Worlds Apart HelloHome Starbright Toddler bed review

It has a built-in nightlight, side guardrail and desk and is suitable from 18 months to 5 years old.

What was it like to put together?

The bed was straightforward to put together and can be built independently or with help from a partner/friend. Single handedly it took around 40-45 mins from unboxing to completion with the stated time on the instructions being an hour for two people (I think that estimate may include the bickering that can occur when spouses embark on a DIY project together!)

The instructions are easy to follow, however I found clarification over the use of component 'B3' could have been clearer throughout the steps, although it can be worked out easily with a bit of common sense!

I really liked the idea that included with the instructions, was a colouring in sheet to keep little ones occupied and buy Mum/Dad a bit of peace while putting up the bed.

A few more would have been handy in our house as there was a bit of a who-ha over who would colour it!

How sturdy is the StarBright Toddler Bed?

Before assembling the bed, I thought that it may not be very sturdy as it is a flat pack bed. There was also a part of me that thought it and would possibly be more gimmicky than practical, but oh how wrong I was!

This little bed is fantastically sturdy, and can withstand the brunt of the most boisterous toddler energy.

With six solid wooden legs and extra wide MDF slats for the base it will be able to take those unavoidable bouts of bouncing in the bed. I have previously been through a few of the more traditional slatted bed bases after some over zealous jumping!

What about the StarBright Toddler Bed design?

The beds design is very cute and simple, all curves and rounded corners (both a design and safety feature) and gender neutral, so great for girls and boys.

The cloud shaped headboard with its moon nightlight was a hit with my girls, my eldest in particular liked to pretend she was 'floating through the sky to sleep' on it.

Any little one making the sometimes daunting transition from a cot to a bed would be delighted with the StarBright. The bed is said to be suitable from 18 months to 5-years-old, I have tested it with both my 2 and 4-year-old daughters.

Do you need any extras with the StarBright Toddler Bed?

Yes, you will have to buy a mattress for the bed separately, and World's Apart don't sell mattress.

It takes mattresses measuring 140x69cm, although the 140x70cm mattress we already own is the standard industry size and was a great, if not a better fit. So be prepared to spend an extra £30-£50 more on a mattress.

Is the StarBright Toddler Bed safe?

Yes, as well as being a study bed, it has safety sides that can be removed when you feel confident your child will not fall out.

When in use these sides also have the added feature of ensuring the head of the bed is not pushed up too close to the wall as to damage the night light/star projector housing at the rear (you will however probably have to check down the gap regularly for lost soft toys!)

Is the bed easy to use?

Yes, the bed is the perfect height for little ones to get into, and also minimizes any injury, should they take a tumble once/if the sides are removed, or while rolling around on it (as my 2-year-old did!). There is still enough space underneath to fit some flat storage boxed for toys or clothes.

Tell us about the night-light

I found the night-light was a great little addition to the bed, which was both fun and practical. I was worried at first that it may be too bright and jarring, as I have found with such products in the past, which have hindered rather than helped my little ones.

But I was pleasantly surprised. The crescent shape emits a soft white glow as blue stars cascaded across the ceiling and walls creating a serene & dreamy bedtime light show. It was very handy as my eldest who is 4 is scared to get out of bed in the dark to go to the toilet.

But with this light she would turn it on and get up herself rather than call for me. My 2-year-old thought it was 'pretty' and even loved watching the stars, with the window blind closed, during the day as she would say to, 'just relax'!

The light shuts off automatically after 15 minutes which is ample time for my girls, although this may not suit those who have difficult sleepers, and would prefer a slighter longer period.

It's worth noting that it's battery operated so there is no need to worry about wires, but you will have to keep a stock of AAs!

My girls (who have both taken turns to sleep in this bed) have slept soundly, even my 2 year old who usually has a tendency to wake in the night has surprised me by sleeping through in it, compared to her old bed!

The only thing I really have reservations about with this bed is the colour, white. I know it is supposed to be evocative of the fluffy clouds inspiring the beds design but as I have found (from experience), white furniture tends not to age well when children are thrown into the mix. Yet saying this, so far there is nothing a surface wipe hasn't sorted (although I will be vigilant about any chipping of paint work!)

Tell us about the extra features on the bed

I (and my girls) really liked the little table/story seat. They loved sitting and perusing their books there, I also sat (although it is quite low and once you sit down and get comfortable, you may need a hand up!) and read to them on it.

Although I preferred actually sitting on the bad itself, much softer! It has also been used as a small stage, a display for toys, a table in a cafe and a bookshelf!

There is also a small shelf at the foot of the bed that is perfect for sitting their favorite bedtime buddies on.

Did you think it was good value for money?

In comparison with other Toddler beds on the market, and the extra features it offers it is quite good value for money. I would however suggest you shop around as I have found the price of the bed fluctuates quite a bit, from the RRP of £149.99 (found in Mothercare) to up to £189.99 (Littlewoods), which I feel is too much.

Whats in the box:

The bed comes in two (quite thin yet very heavy!) boxes that contain all the bed parts, Nightlight and components.

In addition you can buy a Starbright Multi Storage Unit and Toybox Table to complete a bedroom set.

MadeForMums Verdict:

The Starbright is a fun, functional, robust and comfortable little bed that will help assist in making the change from cot to bed more enjoyable for toddlers and parents alike, as well as making bedtimes more fun. A great addition to any little stars bedroom.

And here is where I put my review to bed (I know, I know, but I couldn't resist!)...

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