Although moving from crib to bed seems like a significant change to make, if you pick the right bed, it can be a rather easy transition. When there are so many alternatives available, however, it gets tricky to choose the perfect option for your kid. Having said that, we put together this detailed buying guide to help you choose the right toddler bed for your little one.
When a child outgrows their crib and is active enough to jump from the cot, typically between the ages of 18 and 36 months, they need a bigger and more secure place to sleep. It’s not safe to allow your kids to continue sleeping in the cot because they can trip and hurt themselves trying to get out. Because your kid is still too young to sleep in a standard bed, you need to find a middle ground.
Below are a few reasons why specially designed beds for kids are the perfect temporary solution:
Sleigh kids’ beds typically come with a slatted headboard, base, and handrails. They are usually made of solid wood for added comfort and durability. This basic yet timeless design blends well with almost any setting.
The all-time favorite bed of kids is bunk beds. These multi-story units have one bed stacked over the other and feature a ladder or staircase for easy access to the upper bunk. You should use guardrails on bunk beds to ensure your kids’ safety and keep them from falling off when sleeping or playing around.
Loft beds typically come with an upper bunk and have space underneath for multiple uses. These types of beds are ideal for kids’ rooms where you want to combine another piece of furniture with the bed without taking up additional floor space.
If you want to accommodate two kids in the floor space of only one bed but don’t want to go for bunk beds, trundle beds are the right choice. They come with an additional bed attached to wheels that are usually sorted under the normal bed. While these beds look like single beds during the day, you can pull out the bed beneath at night for an additional sleeping space.
The type of material used to manufacture a kids’ bed is the most significant aspect to consider when purchasing one. The majority of toddler beds sold are constructed of high-quality plywood to maintain the bed’s modest weight while still providing durability.
On the other hand, kids’ beds made of timber wood are excellent in craftsmanship but, depending on the design, can occasionally be hefty. Consider choosing a bed that is light and portable if your child’s room is small so you can easily move it around if you want to change the overall setting.
A foldable bed is an excellent purchase if your child’s room is small or medium-sized because it offers a comfy sleeping space that you can easily fold away when not in use. You can opt for a bigger size bed if space isn’t a problem for you.
The decision may change depending on how many children you are purchasing the bed for. A bunk bed for two kids may be a terrific investment because it gives the kids a cool and comfy place to sleep while freeing up space in the room, so you can fit other pieces of furniture.
Kids’ beds must be safety certified and it’s better to pick a bed that’s third-party tested. This demonstrates that the bed meets or exceeds the set safety standards and requirements.
Kids’ beds must include side rails or other safety features to prevent your kid from slipping out of bed if they roll over while asleep. A secure kid’s bed must also be solidly built. You should give the bed a good shake to check if it’s sturdy enough to withstand a child jumping on it. Choose a kids’ bed with no sharp edges or other pointed items that could harm your child.
We are all aware of how easily young kids may lick or chew on improper objects. So, you should get a toddler bed that doesn’t contain any toxic finishes or paints. If you decide to paint the bed again later, you should remember this to protect your child.
If you plan to put together your kids’ bed yourself, it is necessary to pick a product that’s easy to put together. Be careful to meticulously follow the step-by-step instructions if you decide to assemble the bed yourself.
Switching from a cot or crib to a bed is a fun and exciting experience for kids. If you want to choose a bed that they adore, you might think about involving them in the bed-selection process. This enables you to more easily select a bed that best suits their personality. Having your kid’s opinion in the decision-making process will encourage their interest, ensuring a smoother transition from the crib to the bed.
When your little one starts to toddle around, it’s the right time to pack up the cot and transition them to a toddler bed. Although there is no specific age when a kid should transition to a regular kids’ bed, most kids do it between 18 and 36 months old.
Every kid is unique though, so yours will probably let you know when it is time to move on from the crib. Your kid may be ready to transition to a regular kids’ bed at the following signs:
Getting your child to enjoy their new toddler bed might be challenging. Below are some tips for accomplishing that change.
he low-profile construction and safety features of the Delta Children Kids’ Bed make it an excellent choice for parents who have limited space.
The low-profile construction and safety features of the Delta Children Kids’ Bed make it an excellent choice for parents who have limited space. This bed features partial safety rails, allowing your kids to easily get in and out of bed but preventing them from falling out. It comes with a footboard and headboard that give it a traditional look. Assembling this bed is also extremely easy because it requires no drilling. Made from strong and durable wood, this bed is made to last years of use and has a Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification, so you can rest assured it meets safety standards.
The all-wood frame fits a full-size crib mattress and is ideal for children 15 months or older who weigh up to 50 pounds. This kids’ bed weighs only 36 pounds, so parents can easily move it around to rearrange their toddler’s room. With all these amazing features, this kids’ bed is unquestionably the best overall option on the list.
The Max & Lily Kids’ Bed is made of solid New Zealand pine wood that emits low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for kids.
The Max & Lily Kids’ Bed is made of solid New Zealand pine wood that emits low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it safe for kids. The strong and durable frame can withstand jumping and is ideal for growing kids because it has a weight capacity of up to 400 pounds. The classic slatted design blends well with both traditional and contemporary decor styles. If you’re concerned about your kid’s safety, you can add optional guardrails for extra protection.
The low-profile design makes this bed ideal for smaller rooms. It comes in twin size, full size, and queen size to accommodate toddlers as well as teenagers. Plus, the strong plywood slats and high-strength metal support bars keep this bed steady. Another great thing about this bed for kids is that it can fit under-bed storage drawers for additional storage space.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty bed that combines durability and style, then the Simlife Kids Bed is ideal.
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty bed that combines durability and style, then the Simlife Kids Bed is ideal. This three-in-one frame system has a footboard, a headboard, and a mattress foundation. Plus, you don’t need to purchase any additional box spring system because the steel frame offers superior support to any mattress. Both the headboard and footboard of this metal bed frame feature an elegant decorative metal design and have ten legs to offer ultimate support, making the whole frame much safer and more supportive.
The base of the bed is 12.7 inches off the floor, offering plenty of storage space underneath. Assembling this kid’s bed is a breeze and you can set it up within an hour without needing any tools. This option comes with metal slats that curve downwards to fit your body and provide you with the ultimate comfort at any sleeping position.
Whether your infant has just started to toddle around or you simply want to replace their current bed, the DHP Kids Bed is a fantastic option.
Whether your infant has just started to toddle around or you simply want to replace their current bed, the DHP Kids Bed is a fantastic option. This unique and multi-functional bed is made with small spaces in mind but doesn’t compromise on quality and comfort. Coming with a ladder on the left side, this loft bed allows you to set up a desk or play area underneath. The durable, sturdy metallic frame accommodates up to 200 pounds of weight and can withstand the test of time.
Plus, the metal slats on this bed mean you don’t need to spend additional money on a box spring. The side rails are 12 inches high to keep your little one safe when they’re sleeping. You can easily set any foam or coil mattress on this bed to ensure a great night’s sleep for your kid.
The Stork Craft Kids Bed boasts a strong and sturdy construction and comes with full-length safety rails to keep your little champs safe while they sleep.
The Stork Craft Kids Bed boasts a strong and sturdy construction and comes with full-length safety rails to keep your little champs safe while they sleep. This bed is ideal for siblings and the minimalist, low-profile design makes it ideal for compact spaces. It features a five-step ladder to give quick access to the upper portion. While its traditional style adds an elegant touch to your kids’ room, the rounded edges lend a refined look and also keep your kids safe from injuries.
The best thing about this bed for kids is the solid range of versatility that it offers — you can easily configure it into two separate twin beds if you’re concerned about safety. Made from high-quality rubberwood solids, wood composites, and engineered wood, this bed can last for years of use. The top bunk has a weight capacity of up to 225 pounds, so an elder sibling can easily sleep on it without worry.
A: Beds with safety certifications typically display a stamp of acceptance on their box or make note of it in the product description because manufacturers know parents value this approval. So when you purchase online, look for the certifications that the product has.
A: The side rails on a kids' bed should, ideally, prevent your kid from tumbling out. Even with safety rails intact, some children manage to sometimes fall out of bed because they are highly active sleepers.
A: At age 5 or 6, most kids switch from their kids' beds to standard beds. Assess the toddler bed’s maximum weight capacity first, and when your child surpasses it, make sure to switch to a standard bed.