Toddler Bed Shopping Tips

Crib to bed is a big transition for toddlers. It requires a bed size and style that's "just right" for each individual child, in the immortal words of Goldilocks, the children's bed comfort expert. These tips will help you to find the best match for you and your yawning bundle of joy.

Toddler Bed Types
A crib is a confined environment, which can be a secure and comforting thing for toddlers. Crib-like toddler daybeds feature higher rails on the back and bed ends, which provides a more gradual transition for young sleepers. The half- or one-third length front rail provides easy access without compromising security.

Standard toddler beds feature a traditional bed frame with headboard and footboard, complemented by low, half- or third-length side rails. This toddler bed style is a good choice for toddlers who want a "big-kid bed."

Shopping Points to Ponder Our toddler beds are sized to hold a crib mattress, which saves parents money in the transition from crib to bed. Toddler beds are also built lower to the ground than other kids beds, making it easier for toddlers to climb in and out, and reducing the hazard of middle-of-the-night fallouts. The beds at ToddlerBeds.com are built from hardwood, wood, and MDF wood, so you know you can rely on them for sturdiness and support. Most are about 4.5 feet long, and can accommodate a crib mattress. Crib mattresses are typically about 28W and 52L. In comparison, twin-sized beds, which some parents prefer, are 39 wide and 75 long. Twin is a good size to grow into, but it can also leave crib-accustomed toddlers feeling like castaways on Mattress Island.

Pkolino Toddler Bed

One way of getting more value from a toddler bed is to choose a style that can be used for several years. A bed with slatted wood head/foot boards and removable side rails will appeal to kids of different ages, and can easily be made toddler-friendly by adding colorful themed toddler bedding.

Speaking of themes, our themed toddler beds are a big hit with toddlers who otherwise aren't too fond of bedtime. Their racecar, princess, and fire truck themes might limit their sleeping years in comparison with more grownup-style beds, but they can easily be switched to playroom accessories for the daytime fun of older kids.

If your toddler's bedroom space is especially limited, we recommend a toddler daybed with under-the-bed storage drawers. It's like having two furnishings in one.

If you discover that the rails on a standard bed are too low for your restless sleeper, you can upgrade them by visiting our toddler bed rails section.