Big boy bed- advice needed?

[Annie Goolahey]

We are thinking of putting J into a proper big boy bed- he is currently in the bed part of his cot part.
Thing is we cant get him to sleep there at the moment. It is a real struggle he hates "Jofef's bed", so I figured switching him to a proper big boy bed might cut him off at the pass (it means me or Dh can snuggle with him til he falls asleep/ sit with him while we read his books etc).

Any hints for good buys? We like the Thomas bed from Next, but with decent mattress etc would cost, I'm figuring, in excess of £200 which seems a lot.
what have you gone with?

[August Girl]

Z has had the Vikare from Ikea for the past 3 years

http://www.ikea.com/PIAimages/16544_PE097302_S3.jpg

I wouldn't reccomend it past the age of 4-5 though even though it does extend, the mattress is quite thin and as they get heavier it makes it more uncomfortable. We're hoping to put Z in a proper bed soon, as soon as I can get his room decorated first.

There is a nice Mamas and Papas one in Argos with mattrees for £129

[Annie Goolahey]

We dont have an IKEA in Northern Ireland, I'm afraid....

I'll keep looking- thanks for the Argos recs.

[~Twiggy~]

Hmmmm we got one of those Thomas ready bed contraptions from Boots.
He loves it as a toy, but couldn't settle him in it when we were away.
Still is a cot boy I'm afraid.

I shall join you in interest for bed ideas.

[Alycat]

Lola would show you Evie's bed but I am sure J would not be in the least bit interested in a pink heart bed.

How about Next, they have some great childrens metal beds starting at £99, however matress would have to be bought seperately so would also bring it in around the £200 mark.

GLTC have some nice first beds, all price ranges caterered for

[noo noo]

We're planning on going for this one for Iona
http://www.mothercare.com/invt/ls3545

[Annie Goolahey]

Thanks Noo Noo,
I had a wee squizz on the Mothercare website and I like this one http://www.mothercare.com/invt/lz5706&bklist=icat,5,shop,shokidsbedroom,kidfurniture,fur kidsbeds0

[noo noo]

Thanks Noo Noo,
I had a wee squizz on the Mothercare website and I like this one http://www.mothercare.com/invt/lz5706&bklist=icat,5,shop,shokidsbedroom,kidfurniture,fur kidsbeds0

That's a good price and a nice bed!

We're going for the extendable one as Iona's room is quite small