Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Once your child can climb out of their crib, it’s time for a toddler bed. The best toddler beds make the transition from crib to big-kid bed seamless with a snug feel that still allows some level of the freedom growing tots crave. Our pick for the best toddler bed overall is the Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed because of its smooth lines, Greenguard Gold–certification and chic look. The best toddler beds are low to the ground and offer tots a feeling of security, but with a bit of … [+] freedom. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers After researching bestsellers on the market, speaking with pediatricians and relying on our own firsthand parenting experience, we compiled this list of the best toddler beds for your child’s nursery. Some are strictly for the toddler years, while others can support your child up through their teens. Best Toddler Bed Overall: Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed Best Value Toddler Bed: Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed Best Splurge Toddler Bed: West Elm Story Tent Bed With Trundle (Full) Best Modern Toddler Bed: Dadada Muse Toddler Bed Best Metal Toddler Bed: Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ivy Toddler Bed Best Toddler Bed For Twins: Harper Orchard House Platform Beds With Drawers Best Crib-To-Toddler Bed Conversion: Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail Best Fun Toddler Bed: Euroco Upholstered Race Car Bed Best Toddler Bed With Rails: Costzon 2-In-1 Convertible Toddler Bed Best Travel Toddler Bed: The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail For Toddlers Best Toddler Bed Overall Graceful Lines Serve As Subtle Bed Rails MOST POPULAR Pottery Barn Kids Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed Dimensions: 31.5 x 57 x 26 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Greenguard Gold–certified Rails at both ends White-glove delivery available Cons: Only available in white Relatively pricey The Shelter toddler bed has so many things going for it. For starters, this bed has soothing, curved lines so your little one doesn’t catch their PJs on the rail while climbing in at night. It also features rails at both ends, creating the feel of a snug cocoon. This bed is crafted from poplar wood, birch veneers, plywood and an engineered wood for a sturdy frame that can withstand toddler life. It offers a simple white finish with a child-safe lacquer that doesn’t easily chip. It’s Greenguard Gold–certified to keep your indoor air healthy. And, not that it matters to your toddler, but the Shelter looks chic and works with nearly every decor. Best Value Toddler Bed Basic But Ideal At Under $120 Walmart Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Rails on four sides Removable front rail JPMA-certified Cons: Wood may scratch easily Stickers may leave a sticky residue Rails can help your toddler feel like they’re still in a crib-like setting—and prevent them from winding up on the floor in the middle of the night. The Dream On Me Austin bed has rails on all four sides, with a half safety rail on the front for your little one to climb in and out (this is removable, by the way). Made of pinewood, this bed is durable. It also includes wooden mattress rails for added support, and it’s JPMA-certified. Currently priced at well under $150, this bed is one of the biggest values out there. Best Splurge Toddler Bed A Magical Vibe They’ll Treasure West Elm Kids West Elm Story Tent Bed With Trundle (Full) Dimensions: 42.6 x 77.5 x 79.4 inches | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Rails: No Pros: Fun design Available with or without trundle Comes in twin and full sizes Cons: Expensive No included railing If you’re open to spending a little more, West Elm’s Tent Bed gives your child a cool bed with add-ons that they can use for years. While it’s not technically a toddler bed, the Story Tent Bed has a fun design that appeals to choosy kids. It comes with the option of a twin or full frame, so your child can technically sleep on it until they go off to college. This bed comes with the option of a trundle that can be opened and used as a safety net if your child tends to roll. While the main bed doesn’t come with a rail, the trundle has an extended lip to keep kids in place. This bed is made from kiln-dried poplar wood that’s Greenguard Gold–certified and made to last. It’s made in a Fair Trade–certified factory as well. Given that this is taller than most, it’s probably best reserved for older toddlers or parents comfortable with using a temporary rail. Best Modern Toddler Bed Extend Your Style To The Tot’s Room Modern Nursery Dadada Muse Toddler Bed Dimensions: 31.3 x 55 x 18 inches | Weight limit: 110 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Dual rails Sleek style Rails are removable Cons: Headboard is short Railing may be too low with a high-loft mattress Odds are high that your child doesn’t care about decor, but this toddler bed looks cool no matter your age. The Muse features dual rails to keep your child secure, along with angled legs for a mid-century modern vibe. The bed has an overall low profile, so your little one shouldn’t stress about being too high off the ground. The rails are removable, and the bed holds up to 110 pounds, so this bed could hold them right into kindergarten and beyond. It comes with a yearlong warranty and fits your crib mattress. Choose from white or gray finishes, with natural wood accents. Best Metal Toddler Bed That Wrought-Iron Look In Miniature Wayfair Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ivy Toddler Bed Dimensions: 27 x 29.5 x 54.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Unique look Rails on both sides A portion of your purchase price supports monarch butterflies Cons: Can be creaky when child moves Included stickers can be hard to peel off This sweet metal toddler bed from Little Seeds offers wrought iron–inspired classic curves, including in the footboard and headboard. We love that there are rails on either side, letting parents pick any spot within the room for bed placement instead of being limited to a particular corner or wall. It’s low and easy to climb into, too. It comes in four finishes including Grey, Gold, White and Pink. What the reviews say: Reviewers praise this bed as both sturdy and beautiful, earning it an overall rating of 4.7 with more than 1,500 reviews on Wayfair. Best Toddler Bed For Twins Keep Twins Close Wayfair Harper Orchard House Platform Beds With Drawers Dimensions: 69 x 77 x 76 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Ample storage Doubles as playhouse Keeps twins close Cons: Two people may be required for set-up Drawers aren’t attached to the bed This twin-bed duo offers an ideal sleep spot for young twins not ready for separation. It takes two twin mattresses (sold separately), meaning your kids can use it long after they would have outgrown a toddler bed—and it comes with storage and playtime built into it. With an adorable mini house theme and under-bed storage for each mattress, you’re basically getting a playhouse and dresser as well. The bed is made of pinewood and manufactured wood for a sturdy feel that doesn’t shift as your kids inevitably bounce around on it. Choose between a white or gray finish. Best Crib-To-Toddler Bed Conversion An Easier Transition For All Babyletto Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 54 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Conversion kit included Converts from crib to toddler bed to daybed Affordable, given potential years of use Cons: Finish may scratch over time Screw heads are not covered The Babyletto Hudson has been a fan-favorite crib of parents—Forbes Vetted editors included—for years. With a sturdy pine frame and modern vibe, it seamlessly melds into pretty much any bedroom decor (it’s available in nine finishes) at an affordable price point. The Hudson works as both a crib with four adjustable mattress positions and a toddler bed with the help of an included toddler rail, making it ideal for kids from birth to four years. As a toddler bed, the Hudson is low to the ground, making it easy for little ones to climb in and out. It also has a generous guardrail to prevent late-night rolling onto the floor. And, once your child feels a little more confident, the guardrail can be removed to create a daybed, meaning this crib is really three beds in one. It’s also Greenguard Gold–certified for safety. My Hudson has gone from crib to toddler bed twice and still feels incredibly solid. Best Fun Toddler Bed A Race Car Bed Walmart Euroco Upholstered Race Car Bed Dimensions: 80 x 41 x 28 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Fun design Railing around all sides Can be used beyond toddler years Cons: No pre-marked holes for assembly Larger than standard toddler bed Colorful and exciting, this Euroco bed might be just the thing to keep your tot contained and draw them out of that crib. This race car–inspired pick is extra special with automotive details all around, including the headboard. The guardrails, which surround three sides, are made to look like the exterior of a car. They’re also upholstered for your child’s comfort. It’s flashy and fun, but still comes with all the ideal components of a toddler bed, including being low to the ground. Best Toddler Bed With Rails A Crib-Like Option Amazon Costzon 2-In-1 Convertible Toddler Bed Dimensions: 54.5 x 29 x 21.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Rails on all sides Can detach to convert into kids’ chairs Low to the ground Cons: Owners say the last two screws can be tough to secure You’ll need to buy a new bed in a few years Want your child to feel like they’re basically still in their crib? The Costzon is here for it. This toddler bed is pretty much all rails, with the exception of an opening on each side that your little one can crawl through. This might make it ideal for those younger tots already hopping out of their cribs, but not truly ready for that big-kid bed feel. The bed is low to the ground, providing a feeling of safety. It comes in a brown or white finish. And—this is genius—the sleeper can be detached to form two kids’ chairs once your child graduates to a bigger bed. Best Travel Toddler Bed Inflate When You Arrive At Your Destination Amazon The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail For Toddlers Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 4 inches | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Rails: Yes Pros: Inflatable Folds up compact for storage Transforms most beds into toddler beds Cons: Deep sheets are needed to cover the bumpers Supplies rail for only one side Most hotel rooms and rental homes don’t have beds specially designed for toddlers. And, if your little one has outgrown a portable crib, you need a fast and easy way to create a toddler bed on the go. The Shrunks inflatable bed rail is one of the most affordable and smallest solutions if there is some sort of bed available once you get where you’re going. This inflatable blows up to create rails with grip strips that keep your child snug and secure in bed. Shrunks has a low enough profile to slip under sheets, so they’re not obvious. They’re compatible with any size bed, so you could also use one to help transition a tot to higher twin bed. Once you’re done using it, simply deflate the bed and stash it in your suitcase. (If you prefer to pack their whole bed, consider the Shrunks inflatable toddler mattress instead. It has slightly raised sides to keep tots from rolling out.) MORE FROMFORBES VETTED The 12 Best Vacations For Couples On A Budget In 2024 By Lindsay Cohn Contributor Tee Up For Summer With The 50 Best Golf Gifts Of 2024 By Cam Vigliotta Forbes Staff Why Trust Forbes Vetted We have a huge library of guides to and recommendations of kids and baby gear at Forbes Vetted, and are adding to it all the time. The author of this story, Korin Miller, and Forbes Vetted’s deputy baby and kids gear editor, Rose Gordon Sala, are both parents with multiple children. As such, they have personal experience testing a number of children’s beds and sleep setups over the years in addition to conducting thorough research during their careers. We consulted two pediatric medical experts to determine when to consider transitioning to a toddler bed and what features to prioritize when shopping: Douglas A. Henning, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital; and Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. Our team regularly reviews this piece to to confirm our picks are still in stock and relevant based on the latest offerings in the kids’ furniture market. It was last revised in June 2024. How We Chose The Best Toddler Beds We relied on the expertise of our team and firsthand input from other parents and reviewers. We consulted with experts, compared the attributes of the most popular toddler beds and considered safety and environmental certifications. We tapped into our own product and brand expertise in the kid gear space combined with our years of experience parenting young children. We welcomed firsthand recommendations from other parents and reviews from real shoppers. We incorporated insights from our conversations with our experts, Henning and Woods. We looked at the most popular toddler beds on the market and compared aspects like features, ease of use, certifications, safety features and value, working to provide options for different budgets, preferences and lifestyles. What To Consider In A Toddler Bed Toddler beds might have a lot of features not available in a regular bed, like a petite size, the ability to transition from a crib (and back) and guardrails. Figuring out in advance what features are important to you—along with what price tag you’re comfortable with—is crucial. Quality You want something that doesn’t fall apart after a few months, especially considering a toddler’s energetic tendencies to roughhouse and jump around. Typically, wood is the go-to material. Keep an eye out for rough or sharp edges—your child and their clothing can get caught on them. Size Toddler beds are typically 50 to 60 inches long, but you may also prefer to invest in a bed that accommodates a twin mattress with features of a toddler bed, like being low to the ground or having guardrails. Ultimately, this one is up to you. Weight Limit Many toddler beds have a weight limit of 50 pounds or so, which limits how long you can safely use them. However, if you opt for a larger twin bed, you can enjoy weight limits that are similar to those of adult-size beds, meaning your child’s twin bed can last much longer. Safety And Health Certifications Toddler beds must also be graded for children aged 15 months and up, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Toddler beds also have certain requirements for paint composition to ensure safety, per the CPSC. You might also see toddler beds with a Greenguard Gold certification, which lets you know that the bed’s materials don’t give off emissions. Some also have a JPMA-certification. The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is an industry group that offers advocacy and also additional safety testing for members’ products. Is A Twin Bed Better Than A Toddler Bed? It depends, says Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. “Toddlers often appreciate a transition to a new space of any kind, regardless of [whether] it’s a toddler bed or a normal bed,” Woods says. However, “many children appreciate being in somewhat of a familiar-sized sleeping environment.” As a result, “a normal bed, if much larger than the crib mattress, may pose a threatening environment to some toddlers,” he says. In other words, the small size of a toddler bed may make the transition from crib to bed a bit easier. What Is The Best Age For A Toddler Bed? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning your child to a toddler bed once they can climb out of her crib. And according to Douglas A. Henning, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, this might happen anytime from between 18 months and three years old. If your toddler is potty trained, prioritize looking for a toddler bed with a low height to make it easy for them to get in and out. That way, “a toddler can independently get out to use the potty overnight or first thing in the morning,” Woods says. Suddenly plopping your kid into a bed without the restraints of crib rails, however, almost always presents some challenges. Woods recommends toddler beds with rails to help keep your child from rolling off the bed and ease the transition from a secure crib. Lastly, before transitioning to a toddler bed, your child should be able to sleep on their own without any help from you or your partner, as well as have some self-soothing skills, Henning says. “A good bedtime routine should already be established in the crib before you even think of moving to a toddler bed,” he adds. What Level Mattress Firmness Is Best For Toddlers? A crib mattress is designed to be firm to keep a baby from sinking in and suffocating. A toddler mattress can be a little softer, but generally, a medium-firm one is a good bet. If you want to keep things consistent, you’re fine to use a mattress with the “same firmness as a crib mattress,” Woods says. Keep in mind that many crib mattresses offer the option to flip it over from the extra-firm infant side to a slightly less firm toddler side. Make sure whichever mattress you choose fits snugly into the toddler bed frame to avoid any trapped fingers and other entrapment issues or injuries. You may also want to invest in a waterproof cover or mattress as this age group is right when potty training begins. Korin Miller Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions
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