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Finding the best toddler bed in 2023

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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
bunk beds for toddlers

All little ones would vote for their own best toddler bed. They have their own opinion about everything, don't they? The parents have to guess what their kids will be fond of and choose the safest toddler beds for boys and girls. It will also be nice if such a bed matches the interior of the room and takes as little space as you have for it.

Well, it doesn't seem an easy choice. There are plenty of beds that differ in size, shape, and price: from loft to floor beds for toddlers, from pricey wood models to cheaper plastic ones. Some parents know what they need right away. Others get lost in all this variety. For example, pretty beds for girls are perfect for your daughter, but what if she shares a room with her brother? How to combine two (or more) sleeping places and make it comfortable for all?

We have answered this and many other questions after the profound research of the market and careful testing of each product under consideration. We have also created the Top 10 chart for every parent to pick the bed perfect for different life situations.

TOP 9 Best Toddler Bed: Comparison Chart

Dream On Me, Classic Toddler Bed
DONCO KIDS Low Study Loft Bed
DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Metal Frame and Ladder
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed in White, Greenguard Gold Certified
DONCO kids Low Study Loft Bed, White
DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Metal Frame and Ladder, Space-Saving Design, Black
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer, Assembly Required (Mattress Not Included), Espresso
$78.59
$771.71
$239.99
$219.99
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Item Size
57 x 28 x 30 inches
80" L x 41.29" W x 43.30" H
78 x 41.5 x 61.5 inches
29.61 x 55.91 x 41.42 inches
Item Weight
16.5 Pounds
180 lbs
74 lbs
‎52.9 pounds
Weight Limit
50 Pounds
-
225 lbs
200lbs
Material
Wood
Wood
Metal
Wood
Dream On Me, Classic Toddler Bed
Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed in White, Greenguard Gold Certified
$78.59
-
-
Item Size
57 x 28 x 30 inches
Item Weight
16.5 Pounds
Weight Limit
50 Pounds
Material
Wood
DONCO KIDS Low Study Loft Bed
DONCO kids Low Study Loft Bed, White
$771.71
-
-
-
Item Size
80" L x 41.29" W x 43.30" H
Item Weight
180 lbs
Weight Limit
-
Material
Wood
DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Metal Frame and Ladder
DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed with Metal Frame and Ladder, Space-Saving Design, Black
$239.99
-
-
Item Size
78 x 41.5 x 61.5 inches
Item Weight
74 lbs
Weight Limit
225 lbs
Material
Metal
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer
Graco Solano 4-in-1 Convertible Crib with Drawer, Assembly Required (Mattress Not Included), Espresso
$219.99
-
-
Item Size
29.61 x 55.91 x 41.42 inches
Item Weight
‎52.9 pounds
Weight Limit
200lbs
Material
Wood
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
Delta Children Toddler Tent Bed
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed, Includes Fitted Sheet, Royal Blue
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed, Nick Jr. PAW Patrol
Delta Children Toddler Tent Bed, Disney Mickey Mouse
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed, Disney Princess
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard, with Reinforced Anchor Safety System
$29.99
$58.99
$74.99
$73.49
$22.35
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-
-
-
10,822 Reviews
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-
-
-
Item Size
‎48 x 24.5 x 9 inches
‎53.94 x 29.13 x 26.18 inches
53.94 x 29.13 x 37.4 inches
53.94 x 29.13 x 55.12 inches
43 x 1 x 20 inches
Item Weight
‎0.352 ounces
15 pounds
‎17 pounds
‎20.7 pounds
0.352 ounces
Weight Limit
‎75 Pounds
‎50 Pounds
50 pounds
50 Pounds
50 Pounds
Material
Plastic
‎Plastic, Steel
Plastic, Steel
Steel, Plastic
Metal
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed, Includes Fitted Sheet, Royal Blue
$29.99
10,822 Reviews
Item Size
‎48 x 24.5 x 9 inches
Item Weight
‎0.352 ounces
Weight Limit
‎75 Pounds
Material
Plastic
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed, Nick Jr. PAW Patrol
$58.99
-
-
Item Size
‎53.94 x 29.13 x 26.18 inches
Item Weight
15 pounds
Weight Limit
‎50 Pounds
Material
‎Plastic, Steel
Delta Children Toddler Tent Bed
Delta Children Toddler Tent Bed, Disney Mickey Mouse
$74.99
-
-
Item Size
53.94 x 29.13 x 37.4 inches
Item Weight
‎17 pounds
Weight Limit
50 pounds
Material
Plastic, Steel
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed, Disney Princess
$73.49
-
-
Item Size
53.94 x 29.13 x 55.12 inches
Item Weight
‎20.7 pounds
Weight Limit
50 Pounds
Material
Steel, Plastic
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard
Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard, with Reinforced Anchor Safety System
$22.35
-
-
Item Size
43 x 1 x 20 inches
Item Weight
0.352 ounces
Weight Limit
50 Pounds
Material
Metal
UNIVERSAL DREAM ON ME, CLASSIC DESIGN TODDLER BED REVIEW

The variety of toddler beds with rails is wide. Many parents choose twin car beds for boys, 'castles' for girls or models with the kid's favorite cartoon characters. Yet, most stick to classic models - sound and suitable for any interior. A Classic Design Toddler Bed by Dream On Me is one of those solutions. Made of quality wood, it’s ergonomic and non-toxic. Various finishes are inspiring for every parent to turn a former nursery into a cozy room for her toddler. It looks good and feels good, too. There are no sharp corners or other disappointing flaws.

It proves that the first beds for toddlers shouldn’t look like an accessory in a playroom. Simple and stylish, sturdy and safe, - you and your kid are going to love it!

Why We Like It

  • Made of top-notch allergen-free materials
  • Has a detailed manual
  • Light, only about 16 pounds
  • Affordable
MULTIFUNCTIONAL DONCO KIDS 760-W LOW STUDY LOFT BED REVIEW

This is one of the most multifunctional loft beds for toddlers in the market. It includes a chest of drawers, bookshelves, a table, and, of course, a twin bed with heavy-duty rails. DONCO 760-W comes in white color, which makes it a universal solution for the decor of any room. Add some bold accessories, and it will make the room playful and fun. And with some subtle colors, it will create a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Kids love everything about it: from the amount of stuff to put there to sleeping so high above the ground.

Due to several functions and a neutral color, these DONCO items are really fun beds for girls and cool beds for boys, too.

Why We Like It

  • The material is pine which is known to be one of the best options for such items
  • You get the full set of furniture for one child in one purchase
  • These beds take minimum space, so it’s easy to place two for siblings against each wall, - and their room is almost fully furnished
  • Assembling takes less time and effort than you imagine
STURDY DHP TWIN-OVER-TWIN BUNK BED WITH METAL FRAME AND LADDER REVIEW

A big toddler bed is rarely an option for two and more kids sleeping in one room unless it is a bunk. Such items allow you to optimize space without stuffing it with furniture. DHP Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed is created for this purpose and has several other advantages. It features a rigid frame, which won't snap. This is vital in children's rooms because kids play, you know. It's pointless to tell them that breaking the furniture is a no-no. So, some issues will inevitably come up with unstable beds. A DHP offer will save you from trouble.

This is a basic toddler bed in such a configuration, nothing in excess. But the quality is fine for the price, and your kids will enjoy sleeping in it.

Pros

  • Durable and minimalistic
  • Has large sleeping space for each kid
  • Highly hygienic because the metal is a poor environment for microorganisms
  • More resistant to humidity or dryness than wood

Cons

  • might wobble a bit
SMOOTH-TRANSITION GRACO SOLANO 4-IN-1 CONVERTIBLE CRIB WITH DRAWER REVIEW

If you are seeking a long-term investment, a crib that transforms into a full-size bed for the toddler is the best idea. Graco Solano features an original design. It will be a worthy contribution to the nursery decor and to the interior of a toddler’s room. In addition to the elegant and stylish appearance, the crib is very practical. It is complemented with a spacious drawer, and in the future, can transform into a toddler bed or daybed. You can also use it as a full bed, as soon as you purchase a full-size mattress and a frame.

A perfect alternative for plastic car models for boys and pink beds for girls, this crib will serve you as your child grows. The bed is comfy and elegant in all configurations.

Pros

  • There is the only decision to make, and then, your child will have a comfortable sleep space for years ahead
  • Manufactured of lasting non-toxic wood
  • Smart, classy design
  • Optimizes space usage in the nursery

Cons

  • Rather expensive
  • The drawers are shorter than the sleeping surface, but still, are quite spacious
BEST FOR TRAVEL REGALO MY COT PORTABLE TODDLER BED REVIEW
10,822 Reviews
BEST FOR TRAVEL REGALO MY COT PORTABLE TODDLER BED REVIEW

A small cot is not only a must-have for parents who travel a lot with the child, although this is the most obvious application of such a portable toddler bed. But it is also perfect for sleepovers at grandma’s or friends’, as well as a way out when you have sleepovers at your place. Plus, it is handy if your kid still wants to sleep in the parents’ bedroom from time to time. Regalo Bed is a wonderful offer for the price. It has an all-steel robust construction and can hold up to 75 pounds of weight.

This is a nice reliable travel bed for a kid that will come in handy at all times.

Pros

  • Space-saving when folded
  • Still, has enough space for a comfortable sleep
  • Metal construction neither bends nor snaps
  • Very reasonably priced

Cons

  • Will be more comfortable with an additional pad
Sale
LIGHT AND COST-EFFICIENT DELTA CHILDREN PLASTIC TODDLER BED REVIEW

Before, cheap white plastic toddler beds used to be a widespread transition option. The chances are you might use it rarely during these couple of years you actually need it, so the price shouldn’t be too high. Today, things have changed. Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed embodies an idea of making a lightweight, space-saving, and inexpensive bed INTERESTING for kids. PAW Patrol is on their way, and kids are ready to hear their bedtime story! The plastic-metal construction with fun sticker meets all kids’ requirements: ain’t keen on Patrol? There are Cars, Superman, Frozen beds for toddlers, and many more!

Your kid's transition to a bed for 1-year-old and older will be much smoother with favorite characters!

Pros

  • Fun design for every toddler
  • Fits a crib mattress, so you might not need a new one yet
  • Sits quite low to keep your child even safer
  • Has reliable side rails, tough, to protect little ones from falling down

Cons

  • The mattress is less supported because the bottom is made of fabric, but it is more than enough for weights under 50 pounds
Sale
COZY DELTA CHILDREN TODDLER TENT BED REVIEW

Fun beds for boys and girls manufactured by Delta feature exciting designs, durable metal frame, and plastic of the highest quality. Sleeping in this particular model will seem like a miraculous journey to your kid. All the little ones are obsessed with tents, so there is no chance your child will stay indifferent. What else do parents want? A lot of things, actually: a certified product that will keep their toddlers safe and won’t cause allergies. Well, this all is about Delta Children Toddler Tent Bed. And the price will surprise you a lot!

These cool beds for toddlers are stable and secure. Plus, kids are really excited about them.

Pros

  • Allows utilizing your crib mattress
  • Effortless assembling
  • The tent is detachable for your convenience
  • Comes in several variations to entertain any child

Cons

  • The tent feels a bit flimsy
Sale
FABULOUS DELTA CHILDREN CANOPY TODDLER BED REVIEW

Even the most awesome toddler beds have one problem: you never know if your kids are going to agree to sleep in it on their own. And given that you won't need it for too long (before your child overgrows it) it might be a real waste of money. Delta faces this challenge presenting their Children Canopy Toddler Bed. While it is easy to find a car and jeep bed for toddlers, girls prefer different stuff. And this is it for sure! Your daughter’s transition from crib will be effortless because she won’t resist feeling like a little princess.

A canopy princess toddler bed is easy to assemble, cheap, and durable. Give it a try, and you are going to adore it.

Pros

  • From a reliable brand
  • Made of stiff plastic and metal
  • One of the cheapest canopies on the market
  • Not too high to allow your kid to get in and out quickly when needed

Cons

  • The canopy poles bend, but it is not hard for a parent to straighten them back and see their girls happy face again and again
Sale
COMPLEMENTING Regalo Swing Down Bed Rail Guard REVIEW

Months will pass before you can relax, leaving the kids in a toddler bed for a short time. Do they stay in the place you left them? What if they fell? Regalo knows the way for you to stop worrying as much. Their Swing Down Bed Rail Guard with Reinforced Anchors is what will keep the child safe and reduce parents' stress a lot. Accessories matter and there are no minor details in making your kid's sleeping place more secure. That is why this guard in on our top list: it will add points to any twin to queen size bed.

This is an excellent addition to a transformer toddler bed. It takes no time to assemble and is very reliable.

Pros

  • Uses steel clamps to secure the rail, instead of merely pressing it down with a mattress
  • Has a sturdy metal carcass
  • The fabric is highly resistant to tear and wear
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Though IKEA cribs are quite a popular choice, this rail doesn’t fit them

Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About the best toddler bed

What age is a toddler bed for?

As most manufacturers suggest, the right time to switch from a crib to a bed for toddlers is when kids get 15 months old. Usually, it concerns convertible cribs or small beds that don’t use a toddler mattress, utilizing the crib one instead. But it is up to parents to decide. Some wait until their child is 3-3.5 years old. Others choose an appropriate moment in between. The point is that the child has to be ready.

There is no certain max-age for such beds. Here, the main factor is weight capacity. All kids’ beds must have it indicated in the manual.

transformer-toddler-bed

What size of a toddler bed to choose?

A typical bed is about 50” – 60” long. It fits a standard crib mattress and saves a lot of space. They are also narrower than others – just about 30”.

A twin bed is a larger option for a toddler. This size is a frequent choice of loft and bunk bed manufacturers because these are the option for kids older than 3.5. Its approximate dimensions are 38” W x 75” L.

A queen size bed for toddler is around 60″ wide and 80″ long. It takes more free space but is really convenient as a child grows. It’s not the best option for the smallest ones. But those who are totally ready to sleep on their own and have successfully got through the ‘active sleeping phase’ will love it.

What are the benefits of a toddler bed?

A toddler bed is not a must, as we all understand. First, the baby sleeps in a crib or often with parents. Then, the time comes for his or her own bed. It can be anything that meets the parents’ safety requirements: from a mattress on the floor (because it’s the lowest option of all) to a full bed equipped with additional rails. Still, a good toddler bed will make the whole process of ‘moving’ much easier and more productive because:

  • Most already have rails, so you don’t need to buy any in addition. And you are going to need them
  • They can fit your crib mattress, so you can save some money
  • They can feature cartoon characters or have a peculiar form (like a car or a castle) to make a kid interested.

How to Choose the best toddler bed

Size

Check out the width and length dimensions above to select the right bed for your child. As said, it can be a standard crib-size, queen-size, or a twin bed for toddler. Mind that he or she grows fast, so there is no point in spending top dollar on a small bed. A larger one will serve longer, but it’s not always practical.

But this is not everything that concerns the size. The height of the bed is vital when we choose one for small kids who keep crawling and rolling in their sleep. In this case, the lower the bed sits to the ground, the better. Loft beds will do later. They are more massive height-wise but help you minimize the room taken by the child’s belongings hugely.

Weight and age limits

weight and age limits

The overwhelming majority of beds for toddlers can normally hold up to 50 pounds. But a lot of toddler bed reviews state that it can hold the mommy, too. It’s nice to know because if a kid refuses to sleep alone or has a bad dream, some snuggling will solve the problem. On the other hand, you should understand that even if a bed CAN hold more than stated, it CAN’T be good for it. So, you are always better to stick to instructions.

Material

  • Plastic: These beds are lightweight and often surprisingly sturdy. They are not made of plastic only, of course, it’s not a toy. Such a bed can have a metal frame, canvas or wooden base, and anything else.
  • Wood: This might be pine, cherry, etc. Such options are more eco-friendly and as sturdy as the best plastic models. They have a variety of finishes to add to your decor.
  • Metal: This is not just additional material to fold wood and plastic together. A bed can literally be all-steel. This is a very common solution for bunk beds. The main pros of this material are easy cleaning and no mold or mildew that might appear on wooden surfaces.

Price

Toddler beds are a rare case when you can’t say that the most expensive product is of the highest quality. All parents know that it will not be needed for too long. The best toddler bed brand companies know that too. So, they would never overprice these products. Some models on our list cost less than a hundred dollars, and they are just fine. As opposed to them, there are also expensive offers ($500 and more), but they usually include more than one furniture item, hence, the price.

Safety

Here is the essential question you have to ask yourself before buying a bed for kids: Is it safe for them? Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) tried to help you answer it. The best toddler bed 2023 products certified by JPMA meet its standards and are allowed to be used. But you can’t rely on a certificate only. Besides, evaluate the sturdiness of construction and check if there are any materials your kid is allergic to. Learn about others’ experiences from toddler beds reviews.

compact toddler bed

Accessories

  • Toddler bed rails: A lot of beds have these. What matters in built-in rails is their height and how well they are attached. There can be two rails on both sides or a single rail if the bed is secured from any other side. The higher the rails are, the safer the kid is, especially if he or she is an active sleeper.
  • Mattress: The size of the mattress is the minor point of concern: just pick the size your bed requires. What is much more important is how firm it is. A baby mustn’t sleep on a soft mattress. The surface must be as firm as possible. So, if you have an old crib one and it fits toddler beds wooden, plastic, or metal frame, it will do for toddlers too. If you are picking a new one, it should be designed especially for this age, and its firmness has to be adequate.
  • Bed frame: This is the part that holds the whole construction together. That is why even the best toddler bed models made of plastic have a metal frame. On the other hand, the bed can be all-wood, including the frame, as long as the material is sturdy and the parts are assembled the right way.
crib to toddler bed

The best toddler bed types

Crib to toddler bed

This seems like a good deal because you buy a crib and use it for several years in a row. Overall, the principle is the same as in a convertible toddler to twin bed. These beds are a good investment if they are reliable enough to ‘survive’ the kid’s active games. And you don’t need another mattress right away.

But it is a clever decision from another point of view. If your child gets too attached to the crib (which happens), it will be really hard for him or her to say goodbye. Kids can get very serious about what’s theirs. That is why if you configure the bed, instead of replacing it, you will spend hours explaining why the good old crib has to go.

The term crib-to-toddler bed also refers to any small bed that fits a crib mattress. Here, we mean the transition from one to another. Such beds are much cheaper than convertible ones, which make them worth your attention too.

Toddler bed with storage

The most widespread configuration of this type is a bed with a single drawer under the sleeping surface. However, a lot of loft models have storage, too: from drawer chests to bookshelves. Such beautiful beds for girls and boys are a real savior for parents who have minimal space in the room.

Bunk beds for toddlers

A bunk is usually a toddler bed for two, but it can also be a twin-over-desk variation. Such beds come in different sets: both surfaces can be twin size, or the lower can be larger. Some bunks relate to the previous type because they have storage, while others don’t. The major materials bunks are manufactured from are whole wood and metal.

Travel toddler bed

When you go somewhere with your kid, you need the best travel bed for toddlers. They are compact and can be easily transported in a trunk, for example. Usually, a travel bed for the kid is the most sensible solution for a hotel stay. In fact, a toddler travel bed will be there for you whenever you need it.

travel toddler bed

The number of options is wider than you think:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • A classic toddler bed is 50’ – 60’ L and 30’ W.
  • A twin bed for a toddler is 75’ L and 38’ W.
  • A queen size bed is 80’ L and 60’ W.

The height varies hugely, depending on the type and the material it is made of. Multiple toddler bed reviews will help you make the right choice.

Some kids are ready to transition smoothly. This is what they decide for themselves, following a sibling's example, for instance. This is how they state they have become 'big.' Most children, however, need a little help from parents to make switching beds less stressful.

Why are we talking about beds on and on? Because if you choose the one that will make your kid excited, you won't need to make them agree to sleep in it and will save a lot of energy. The safety in a primary issue when adults choose it, but kids care about other things. Why is this happening? Where does the old bed go? What does it mean? Shouldn't I be scared about it?

Explain this to your kid. Underline ALL the advantages of a new bed. Make them feel like nothing else changes: parents are always there, the routines remain the same, and the bedtime stories are as captivating as before. In the first stages, you will need all the help of the 'old friends': blankets, stuffed animals, other toys, night lights for toddlers if you had them, and so on.

Later on, yes. Moreover, a queen-size bed is also an option when a kid grows to it. Your child will be too tall for a crib-to-toddler size, and you have to switch to twin beds for little girls and boys. But don’t do it too early. This is a matter of safety. The kid who is less than 35’ should sleep in smaller beds, not in a twin-size one.

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PRODUCTS TESTED BY Parenthoodroutine.com
How We Tested

We have studied the market and reviews to make the list of top ten bed picks. But how to choose from this list? The team of Parenthoodroutine.com has conducted unprecedented research by interviewing ten families. Each has been using one of the products for several months. The collected results have given us the basis for picking the best toddler bed 2021 - Classic Design Toddler Bed by Dream On Me.

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