The Best Toddler Beds

Most toddler beds will offer side rails instead of fully-enclosed beds like cribs or bassinets, so your little one can easily climb in and out all on their own but still have some safety measures as needed.

Buying Guide for Toddler Beds

Why buy a toddler bed?

A toddler bed is the perfect transition for your little one once they’ve outgrown their crib but aren’t ready for a full-on twin-sized bed and bedframe. This smaller bed will be a comforting space for your toddler and may even offer fun features to get them excited for bedtime. Plus, it will offer them more independence while still keeping them safe.

What should you consider in a toddler bed?

• Size: Some toddler beds will have a more modest size, while others will have slides or ladders or forts added on. These certainly will be exciting, but they’ll also be bulky. Make sure whichever bed you choose will fit comfortably in the space you plan to put it.
• Convertible: Some toddler beds will convert from a crib to a toddler bed or from a toddler bed to a full-sized bed as your child grows. These are great options to save money.
• Style: There are plenty of styles when it comes to toddler beds, so choose one that fits the theme of the room or, better yet, one that gets your toddler excited.
• Durability: The last thing you want is a flimsy bed for your little one (especially if you sometimes have to crawl in bed with them to get them to fall asleep), so make sure whichever bed you choose is sturdy.
• Safety: We all want our little ones to be safe, so make sure whichever bed you choose meets top safety standards and has a safety rail to keep your little one from rolling out of bed as they adjust to their new sleeping place.

How can you make the transition to a toddler bed easier?

There are a few things you can do to help your little one get excited about and used to sleeping in a new bed. These strategies can help them—and you—feel better about the change:

• Establish and keep a bedtime routine. Consistency in the bedtime routine will be very helpful during the transition so that they know what to expect.
• Involve them. Let your child pick out stuffed animals and blankets they want on their new bed to get them excited about it. You could even let them help you pick out the new bed itself.
• Prepare them. Talk with your toddler about it at least a few days before the day you start making the change to help them know what to expect.
• Toddler-proof the rest of the room. You want it to be safe if they get up and want to explore a bit at night. Now that they’ll be able to get in and out of bed on their own, make sure it’s safe for them.
• Don’t rush it. Most children are ready for the toddler bed sometime between 18 months and 3 years, but it’s often easier the older they get. If you start and it just isn’t working out, you could come back to it in a month or two.

Buying Guide for Toddler Beds

Pros: This bed is beautiful and made with sturdy wood. It’s designed to be low to the ground for easy access and extra safety. The simple grey color will match any decor with ease. It’s easy to assemble, and the bed comes with guardrails to keep your child safe during slumber.

Cons: Once assembled, the bolts will be visible on this piece of furniture.

Bottom Line: Create a sense of independence and security for your child with this reasonably priced and quality toddler bed. It’s nice and neutral and should work well for most families.

 

Pros: If your child loves princesses, this toddler bed is sure to delight. The frame is a high-quality plastic construction and features an elegant canopy that hangs over the bed. This bed features a low to the ground design to give your child easy access. Ensure a good night of sleep with the safety guard rails on each side.

Cons: Some reviewers mentioned the canopy directions were not clear.

Bottom Line: Put your standard-sized crib mattress straight into this adorable bed frame, and you have a toddler bed ready to go for nighttime. It’ll be a delight for your kiddo to snuggle up inside.

 

Pros: This wooden race car bed features colorful artwork and is low to the ground for easy access from the kids. It fits most crib mattresses and has bed rails that keep your child safe and secure. There is a bench built into the foot of the bed for stuffed animal display or reading time.

Cons: Assembly of this bed may be difficult. Some reviewers mentioned the sides of the bed are hard.

Bottom Line: The KidKraft racecar toddler bed will have kids racing off to sleep! It’s the perfect option for any racing fan’s room with bold colors and sensible durability.

 

Pros: For a bed that doubles as a playhouse, this loft-style bed is a unique option. It is made with superior wood that is durable and has a 400-pound resting weight capacity. Kiddos can play in the little house beneath the bed and have fun climbing up the ladder when it’s time for bed. There are multiple purchasing options if you want stairs or a slide instead of the ladder.

Cons: The instructions for assembly may be difficult to understand and take a few hours to assemble correctly.

Bottom Line: This modern and cleanly designed loft bed will make bedtime the most fun it can be.

Final Thoughts

Toddler beds are the go-to when your child is between a crib and a regular-sized bed. These toddler beds have unique features to help your toddler get excited to sleep on their own.