The Best Toddler Bed For Restful Sleep
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KidKraft Race Car Toddler Bed -
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed -
KidKraft Airplane Toddler Bed -
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed -
Buyer's Guide
If your little one has outgrown their crib (or mastered the art of escaping it) you might want to consider getting them a toddler bed. Toddler beds are constructed lower to the ground which makes it easy for your little one to get in and out while offering greater safety than a standard, high-standing bed. We’ve chosen five of the best toddler beds in 2022 on the market, each of which feature safety rails so your little one doesn’t unexpectedly roll out of bed, they’re constructed to comfortably sleep children weighing up to 60 pounds, and lastly they all have fun designs to stimulate your toddlers imagination.
Best Toddler Beds Worth Considering in 2022
KidKraft Race Car Toddler Bed - Best Toddler Bed Overall
Your little first mate will have a swashbuckling good time riding the waves to dreamland in the Little Tikes Pirate Ship Toddler Bed. This bed is constructed of high quality plastic and looks like a real pirate ship with a footboard designed like the helm of a ship, complete with a spinning wheel; remove the helm to reveal convenient storage for your toddler’s toys. Coming out of the headboard is a mast with a fabric sail and a crow’s nest while along both sides of the headboard are cubby holes ideal for storing books and other treasures. This toddler bed fits a standard crib mattress, which is designed to sit lower than the sides of the bed, ensuring that your little one stays safe and secure while riding dreamlands choppy seas. Lastly, there’s also a reading light and two auto-shut off night lights.
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed - Runner Up
A beautiful shade of pink and gold crown details ensure the KidKraft Princess Toddler Bed will make your little princess feels like royalty. Constructed primarily of composite wood, this toddler bed has a more regal look than those constructed of plastic. The guard rails on either side of the bed don’t look like guard rails most toddler beds feature as they feature a whimsical design with detailed gold swirls which add a noble look to the bed. The four bedposts are topped with gold crowns and there are also gold crowns on the head/footboards as well. This toddler bed fits most standard toddler mattresses, so you can easily transfer your little princess’ mattress from her crib right into their new royal bed.
KidKraft Airplane Toddler Bed - Honorable Mention
If you have a little boy who’s really into fire trucks (or trucks in general) you should definitely consider getting him the KidKraft Fire Truck Toddler Bed. Constructed of composite wood, this toddler bed has a more modern look than toddler beds that are made of plastic. The bed is designed to look like a fire truck and features the front of a fire truck at the footboard, wheels on the bottom, and of course all the brightly-colored, firefighting-related images kids love. The guard rails on either side of this toddler bed look like ladders, perfectly tying them in with the theme of the bed. You’ll also love that it accommodates most standard crib mattresses.
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed - Consider
What little girl wouldn’t love sleeping in the sweet KidKraft Dollhouse Toddler Bed? Made of composite wood, this sleek and sturdy toddler bed is designed to look like a charming dollhouse. The foot of the bed features three pink flowers and a pink window while the headboard has four storage shelves and windows on each side which open and close. The guard rails resemble a picket fence in addition to the pretty pink bricks and green bushes painted on the side of the bed. There’s even a chimney that comes out of the roof of the headboard! Just place your child’s crib mattress into the bed and she’ll be ready for sweet dreams in her new dollhouse toddler bed.
Buyer's Guide
When it is time for your little one to switch from a crib to a toddler bed, you want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Keep the furniture in the room consistent for the initial stages of the transition. Place the toddler bed in the same position as the crib to keep it familiar. Keeping a bedtime routine will help your toddler feel secure even with the changes.
When buying a toddler bed, there are specific aspects to look out for that you may not have thought of. In this guide, we outline everything you need to know when choosing a new bed for your toddler.
What to Consider When Buying a Toddler Bed
Best Materials for Sturdiness and Longevity in a Toddler Bed
Toddler beds can be made from materials such as wood, particleboard, metal, and plastic. Some beds have fabric attached in the case of an additional canopy or tent.
For sturdiness and longevity, metal and wood are the best options. Wood is sometimes a little more expensive. It lasts long and is versatile with a range of décor. Due to its sturdiness, versatility, and resilience it is the most recommended material for toddler bed construction.
Metal beds are lightweight and are easy to assemble yourself. Plastic is a commonly used material for toddler beds because it is easy to clean. It also fits more specific designs and character beds.
Particleboard is the cheapest type of material for toddler beds. It is also the least sturdy. This is an important factor to consider. Remember, kids do love jumping on beds. When looking at various options, give the bed a shake to test the sturdiness and check the maximum weight recommendations and limits.
Since your toddler will only be using the small bed for a few years you might want to consider its longevity. Solid wood and metal will serve you well especially if the bed can convert to full-size using the same headboard or footboard later on.
What Safety Features Should a Toddler Bed Have?
Make sure you purchase a bed that meets all the required safety standards. In addition to general standards outlined for manufacturers in the construction of toddler beds, there are a few things to consider yourself. These include the use of non-toxic materials and minimal small construction parts.
If the toddler bed you are considering is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, it means that it doesn’t contain any harmful substances and is a completely safe option. Look for an indication on the manufacturing label of the bed or packaging that indicates that it is made with non-toxic materials.
Alternatively, it should state that it is free of phthalates, latex, BPA, and lead. Since toddlers are happy to experiment with putting anything in their mouths, it is best to be wary of beds that don’t indicate non-toxic manufacturing guarantees.
Screws, bolts, and other protruding parts can all become choking hazards if they loosen and fall off the bed frame. Always make sure any small adjustable parts are covered and toddler-proofed. Check the bed regularly, especially metal frames which are prone to screws loosening over time. Avoid choosing a bed with pointy edges, there are bound to be tears and a few injuries involved.
Guardrails
Guardrails are an important part of the toddler’s transition between their crib and a big boy or girl bed. Having guardrails on the toddler bed will bring a sense of comfort. It will also improve safety and give you peace of mind if you have a little one who tosses and turns a lot during the night.
If the guardrails are adjustable look for crevices and crannies where wondering toddler fingers could possibly get stuck and safeguard these.
Adjustability
Toddler beds generally fit a crib mattress. This makes the initial transition simple. However, as your child grows you will need to make some adjustments. Buying a toddler bed can be a good investment if you choose one that can convert into an adult bed.
Beds that offer more versatility will be more expensive, but you will save yourself from having to purchase another bed later on. When considering this option, check whether the mattress height can be changed. Look at whether the toddler bed frame will convert all the way to an adult bed with a regular mattress replacement.
Style
There are numerous different styles of toddler beds. Character beds and daybeds with three full sides and a guardrail are popular. Panel-styles feature whole panels as guardrails while convertible beds are adjustable in size.
The style you choose will depend on your (and your child’s) preferences, special needs and budget. It will also depend on whether you wish to invest in something that can grow with your toddler or prefer to buy another new bed when they have outgrown the toddler bed.
Comfort
Although comfort may be largely dependent on the mattress and bedding, the bed's structural support can also affect their comfort. Making sure your little one is comfortable and supported is paramount to good sleep and healthy growth.
Choosing a transition bed for your toddler can be fun. It also needs careful consideration to make sure they have the safety, support, and comfort they need. When deciding on a budget consider the longevity of the bed and whether spending more now may save you some future expenses.
Toddler Bed FAQ
Q: Does my child need a toddler bed?
A: While a toddler bed is not an absolute necessity it is the ideal (and safe) solution to transition from a crib to a full-size bed. Adult beds are higher off the ground and do not come with the safety features of a toddler bed. This can make the adjustment a big one without any transition phase.
Q: What are the best natural or organic materials for toddler beds?
A: Metal and wooden frames are the best choice of natural materials in the construction of toddler beds for durability. In addition to the main structure, you want to consider whether any chemical applications have been added to the finishing of the product. The manufacturer's label on the bed or packaging should indicate this information. The best way to keep your child’s sleeping environment eco-friendly is by also purchasing organic or natural bedding, sheets, and mattresses.
Q: Do toddler beds come with a warranty?
A: The warranty and return policy may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. When buying the bed check this information beforehand in case the bed does not fit your child’s needs or is defective.
