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Finding the best toddler bed in 2023
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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
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
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, itâs 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 shouldnât look like an accessory in a playroom. Simple and stylish, sturdy and safe, - you and your kid are going to love it!
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 itâs 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
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
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 toddlerâs 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
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 grandmaâs or friendsâ, 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 parentsâ 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.
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 shouldnât 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 kidsâ requirements: ainât 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
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 wonât 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
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 daughterâs transition from crib will be effortless because she wonât 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
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 doesnât fit them
Buyerâs 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 donât 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 kidsâ beds must have it indicated in the manual.
What size of a toddler bed to choose?
A typical bed is about 50â â 60â long. It fits a standard crib mattress and saves a lot of space. They are also narrower than others â just about 30â.
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 38â W x 75â L.
A queen size bed for toddler is around 60âł wide and 80âł long. It takes more free space but is really convenient as a child grows. Itâs 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 âactive sleeping phaseâ 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 parentsâ safety requirements: from a mattress on the floor (because itâs the lowest option of all) to a full bed equipped with additional rails. Still, a good toddler bed will make the whole process of âmovingâ much easier and more productive because:
Most already have rails, so you donât 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 itâs 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 childâs belongings hugely.
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. Itâs 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 CANâT 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, itâs 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 canât 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 canât 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 othersâ experiences from toddler beds reviews.
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 mustnât 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.
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 âsurviveâ the kidâs active games. And you donât 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 whatâs 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 donât. 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.
This yearâs Parenthoodroutineâs number-one choice among mass-market and unique toddler beds for boys and girls is Classic Toddler Bed by Dream On Me. It has all the features to look for in a good bed for one child. The steady construction of fine wood looks gorgeous. Itâs eco-friendly, allergy-free, and easy to assemble. The universal design will match up to any childâs room and please the parentsâ eyes. More importantly, it meets federal safety and technical standards. Knowing that youâll feel less stressed each time your kid goes to bed.
A classic toddler bed is 50â â 60â L and 30â W.
A twin bed for a toddler is 75â L and 38â W.
A queen size bed is 80â L and 60â 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 donât do it too early. This is a matter of safety. The kid who is less than 35â should sleep in smaller beds, not in a twin-size one.
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.