Children’s hospital bed

A children’s or paediatric hospital bed may be needed when a child requires frequent positioning, medical equipment, higher sides or closer monitoring than a standard bed allows. This can include children with disability, complex medical needs, seizures, high falls risk, or those recovering from surgery. The decision should always be made with the child’s medical and allied health team, based on safety and care needs at home or in a facility.

Yes. Many paediatric hospital beds are designed for home as well as hospital or respite settings. Before installation, room size, doorway widths, flooring, power access and space for carers and equipment all need to be checked. Beds should always be set up with guidance from the child’s care team so rail height, mattress choice and equipment layout are safe and appropriate.

Side rails can reduce falls from bed for some children but may increase entrapment or climbing risk if they are not selected and used correctly. Paediatric safety guidelines and clinical advice must always be followed, including the correct rail height, gap sizes, mattress type and monitoring. Decisions about rails should be made by the child’s medical and allied health team, and families should receive clear education on safe use.

Yes. We regularly work with hospital teams, paediatricians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and families to support appropriate bed selection and setup within our service areas. We can provide product information, quotes and brochures, and coordinate delivery and installation times so therapists can check bed height, rails and equipment layout on the day. You can also explore available brands and options in our product catalogues .

Many paediatric beds are designed to work with specific mattresses that match the bed size, profile and safety standards. As a child grows, mattress choice may change to support pressure care, comfort and safe gaps around rails. Any change should be checked with the bed manufacturer’s guidance and the child’s therapist. Our team can help confirm compatible mattress options and provide updated product information for reviews and funding applications.

In many cases, children’s hospital beds and compatible mattresses are funded as assistive technology under the NDIS when they are recommended by an allied health professional and clearly linked to the child’s goals, such as safer sleep, reduced falls risk and easier care at home. Paediatric assistive technology usually requires detailed assessments and reports. For more information on assistive technology, you can visit the NDIS page on assistive technology explained . We can provide quotes, product specifications and invoices for participants, support coordinators and plan managers.

Depending on stock and clinical advice, some paediatric bed options may be available for short-term hire through our dedicated hire service. This can be useful after surgery, during trial periods or while NDIS or other funding is being arranged. Current hire options and availability are listed at https://hire.shhc.com.au/ . If you would like help choosing a suitable children’s bed, or you need to coordinate delivery with a hospital discharge or therapist visit, please contact our team .