Soft play isn't just for play centres any more. More UK parents are furnishing bedrooms and playrooms with foam furniture: pieces that are soft enough for little ones to climb on, light enough to move around and good-looking enough that you don't have to hide them when visitors come round.
In this guide we cover the three pieces families ask us about most: children's foam floor beds, kids' foam sofas and soft play rockers. We'll explain what each one is for, which ages they suit and what to look for when choosing.
Children's foam floor beds
A floor bed is a low-profile bed that sits directly on the floor, so there's no height to fall from and your child can get in and out on their own. They're often called Montessori beds, because giving children the independence to climb in and out of bed themselves is a key idea in the Montessori approach.
A foam floor bed takes that idea one step further. Instead of a wooden frame with hard edges, the whole surround is made from upholstered foam, so bumps and tumbles land on something soft.
When is a floor bed a good idea?
- Moving out of a cot. A floor bed makes the switch feel less like a big leap. There's no drop and no climbing over rails.
- Climbers. If your toddler has started scaling the cot, a floor bed removes the risk of a fall from height.
- Encouraging independence. Children can get in and out on their own, which many parents find helps with bedtime and morning routines.
Our floor beds are designed for children aged roughly 1 to 6 years and take a standard 70 x 140 cm toddler mattress. Babies under 12 months should always sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress in a cot or Moses basket, following Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice.
Bouclé or corduroy?
We offer two fabrics, and both are OEKO-TEX certified:
- Bouclé Children's Foam Bed: a soft, textured looped fabric with a calm, modern feel that suits neutral bedrooms.
- Corduroy Children's Foam Bed: a ribbed, hard-wearing fabric with a slightly more classic, cosy look.
Both are available with or without a mattress. If you'd like a matching mattress, choose from bamboo or Tencel covers; both are breathable fabrics that are popular for children's bedding.
Kids' foam sofas and sofa chairs
A child-sized sofa gives little ones a seat of their own for reading, watching a film or just flopping down after a busy day. Because ours are made from high-density foam, they're light enough for a toddler to push around, and many children turn them into dens, ramps and stepping stones.
What to look for
- Size. A child-height seat means they can climb on and off without help.
- A washable or wipeable fabric. Spills are part of the deal.
- A colour that works with the room. A good kids' sofa should look like furniture, not a toy.
Our kids' sofas
- Foam Soft Play Sofa Chair: our most versatile seat, available in a range of colours including light grey, dusty grey, lavender, pine green and beige.
- Grey Velvet Soft Play Sofa Chair and Pink Velvet Soft Play Sofa Chair: a soft velvet finish for a more grown-up look in playrooms and nurseries.
See the full range in our soft play sofas collection.
Soft play rockers
Rockers are one of the simplest soft play pieces, and one of the most loved. As children rock, they build balance, core strength and coordination without even realising it. Because they're foam, rockers also double as seats, tunnels and climbing shapes.
Which rocker suits which age?
- Bouclé Bean Rocker: a gentle, organic bean shape suitable from around 6 months. A lovely first rocker that suits a neutral nursery.
- Bouclé Bean Rocker Duo: a larger version that fits two children at once, ideal for siblings, twins or nurseries.
- Banana Rocker: a classic curved rocker in bright yellow that toddlers can rock in, climb over or flip into a bridge.
- Rocker Car: a ride-on rocker shaped like a car, designed for toddlers from 12 months.
Putting it together: a foam furniture playroom
You don't need a huge room to create a playroom children love. A simple starting point is:
- A sofa chair as a cosy reading spot.
- A rocker for active play.
- A couple of play mats underneath to define the space and add extra cushioning.
For bedrooms, a foam floor bed with a rocker at the foot gives children a room that works for both sleep and play. For more layout ideas, read our guide on how to set up a soft play area at home.
Frequently asked questions
What age is a foam floor bed suitable for?
Our foam floor beds are designed for children from around 1 to 6 years. Most families switch when their child is ready to move out of the cot. Babies under 12 months should sleep in a cot or Moses basket following safer sleep guidance.
What mattress size do your floor beds take?
They take a standard 70 x 140 cm toddler mattress. You can buy the bed on its own or with a bamboo or Tencel mattress.
Are foam sofas strong enough for everyday use?
Yes. They're made from high-density foam designed to hold its shape with regular sitting, climbing and play.
Is soft play furniture just for nurseries?
Not at all. Most of our foam furniture goes into family homes, in bedrooms, playrooms and living rooms. Nurseries and childminders use the same pieces, especially the rocker duo and sofa chairs.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes, we deliver our foam furniture across the UK. Delivery details are shown on each product page and at checkout.
Ready to create a softer space? Browse our foam floor beds, kids' sofas and soft play sets, or get in touch if you'd like help choosing.