In order to get the best toddler bed for your child, you should follow the tips and tricks listed below. They will give you all of the information you need to get a great bed that will keep your toddler comfortable all night.
Keeping Your Toddler Safe In Their Bed
The biggest issue you will want to consider when purchasing a toddler bed is how to keep your child safe. As parents, this is one of the most important jobs we have to perform. And, as we all know, toddlers are amazing at getting into trouble.
In order to look for a toddler bed specifically for safety, you will want to look for a couple of features and take some action. The features you need to consider in any toddler bed are bolsters or bumps that protect your child from falling out of the bed. Some toddler beds have built-in or removeable rails that will protect them from falling. If you are camping or need a portable toddler bed, you should still look for products that have bolsters, which will keep your child safe in bed as you all sleep.
Additionally, remember that toddlers who sleep in a bed can get up and move around during the night. Before you go to bed, make sure that all baby gates and doors are secure. You may want to shut the door to your toddler’s room as well—but don’t lock it as this can be a fire safety concern.
And, finally, resist the urge to transition your toddler to a bunk bed. Even if the bunk bed is for twins, it is not safe. Many bunk bed related accidents occur because kids decide to swing on the bunk bed when they are supposed to be sleeping. Don’t take the chance, wait until your toddler is nine or ten before introducing a bunk bed.
Knowing When to Transition to a Toddler Bed
A huge decision any parent has to make is deciding when to transition your toddler from a baby crib to a bed. Unlike many decisions having to do with your child, the perfect time to transition to a toddler bed will not be clear cut. This decision will largely be based on your own observations of your child.
That being said, there is one rule of thumb when deciding whether your child is ready for a “big kid” bed: if they are big enough to get out of their crib. Once your baby has grown about thirty-five inches tall, which is usually between 18 and 24 months, they can reliably get out of their crib. Some children will start to do this earlier. Because of the dangers associated with your baby escaping the crib, we recommend that they are switched to a toddler bed for safety at this time.
When you transition your child to a toddler bed, try the following strategies to make the experience a good one for you and them.
Try putting the crib mattress on the ground for a nap or two to see how your child reacts. If they are scared, you may want to reconsider transitioning them.
Let me help pick out their sheets and bed sets. This will help your toddler feel more involved in the transition.
Remove the crib from their room. Out of sight, out of mind.
Keep the bedtime routine similar, so that they have a sense of continuity during the transition.
Looking for a Toddler Bed
When looking for a toddler bed, make sure to decide on the following factors. It doesn’t matter if the bed is for a one year old, for a two year old, or for a three year old, these factors are important considerations.
Material
Traditionally, all toddler beds were made from wood. Wooden beds are durable and attractive. However, they will likely not have a colorful or character design. Plus, these beds can be quite heavy to move around.
But, now that plastic is affordable and lightweight, you will see plastic beds on the market. Plastic beds are good options, especially for a one year old. This material typically will not hold a child after a certain weight—fifty pounds is common—which means that larger toddler will grow out of the beds quickly.
Toddler or Twin?
Some people decide to bypass the toddler bed altogether. Instead, they get a twin bed and buy attachable bolsters and bumpers to keep their toddler secure. This strategy has the best value in the long run because you don’t have to buy a new bed when your child outgrows their toddler bed.
On the other hand, toddler specific beds can be comforting to a child having trouble transitioning to a bed. Twin mattresses are quite large, which can be scary to a toddler used to a crib. So, if your toddler is struggling to transition, you may want to consider a smaller toddler bed.
Design
Some beds for toddlers, especially those made from plastic will have a design or character on them. You will still even find the famous car beds for toddlers. Disney princesses, Pixar characters, and cartoons are all common as designs for these beds.
If your child loves a specific character or tv show, then you may want to consider buying them a bed with a design. It could help the transition by making them excited to get in the bed and sleep. However, beds with designs go out of style easily, and may not last as long as traditional wooden toddler beds. So, your choice of a design bed or wooden bed is completely personal.
Best Toddler Bed on the Market Reviews
If you need a bed for your toddler, we have a review of the top products. It doesn’t matter what type of bed you need. We’ve got you covered. Continue reading our list of the top toddler beds in each category. You will not be disappointed.
Best For Under $100
1 Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed
If you have $100 or less to spend on your toddler bed, then try out the Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed. This product follows a more classic toddler bed design. It made of wood and fits a full-sized crib mattress. The size of the Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed is perfect for the family whose toddler is struggling to transition to a bed. Because you can use your crib bed mattress, there will be something familiar for your toddler.
In terms of safety, you know that your toddler will remain safe in the Canton Toddler Bed. It is JPMA certified and meets all safety standards of the CPSC and ASTM. Plus, it has a low profile, which makes this wooden bed easy for your toddler to access. And, the two guardrails ensure that your toddler cannot fall out of the bed as they sleep.
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2 Big Oshi Contemporary Design Toddler & Kids Bed
Big Oshi has designed another classic wooden toddler bed with their Contemporary Design Toddler & Kids Bed. Although the design of this comfortable bed is classic, it is also contemporary enough to fit in any design scheme. It is also a gender-neutral color, so for twins of different genders or homes with multiple children, you only have to purchase this bed once.
For safety, you can’t beat the Big Oshi Contemporary Design Toddler & Kids Bed. It is made of pine, one of the sturdiest woods around. The guardrails on the sides extend halfway down the bed, which ensures your toddler will not fall out. Plus, the bed itself is low to the ground so that your toddler or child can access it easily. This toddler bed meets all ASTM safety standards and is JPMA certified. For a great design and versatility, you can’t beat Big Oshi’s Contemporary Design Toddler & Kids Bed.
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Best for under $50
3 Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed, PAW Patrol
Delta Children does not just create toddler beds with a classic wooden design. Instead, you will also find plastic beds with popular cartoon or movie characters on them. Our choice for the top toddler bed under $50 is fully plastic with Nick Jr.’s Paw Patrol on it. The bed is blue and red and has the Paw Patrol characters on the head and footboards. If your child is a fan of Paw Patrol and you are on a budget, then you need this product.
Plastic is not as durable a material as wood. However, you child will likely be ready for a twin mattress within a few years. And, the Plastic Toddler Bed, PAW Patrol will last that long. Like the other toddler beds on this list, the PAW Patrol toddler bed is JPMA certified for all CPSC and ASTM safety standards. It also fits all full sized crib mattresses and has a low profile and guardrails for safety and ease of use. There really aren’t any downsides to this product by Delta Children.
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Best For Travel
4 Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
If you plan on traveling with your toddler, you need a good portable toddler bed for travel. That is where the hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers comes into play. This is an inflatable air bed that comes with its own high-speed inflation pump. The company claims that you can inflate the entire bed in just thirty seconds. Plus, it also comes with a heavy-duty grab handle for easy portability and puncture resistant vinyl.
No matter where you are travelling to, you can be assured that your toddler will be safe in the Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed. It’s attached side bumpers keep your child from falling out. And, as an added bonus it will hold up to 310 lbs., which is great if your child likes you to lay in bed with them as they fall asleep. And, for safety, hiccapop has not used BPA, phthalate, or lead in this travel bed. Plus, they adhere to all federal safety standards, which ensures your child stays safe as you travel.
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Best Lightweight Toddler Bed
5 Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed, Disney Princess
If you want a lightweight toddler bed, you should definitely go for a plastic model. Wooden beds will be significantly heavier than their plastic counterparts. And, if you want a good and durable plastic bed, you need to try Delta Children’s Canopy Toddler Bed, Disney Princess. This toddler bed has a number of Disney princesses on its canopy, headboard, and footboard. So, it will most often be used in a girl’s room. But, if your son loves Disney princesses, by all means, consider this bed.
Delta Children has received a JPMA certification on their Canopy Toddler Bed. It also meets all CPSC and ASTM safety standards and comes with built-in guardrails. So, you know that it is safe for your toddler to use. This toddler build will only hold up to fifty pounds. However, it only weighs twenty pounds, so it is easy to move around your child’s room.
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Best Wooden Toddler Bed
6 Dream on Me Classic Design Toddler Bed
For the top wooden toddler bed, try the Dream on me Classic Design Toddler Bed. We’ve already mentioned a few great wooden bed options. However, this toddler bed has both affordability, durability, and beauty going for it. It has a streamlined but still classic, gender-neutral design that will enhance any room.
If you want a mattress that fits the Classic Design Toddler Bed perfectly, then try the Standards Dream on Me Crib Mattress. You have to buy it separately, but it fits wonderfully. For safety, Dream On Me has included side guardrails and a low profile. Plus, this bed meets all CPSC and ASTM standards. Finally, you don’t have to worry about putting the bed together because all tools needed for assembly are included.
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Best Toddler Air Bed
7 Babyseater Toddler Air Mattress with Sides
The Babyseater Toddler Air Mattress with Sides is another great travel toddler bed., Babyseater claims that theirs is the most complete air bed set you can purchase. It comes with the mattress with built-in safety bumpers, the air pump, a bonus pillow, a bonus travel bag, and a repair kit. The air pump has an AC cable and a 12V cable, so you can use it anywhere you travel.
Also, for safety Babyseater has includes extra tall safety bumpers, so you can rest easy knowing your toddler cannot fall out of the bed. The air mattress itself is extremely comfortable and is made from reinforced vinyl for durability. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it puncturing easily. In fact, your toddler will likely enjoy the Toddler Air Mattress with Sides so much you will struggle to get them out of it.
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Best Toddler Portable Bed
8 Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
If air beds are not your thing, then you may want to try the portable cot bed by Regalo. Their My Cot Portable Toddler Bed has an all-steel frame, which makes it extremely durable. But, its waterproof, nylon top is comfortable and washable. The entire cot is portable and folds up. So, you can take it anywhere easily. The portability of the My Cot Portable Toddler Bed cannot be beat.
Regalo’s portable bed will hold children up to seventy-five pounds. So, it is ideal for kids ages two to five. One thing to bear in mind with this product is that it does not come with safety bumpers. It is low to the ground. However, if your child is prone to falling out of bed, this is not the product for you.
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Best Toddler Car Bed
9 Delta Children Wood Toddler Bed, Disney/Pixar Cars
Toddler car beds have been around for many years. Who wouldn’t want to sleep in a car? No one, that’s who. Toddlers are no different. They—and you—will be charmed by the Delta Children Wood Toddler Bed, Disney/ Pixar Cars. This bed is made from wood, not plastic. Therefore, it is going to be very sturdy, even if it is heavier than the plastic Delta Children beds on our list.
The Delta Children Wood Toddler Bed, Disney/Pixar Cars is built to look like Lightning McQueen. It has an authentic car decal, which just to happens to include high sides that act like safety guardrails. So, this car bed will look great and attract your toddler, even as it keeps them safe.
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Best Durable Toddler Bed
10 Orbelle Trading Toddler Bed
The final toddler bed we will review today is the Orbelle Trading Toddler Bed. In our opinion, this is one of the most durable beds around. It is made from solid wood, which only adds to the durability. The construction is solid and easy to assemble. All of the tools you need are included in the package. This ensures that you put the bed together correctly.
In addition to its durability, the Orbelle Trading Toddler Bed comes with detachable side rails. It fits any standard size crib mattress, so you can reuse what’s already in your toddler’s crib. Plus, it only weighs seventeen pounds, which makes it easy to move this toddler bed around.
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Conclusion
Toddler beds are a great solution for any parent trying to get their child out of the crib. There is a lot of variability in this product. Therefore, you have a lot of products and options to choose from. But, for the best toddler beds, you should choose one of the products listed in our reviews above.
We have vetted these beds and are sure that you and your toddler will love them. Try one of these beds for toddlers today. Your toddler will love being a “big kid.” And you will love everything else.