We know you would want your little bundle of joy to have the most comfortable sleep. The little munchkins grow up so quickly, and graduate from the crib to the big-kid bed before you know it!
When that happens, you would want to be prepared with a toddler bed that maximizes your baby’s comfort and also looks enticing enough for them to give it a try ASAP instead of throwing a tantrum.
To save you the trouble of going on different websites and searching for toddler beds, we have compiled this guide to help you with this wholesome journey of making the best choice for your baby!
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
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| #2 |  Dream On Me, Sydney Toddler Bed
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| #3 |  Davinci Autumn 4-In 1 Convertible Mini Crib
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| #4 |  Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed
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What Is A Toddler Bed?
A toddler bed is just a small version of a regular twin bed explicitly designed for small children. It’s smaller in size and closer to the ground than the standard bed, to help kids transition smoothly from a crib to a toddler bred.
The reduced distance between the bed and the ground prevents kids from injuries, in the case when they fall from the bed. Better yet, some toddler beds come with bed fences that can be fitted to prevent falls.
Before you go into your research about whether your child is big enough to transition from a crib to a toddler bed, you should be able to distinguish between the two.
Difference Between A Crib And A Toddler Bed
In other words, cribs and toddler beds are ultimately the same. The only difference lies in the fact that a crib is enclosed and does not have any additional blankets or pillows, whereas a toddler bed is without any bed fence like a mini-bed.
Another difference is that a crib has a firm mattress made particularly for a baby, so it could get uncomfortable for toddlers who need softer mattresses to allow their bodies to relax completely.
As far as the size and dimensions are concerned, cribs and toddler beds are more or less the same.
When Is The Right Time To Transition From A Crib To A Toddler Bed?
Most toddlers are ready to transition from a crib to a toddler bed, anywhere from 1-4 years of age.
However, it is different for every child, making it a unique experience for every parent. Therefore, we have compiled a few considerations that could help you figure out if your child needs to make this transition From a crib to their toddler bed:
Potty Training
If you are potty training, the chances are that your child has begun to realize the need to go to the restroom. This means out the crib and onto their own bed so they can go to the washroom quickly.
A toddler bed allows them to easily get out of the bed and access the restroom in the middle of the night.
Height Of Your Child
Falling out of cribs for a child that no longer requires a crib can be dangerous and injurious to your child. One common way of noticing when your child needs a transition from a crib to a toddler bed is to see the height of your toddler. If the chest is above the crib railing when standing, it’s an indication that you should help your child make the switch.
Additionally, even if your child’s chest isn’t above the crib railing, but they can put a leg over the fence, it means they’re ready to escape the confinement of their crib and enjoy their little toddler bed.
Another Baby On The Way
Another reason why it’s time to move your toddler to their own bed is if you’re planning to have another baby. If that’s the case, you might need the crib for your newborn and so a transition for your toddler from a crib to the toddler bed becomes imminent.
When switching to a toddler bed, it is advisable to keep the rest of the room’s environment as familiar as possible so it is easy for your baby to make this transition.
Moreover, it’s a good idea to keep the toddler bed in the same room and position as the crib, and as close to the parents as possible.
Important Things To Consider When Buying A Toddler Bed
Parents know that transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a huge milestone.
But buying the perfect bed isn’t easy. You’ll have to consider the structure, color, and design – all particular to your child’s needs. However, there are a few universal things that every parent should keep in mind when purchasing a bed for their toddler:
Edges Of The Bed
R=egular beds have sharp, pointy edges that might be dangerous for your child.
If your child has a habit of jumping around, hiding in corners, then you have got to make sure that the bed you purchase is soft around the edges to prevent any serious injury.
Durability
You should always prioritize the sturdiness of the bed when purchasing a toddler bed for your baby. The last thing you would want is for the bed to collapse while your child is jumping around.
Most toddler beds can weigh up to 50 pounds max. That’s fine for the baby, but this often means that the parent can’t lie down with them for a bedtime story. A wooden structure is usually preferable since it’s much sturdier than other forms.
However, if you like a metal bed, make sure all the screws are tight and secure. It’s always better to have a center leg that gives extra stability to the overall construction of the bed.
It is advisable to check the durability and the weight that the bed can carry with the manufacturer at the time of purchase.
Choose The Right Rails
You wouldn’t want to continuously wake up in the middle of the night to make sure your child hasn’t fallen off the bed, or be anxious every time your kid sleeps too close to the edge.
That’s why it’s always better to choose a bed that comes with built-in rails.
If you fall in love with a bed that does not come with bed rails, it’s advisable to purchase them separately and attach them to the bed.
A Fancy Design
Having a bed frame with your child’s favorite cartoon character would be better than getting a regular, barebones bed frame as it will help your child transition from a crib to a toddler bed.
Children are attracted to bright colors and quirky characters making this switch easier.
Most importantly, make sure that whichever toddler bed you decide to invest in, your child likes it and feels happy and comfortable sleeping in it. It will be a waste of money and resource if you end up getting a design that your child does not even like and ends up sleeping with you.
Best Toddler Beds According To Your Needs
After careful consideration and research, we have compiled a list of beds that have been most parents’ top picks when it comes to safe and secure toddler beds.
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
Specs:
- Recommended for ages: 15 months+
- Maximum weight recommendation: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: Varies according to the cartoon character of your choosing
Top pick for a cartoon character headboard bed
This Toddler Bed is the perfect way to help your child transition from a crib to a bed. It is colorful and bright, featuring your child’s favorite cartoon character at the headboard and the footboard.
Featuring various characters from Sesame Street to Disney’s Frozen, this bed will be a fantastic choice for your child, be it a girl or a boy.
It will also be a perfect pick for you if safety is your primary concern. Sturdily built with two safety rails on both sides and round plain edges, it is children-friendly and stable in its construction. This bed is built low to the ground to provide easy access for your child, preventing injuries.
It is also JPMA-certified to meet all safety standards and CPSC regulations.
At the time of purchase, the bed comes with an easy-to-guide manual to help you assemble and understand specifications.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Will easily become children’s favorite
- Sturdy built
Cons
- Trouble finding a good mattress that fits the bed well. Might need a third party slat system.
Who Should Buy This Bed?
If you want to buy an appealing bed that catches your child’s attention instantly, is sturdily built, and does not cost you an arm and a leg, this is what you should go for!
Dream On Me, Sydney Toddler Bed
Specs:
- Recommended for ages: 15 months+
- Maximum weight recommendation: 50 pounds
- Dimensions: 53 x 29 x 28 inches
Modern-style toddler bed
Combining style, durability, and affordability – Dream On Me by Sydney Toddler bed will let you transition your child from a crib to a bed with relative ease and comfort. The bed is close to the floor, making it easy for the child to get in and out easily.
It has center legs to provide maximum support and stability and also comes with two side safety rails for balance.
Keeping child safety and health as its top priority, the bed is free of any lead, latex, or BPA chemicals. It has been certified by JPMA as non-toxic and meets all CPSC standards.
This chic, modern bed will also beautifully complement the interior of your house, making even a toddler’s bed look like an elegantly crafted piece of furniture. It is available in 4 finishes – perfect to go with whatever décor or theme you and your toddler have decided for the room.
Pros
- A standard crib mattress can fit this bed
- Very stylish and elegant
- Maximum support and balance
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be difficult to tighten the screws
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re one of those parents who has a keen eye for interior décor and chic style, this style of bed is perfect for you. It combines safety, durability, strength, and style – all in one!
The price point is far better than other luxury toddler beds. Additionally, both you and your child can sleep in comfort and style.
Davinci Autumn 4-In 1 Convertible Mini Crib
Specs:
- Recommended for ages: the 4-in-1 feature allows maximum flexibility according to height and weight
- Maximum weight: 56 pounds
- Dimensions: Top of Spring Frame to Floor: 14.75 inches
Top Pick For A Convertible Mini Crib
Making one of our expensive picks, The DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, is made from the finest pinewood from New Zealand. It has a modern, delicate design and comes in several elegant finishes: espresso, chestnut ebony, gray, oak and white are the most popular ones.
It is a flexible option for a crib-to-toddler bed.
You heard that right. This can be bought as a crib, and then later turned into a toddler-size bed, complete with a headboard and footboard. The crib also comes with a waterproof, hypoallergenic mattress that is easy to clean and ensures that your little one is free of allergies.
It meets all the ASTM standard regulations for safety and no toxic chemicals have been used in its manufacture.
Pros
- Very elegant and stylishly made
- 4-in-1 feature provides flexibility
- Worth its price
- Toxin-free
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly more on the expensive side
- Complicated to assemble
Who Should Buy It?
If you’re unsure whether your baby’s the right age for transitioning and don’t want to spend money on buying a new toddler bed, this should be your go-to option! Coming at a slightly higher price, with its modernized look it is bound to transform your toddler’s room.
Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed
Specs:
- Recommended for ages: 15 months +
- Maximum weight recommendation: 50-100lbs (But can easily hold up to 200lbs)
- Dimensions: 29 x 56.25 x24.50 inches
Popular choice
This toddler bed can fit a full-size crib mattress that you can get from anywhere easily.
It has a sturdy, supportive wood construction and the bed’s sleigh-style silhouette will ideally complement your growing toddler’s bedroom environment.
This bed is built low to the ground to make it easy for your child to get in and out of bed. Additionally, it comes with a clearly labeled instruction manual, making it quick and painless to assemble it.
The bed has a total of 6 legs, 2 towards the head side, 2 in the middle, and 2 at the footrest. This provides maximum stability, keeping your child tucked in safely throughout the night.
Both you and your child can sleep comfortably without worrying about your kid’s safety.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of timeless design
- Durable
- Worth its price
Cons
- Might need extra plywood to support the bed
- The strong chemical smell from its wood
Who Should Buy It?
For the parent who wants their toddler’s bed to integrate seamlessly with other furniture of the house, this classic design should be your number 1 pick. Coming in various colors, from espresso and brown to black and grey, it can easily complement your interior design choices accordingly.
If your child is more rowdy than usual, the bed’s strong structure can easily take all the jumping and general mischievousness without giving way.
In Conclusion
There are various designs and styles of toddler beds to choose from that could fit yours and your toddler’s needs. From convertible options to fancy beds, each of these beds offers durability, security, affordability, and ensure your child’s comfort.
There are plenty of options to make sure you’re getting a toddler bed that’s tailored to your requirements and ensures a calm sleep for your child.