover bed
This one's for those sleepovers out there. Does your child love all things Disney princess? This junior air bed also comes fitted with a sleeping bag and pillow to make packing up everything super easy.
It can be pumped up in three minutes and is also machine washable so that you'll be able to easily clean up any accidents. Also has a carry bag for extra ease.
Age: 3-6 years
Size: 150 x 62 x 20 cm (inflated)
Item Weight: 1.46kg
Max Weight Recommendation: 30kg
Features: Hand/foot pump, carry bag, sleeping bag and pillow included
Paw Patrol Junior ReadyBed
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Best all-in-one sleepover bed
Comprising of a mattress, pillow and cover, this ReadyBed can be inflated in minutes with the included easy to use pump. The cover can be easily removed to pop in the wash and it comes with a carry bag for transporting. Available in many designs including Marvel, Frozen, Disney and more.
Age: 3 years+
Size: 150 x 62 x 20 cm
Item Weight: 1.46 kg
Features: Pump and handy carry bag included
Bed in a Bag, Navy Stardust
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Best childs' sleepover bed in a bag
This 'Bed in a Bag' is a great travelling accessory. It has a clever roll-out mattress and packs away in an easy carry bag so that you can store and transport easily. You don't need to blow it up so it's extra efficient.
Age: 3 years+
Size: 180 x 60 cm (inflated)
Features: Indoor use only, carry bag