(Top 7) Best “Toddler Bed Frames” for a Safe & Stylish Bedroom
Transitioning your child out of their crib into a toddler bed can be very exciting. They reach a new milestone, and it can be fun to see them grow into independence.
We spent countless hours researching and testing these beds in our own facility. We have compiled our findings and top product picks to help make your decision easier.
While this is a fascinating time for you and your little one, there are several important factors to consider throughout this process. In this post we will cover our favorite toddler beds and important factors to consider when shopping for one.
What Kind of Bed Should a Toddler Be In?
Toddlers should sleep in toddler beds. A toddler bed is a bed that’s typically the same size as a crib. However, since the crib mattress is slightly smaller than a toddler bed, it’s possible to use this for their transition.
You can also use a twin-size mattress, although this may be too sizable depending on your toddler’s size. Lastly, toddler beds are also low to the ground. It’s essential to keep this in mind in terms of safety.
However, you can opt for a bed that comes with a railing or one that has safeguards incorporated in the design.
What Age Should You Get A Toddler Bed For Your Child?
Most toddlers usually make the transition between 18 months and two years of age. However, some also transition between 2 and 2 and a half years old.
Overall the switch from a crib to a toddler bed generally happens between 18 months and three years of age. It just depends on your comfort level and how well they receive the transition at that time.
7 Best Toddler Beds
1. The Kids Bed Frame + Trundle by Avocado
What our testers are saying:
This toddler bed comes from the trusted Avocado brand and includes a pullout trundle bed, making it perfect for siblings or sleep overs. Each Avocado bed is handcrafted in Los Angeles with eco friendly and non-toxic materials. This is a well made bed that you can feel comfortable about your child resting their head on each night. It is available in a natural wood or white finish. No box spring required simply put your mattress directly on the bed slats.
2. The Casita House Montessori Floor Bed by P’Kolino
What our testers are saying:
This toddler bed is a montessori style bed that sits directly on the floor and perfectly fits a standard twin size mattress. You can also pair this bed with a variety of matching bunk beds or loft beds from P’Kolino. The bed is made from sustainably sourced materials and is hand crafted in Brazil. If you are looking for a high quality and affordable montessori bed then this is one of our tester’s top picks.
3. The Bed Frame by Helix
The Helix platform bed sits low to the ground, making is safe and easy to access for toddlers and young children. The bed and easily snaps together without the need for any tools and is a sturdy and simple to assemble. This bed is available in a natural wood or white finish to match any bedroom style.
4. The Kid’s House Twin Bed by P’Kolino
What our testers are saying:
This house provides all the benefits of imagination, comfort and safety into one bed. This house bed fits a standard twin size mattress that you put directly on the floor. The bed comes in a variety of different finishes comes from the well-known and trusted P’Kolino brand.
5. The Full Toddler Floor Bed by Merax
What our testers are saying:
This montessori bed is one of the few options available in a full size option. Making it perfect if you child needs more room or to fit 2 young children in the same bed. This bed comes in a variety of different colors and has a bookcase option built into the end of the bed. The base utilizes a platform style bed slat system to provide support while keeping it off the ground about an inch.
6. Wooden Montessori Floor Bed by Harper & Bright Designs
What our testers are saying:
This bed is simple and elegant and one that your child will love to play and sleep in. The bed comes highly reviewed on Amazon. It comes with a built in platform that sits the mattress slightly off the ground for airflow and decreasing the likely hood of mold developing under the mattress. The bed also comes with a built in headboard/footboard.
7. Montessori Floor Bed with Fence by Harper & Bright Designs
What our testers are saying:
This bed fits a twin size mattress and sits directly on the floor for the ultimate in safety and ease. The fence keeps your little one from rolling off and provides a fun cozy nook for reading and playing. Harper and Bright offers this design in a variety of different colors and styles to match any bedroom decor.
What Size is a Toddler Bed?
On average, a toddler bed is typically 6 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 52 inches long. However, some people prefer skipping a toddler bed instead of getting a kid-sized bed.
If you decide to skip a toddler bed, the size difference is something you should strongly consider. A child-sized bed is usually a twin mattress and typically measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
There’s also a twin XL but even more extensive than a regular twin-sized bed. They are typically 5 inches longer than a standard twin mattress which is way too large for toddlers.
It’s important to note that once you get a mattress for your toddler, you ensure it’s a great fit inside their bed frame.
There should not be any gaps as this could cause safety problems. Adversely, if the mattress is too large, it can cause problems for you when changing the sheets. To ensure the mattress is the correct size for their bed frame.
How To Choose a Toddler Bed
You need to look for several features when choosing a toddler bed. You must take your time during this process and ensure you find a mattress that will suit your child’s sleep quality.
- Design
The fun part about getting a toddler bed for your little one is the array of designs you can choose from—race cars, castles, cabins, etc. So many fun and unique options will create endless excitement for them.
Before deciding on a design, be sure you think over these questions first:
- How long will they use the bed?
- What theme will they have in their room?
- Would they enjoy sleeping in the design you choose?
- Is the design big or small enough for their room?
These questions will help you make the right decision, especially if you’re overwhelmed. Then, once you’ve narrowed down your options, involve your little one.
Ask which one they would want and go from there. This will help them understand what’s to come, and not to mention; they will be over the moon for their new bed!
- Safety
You must ensure your toddler’s bed has safety features that will help to prevent any potential accidents. For example, it helps to choose a mattress that either has rails or is at least designed with a barrier or raised sides.
You also need to check the support system for the bed. Make sure it comes with cross wires, slates, or any other form of sturdy and durable support.
Lastly, make sure that the mattress isn’t falling and that it properly fits inside of the frame. If it’s not resting on the edge, then it will cave in, and if it’s not properly equipped, it will create dangerous gaps.
- Durability
Durability is a very critical feature when it comes to choosing a bed. Toddlers are very active and love to jump, climb, and generally play on their beds.
The bed should be strong enough to withstand these kinds of activities. Toddler beds typically last for years if they are durable, which is a huge plus.
A great way to check for durability is to inspect the parts simply. Pay attention to how sturdy the pieces look and whether or not they are flimsy.
If you get the feeling you can find something more substantial, it’s certainly worth looking around and not taking that chance.
It would help if you were sure that your child’s bed would be as safe as possible.
- Comfort
Lastly, ensure the bed is comfortable. This feature will significantly determine their quality of sleep. The mattress needs to be an outstanding balance of firm and soft.
You want it firm but not hard while also soft but not to the point of them sinking into the mattress. A mattress that has the perfect balance of both can help them become comfortable and more inclined to sleep in their bed throughout each night.
How to Transition Your Child Into a Toddler Bed
Transitioning to a toddler bed can sometimes be challenging for a child. However, there are a few things you can do to help make the transition much easier for them.
- Allow Them to Pick Their Bedding
Let your toddler pick out their new bedding and make a fun trip out of it. Take them to the store and let them choose which colors and patterns they would like for their beds.
Also, let them pick out accessories to go along with their new bedding. Maybe some fun pillows or adorable stuffed animals.
Letting them choose these fun items will help them with their comfort levels. Giving them this option will also help increase their excitement for sleeping in their new bed.
- Incorporate Some Fun
A great way to get your toddler to transition into their new bed is by associating it with fun activities. These activities can center around sleeping and how it’s good for them.
For example, maybe read books regarding sleep, or you can create associations between your child’s favorite hero and sleep.
Another fun idea would be to play games with your child on their new bed simply. These fun activities will help them become more comfortable and create a desire to sleep in their bed.
- Remain Patient
You must remain as patient as possible throughout this journey and process. It’s very easy to get frustrated, but it’s essential you stay calm and focused.
Remember that you’re not only navigating this process, but your little one is also. This process is just as overwhelming for your child as it is for you.
There may be times when you get tempted to get upset, but it’s best to relax and stick to the process. For example, you may find your child coming into your room to sleep but gently lead them back to their beds.
- Include Naptime
You can start the process of getting them accustomed to their new bed by introducing it through nap time. The more they sleep in it during naps, the more they will get used to it as their new place for sleep.
- Thoroughly Childproof
Although a toddler transitioning to a different bed is always an exciting experience, it doesn’t come without some caution.
This transition means a step towards independence and freedom. Naturally, therefore, you need to ensure the surroundings in the rooms are nothing short of entirely safe at all times.
You can do this by ensuring you childproof as many things as you possibly can.
- Make sure all windows are locked.
- Ensure you have placed a gate at the bottom and top of your stairs
- Use outlet covers on all electrical outlets.
- Put safety pads on objects with sharp corners.
- Ensure the bed is set away from anything that can get tangled or caught on it
- Make sure any loose cords and curtains are hanging up out of reach. It’s best to use hooks for these.
- Place the bed away from the wall. This space will prevent your child from potentially getting stuck in a dangerous position.
- It also helps if you put soft pillows or a soft rug beside their bed. These pillows will act as a cushion in the event they fall off their bed.
- Reward Them
Most toddlers enjoy rewards, and this transition would be the perfect time to use them. Give them a sticker or even a toy anytime they have accomplished going into their bed.
This positive reinforcement will help to motivate them to continue going to their bed. It may take some time, but eventually, they will get the hang of it.
- Keep The Crib On Standby
Sometimes, these transitions don’t go as planned. Your child may not be as ready as you may think.
If they are entirely resistant, fussy, and cannot stay in their beds, then it’s best to wait and try again a little later.
Some resistance here and there is completely normal. If your child is downright uncomfortable, then it’s always best not to force it.
Simply try again in another couple of months and allow them back into their crib in the meantime. Keep in mind that this transition can happen anytime between the ages of 18 months and three years old.
So, if they are not ready, then don’t rush. There’s still time to attempt to reacclimate them again.
- Ensure to Keep Their Nighttime Routine
You must keep up your child’s typical nighttime routine. The purpose of a nighttime routine is to allow you to wind down and prepare for sleep.
These routines work the same for kids and will undoubtedly help them sleep in their new beds. So if you read to them before bed, play gentle music or sounds, or any other activities, don’t change anything.
A change could cause them to resist their new bed easily. However, a concrete and familiar routine will help soothe them enough to sleep in their beds.
What Style of Mattress is Best for a Toddler Bed?
Your toddler will sleep on their stomach, side, or back, and a firm or medium firm mattress will provide sufficient support. A soft mattress is fine, but if the bed is way too soft, it can potentially be uncomfortable as well as a safety hazard.
Generally, a mattress’s firmness is measured by a rating system called an Indentation Load Deflection. This rating scale is between 12 and 50. If the rating is over 36, it means the mattress is substantial.
Also, it’s recommended to have a waterproof cover over the mattress. This cover will not only help protect your toddler’s bed from stains and accidents, but it will also help to maintain the mattress’s firmness. The firmer the mattress, the longer it will last.
Toddler Bed vs Crib
There aren’t too many differences between a toddler mattress and a crib mattress, but there are a few. First, the sizing is different.
A toddler mattress and a crib mattress are almost the exact sizes, but not quite. For example, a toddler mattress has dimensions of 28×52, while a crib mattress measures 27×51.
It’s very beneficial for your toddler that both beds are almost the same dimension. Since each bed is so close in size, this can help them become reasonably comfortable, although the bed is a different style from their crib.
The familiarity will be there, which will help them to become physically comfortable in bed. In terms of differences, the framing is one main difference.
Cribs have rails that sit high and surround the bed. For example, a toddler bed has framing and support under the mattress allowing open access to entry and exits. It helps that both mattresses can be flipped, contributing to how long they last.
