Best Toddler Beds

The fancy schmancy crib that you thought you’d have forever is about to become an ancient artifact in your child’s nursery. Now that your little one is heading into the toddler years, they’re ready for a “big kid” bed. And, this means you need to swap out the crib for a brand-new piece of furniture.

Even though a bed may seem like a bed, when it comes to toddlers the California king in your own bedroom just won’t do. Your kiddo needs a place to sleep that matches their size and developmental level. The option you choose should create a safe space that won’t require your tot to catapult themselves off of their mattress nightly.

Of course, you also want to think about how the bed fits into the grand scheme of the room’s design. Along with function, you also need to consider form (a.k.a. aesthetics) when making a choice. After all, this central piece of furniture is about to become the star of your tot’s bedroom decor show!

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Understanding ASTM/CPSC Standards

These standards help to keep your kiddo safe!

When is your kiddo ready for a toddler bed?

Two is on the horizon. Does this magic milestone marker birthday mean your tot is now ready for their “big kid” bed? Yes, two-year-olds are toddlers. But this new age label doesn’t necessarily mean your child should transition from their crib to a bed yet. But it also doesn’t mean that you need to wait until your kiddo turns two before you make the move.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s likely that your child is ready for a toddler bed when they can climb out of their crib. Not only does a stealthy escape from a crib leave your tot on their own to roam the house unsupervised at night, it also poses a serious fall risk. While you might worry that your child won’t stay in a toddler bed, you also need to consider the likelihood of a crib-to-floor fall before you make a decision.

So, is there a magic age for this major milestone? The Sleep Foundation notes that this transition often happens somewhere between 18 months and three years of age and by the time the child reaches three feet tall. Even though the expected transition age range provides a general guideline, there are other factors to think about. Instead of age alone, look for signs (such as climbing out of a crib) and use your kiddo’s size to make this decision.

What to consider when buying a toddler bed

While there’s no rule saying you have to choose a “toddler bed,” this transitional piece of furniture can make it easier for your child to move out of their crib. Unlike a twin bed, a toddler bed is smaller, lower to the ground, and often comes with built-in bed rails or a similar barrier to keep your kiddo from rolling onto the floor when they sleep.

Safety is a priority

And, with this in mind, you will want to select a high-quality frame and a mattress that fits without creating gaps. Any bed you choose should comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Along with standards to prevent entrapment between the mattress and side rail or in the frame/support system, these standards also set surface coating, lead, and phthalate limits.

Make sure the bed is low enough to the ground to reduce the risk of falls. If you have concerns about your kiddo rolling off in the middle of the night, built in crib-like rails are an option to explore.

What will the toddler bed look like in your space?

Even though safety is the number one factor to consider, you also need to think about how the bed will look in your child’s room. Toddler beds are available in a variety of styles, designs, and colors. If you have concerns your toddler won’t eagerly make this move, a bed decked out in cartoon character designs is an enticing option to even the finickiest of tots.

Here are the best toddler beds:

Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed

Best Classic Style

$66 $99 Save $33

The Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed is a Greenguard Gold Certified option for toddlers up to 50 pounds that is available in 10+ color options. The 53 x 28 x 30-inch bed has a painted finish and comes with a headboard, footboard, safety side rails, and mattress support slats.

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

53 x 28 x 30-inches

Color

White

Finish Type

Painted

Included Components

Safety side rails, headboard, footboard, mattress support slates, assembly tools

Material

Pine

Style

Classic

Item Weight

16.5 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe surface with a dry cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• Neutral design matches a variety of room decor themes
• Side safety rails are included
• Greenguard Gold Certified

If you’re looking for a basic option that works with most nursery or big kid room decor palettes, the Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed is a top choice. And while the classic style is a reason to make this model your kiddo’s next bed, it isn’t the only one. The Dream On Me Classic has plenty of safety features and comes with built-in side rails, is JPMA certified, and is designed to meet or exceed ASTM and CPSC standards. It’s also BPA, latex, lead, and phthalate-free.

The smaller bed is low to the ground, making it easy for your tot to get in and out without extra help. That said, the size also means an older child won’t fit. This toddler bed only holds kiddos weighing up to 50 pounds.

Don’t worry about the durability with this option. As this parent puts it, “These beds have survived many jumps and playtimes!”

Dream On Me Sleigh Toddler Bed

Best Design

The Dream On Me Sleigh Toddler Bed is a JPMA-certified option that is 57 x 30 x 28 inches and is available in nine colors. The sleigh style bed comes with side rails and holds children up to 50 pounds.
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

57 x 30 x 28-inches

Color

White

Finish Type

Painted

Included Components

Side rails, headboard, footboard, mattress suport slates, assembly tools

Material

Wood

Style

Sleigh

Item Weight

23 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe surface with a dry cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• Sleigh style
• Side rails come with the frame
• Made from solid wood

With a slightly curved headboard and footboard, the Dream On Me Sleigh Toddler Bed has a sweetly sophisticated design that will fit into your kiddo’s classic, rational, or even rustic chic room. The side rails add an extra layer of safety. This bed is also JPMA certified and meets or exceeds ASTM and CPSC standards.

This top option can coordinate with a variety of different room palettes. The nine different color choices make it a versatile pick – and it scores high marks for this feature.

Even though some parents do report struggling to assemble the bed, many also feel it’s well worth their time, “The toddler bed is absolutely perfect once it is finally assembled. My friend was even able to sit on it at the end of finishing it, it is very sturdy. I’m really pleased with how it looks, even after battling to put it together!”

Delta Children Nick Jr. PAW Patrol Toddler Bed

Best Character Bed

$59 $70 Save $11

Delta Children Nick Jr. PAW Patrol Toddler Bed features the beloved cartoon characters. The plastic and steel frame bed is 53.94 x 29.13 x 26.18 inches in size, recommended for children 15 months and up, and holds up to 50 pounds. 
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

53.94 x 29.13 x 26.18-inches

Color

Multi-color

Finish Type

Plastic

Included Components

Footboard, headboard, side rails, fabric mattress suport, legs, hardware

Material

Plastic and steel

Style

Classic charcater

Item Weight

17.1 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe surface with dry cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• PAW Patrol design
• Easy to clean
• Includes attached side rails

Cons

• The style may not ?grow? with your child

Fans of PAW Patrol will enjoy this Delta Children Nick Jr. Toddler Bed. The cute characters that adorn the head and footboards may make your toddler more interested in transitioning from their crib to their “big kid” bed.

If you have reservations about a primarily plastic bed – don’t. The sturdy steel frame makes this top choice a durable option that can hold kiddos up to 50 pounds. And, if you already have a standard crib mattress you’re in luck! This toddler bed won’t require you to make an additional buy, saving you time, effort, and money. Parents praise this feature, and the cute characters, noting, “The color is on point, he was so excited when we brought it in the house! He could not wait to put it together so he could lay on it! His crib mattress fit perfectly.”

Delta Children Wood Disney/Pixar Cars Toddler Bed

Best “Fun” Design

The Delta Children Wood Disney/Pixar Cars Toddler Bed has a 53.25 x 28.75 x 19-inch design and weighs 44.5 pounds. The maximum weight recommendation is for toddlers up to 50 pounds.
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

53.25 x 28.75 x 19-inches

Color

Multi-color

Finish Type

Painted

Included Components

Footboard, headboard, mattress support, sides, hardware

Material

Plastic

Style

Character

Item Weight

40 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe surface with dry cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• Cute Cars-themed design
• Low height profile
• Added sides for safety

Kiddos who are Lighting McQueen fans will adore the Delta Children Wood Disney/Pixar Cars Toddler Bed. Like other character beds, this pick may help hesitant-to-transition children to feel better about making the switch from their crib. “Making the transition from crib to big boy bed was a great move using this sweet small floor bed. My grandson was so excited to be able to go into his room and sit on “his Lighting bed” and read his books.”

Instead of standard side rails, this toddler bed has solid partial sides. Not only does this add to the overall style of the car-shaped frame, this design can stop unexpected rollovers. Add in the low profile, and this bed may just be a safer choice (compared to a standard twin)) for a toddler who likes to wander.

SweetPea Baby Rose 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed

Best Convertible Bed

$80 $200 Save $120

The SweetPea Baby Rose 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed is a Greenguard Gold Certified option that will grow with your child. This bed frame is 53.3 x 31.2 x 25.4 inches and fits children up to 50 pounds.
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

53.3 x 31.2 x 25.4-inches

Color

Pink

Finish Type

Painted

Included Components

Side rails, headboard, footboard, mattress support, hardware

Material

New Zealand pine wood

Style

Classic

Item Weight

26 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe surface with a dry cloth

Convertible?

Yes

Pros

• Converts into two chairs
• Stylish design
• Greenguard Gold Certified

Cons

• Need an additional conversion kit to add a table and cushions

Even though the SweetPea Baby Rose 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed only fits children up to 50 pounds, this top option isn’t something you’ll need to get rid of when your kiddo outgrows it. This toddler bed scores high marks for its convertible design. Unlike some other beds, this one splits into two cute chairs. And, with a conversion kit, you can add a table too!

The cute three-in-one has a whimsical design. But that’s not all! Along with the sweet style, this bed is filled with safety features. It’s Greenguard Gold and JPMA certified and meets/exceeds all applicable ASTM and CPSC standards for children’s products. If your kiddo moves around a lot in their sleep, the double side rails may help, “We like that the side bars extend from both ends of the bed since our daughter is a pretty wild sleeper.”

Delta Children Space Adventures Rocket Ship Wood Toddler Bed

Best Non-Character Themed Bed

With a Greenguard Gold certification, the Delta Children Space Adventures Rocket Ship Wood Toddler Bed is a top pick among parents. This space-themed bed is 30 x 53.5 x 25 inches and holds children up to 50 pounds.
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

30 x 53.5 x 25-inches

Color

Multi-color

Finish Type

Painted

Included Components

Headboard, footboard, sides, mattress support, hardware

Material

MDF and plywood

Style

Outer space

Item Weight

36.1 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wash surface with a dry cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Cute outer space design
• Uses a standard crib mattress

Cons

• Only comes with solid side rails

Blast off with the Delta Children Space Adventures Rocket Ship Wood Toddler Bed! If your space-loving tot is struggling to move out of their beloved crib, this bed may help. The fun rocket ship design makes this bed, as the name implies, a true adventure. Parents seem to agree, “This is such a cool bed. Our 1 year old loves astronauts and space and this bed was the perfect fit for him.”

While your child may only appreciate the cute outer space style, you’ll like the safety features – including solid side rails and JPMA certification. This themed bed was also tested for more than 10,000 chemicals and VOCs, making it Greenguard Gold Certified.

Graco Classic Sleigh Toddler Bed

Best Wooden Bed

The Graco Classic Sleigh Toddler Bed is made from New Zealand pine wood. This bed includes a slatted curved head and footboard, and comes with two side rails. 
 

Size

Toddler

Product Dimensions

38.43 x 21.75 x 5.5.-inches

Color

Espresso

Finish Type

Wood

Included Components

Headboatrd, footboard, side rails, mattress support, hardware

Material

New Zealand pine wood and wood composite

Style

Sleigh

Item Weight

19.04 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe with damp cloth

Convertible?

No

Pros

• Fits a crib or toddler mattress
• Made from sustainable wood
• Earned the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval

Between the classic style and the safety features, the Graco Classic Sleigh Toddler Bed is a top choice among parents. Choose from a rich espresso color, opt for a neutral pebble grey, or bright your kiddo’s room with the white sleigh bed. Yes, the style is a major plus. But this toddler bed also comes with more than a few safety benefits. The side bed rails are an obvious perk. Beyond this feature, the bed is also applied finish testes to meet/exceed ASTM safety standards and is JPMA certified.

Like some other toddler beds, this Graco model requires assembly. Even though parents note that the process is pretty demanding, they also seem to completely enjoy the finished product, “This bed wasn’t the easiest thing to assemble but once it was together, I was pleased with it.”

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit

Best Convertible Crib-to-Bed Option

The Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit transitions from one stage to the next. This adjustable pick is 53.75 x 29.75 x 35 inches, holds infants and toddlers up to 50 pounds, and comes with a toddler rail.
 

Size

Crib/toddler

Product Dimensions

53.75 x 29.75 x 35 -nches

Color

White/natural

Finish Type

Wood/paint

Included Components

3-in-1 convertible crib, toddler bed conversion kit

Material

Pine

Style

Convertible

Item Weight

53 pounds

Max Weight

50 pounds

Product Care Instructions

Wipe with damp cloth

Convertible?

Tes

Pros

• Grows with your child
• Includes a bed rail
• Greenguard Gold Certified

Yes, the price of the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit is at the higher end of the baby bedroom furniture range. But when you factor in the amount of time that you can use this crib/bed, you’ll get your money’s worth. And bonus, you won’t have to shop for a separate bed when your little one is ready to make the move. Just take it from this parent’s IRL experience, “At 18 months my son figured out how to crawl out of the crib. I was so glad we already had the toddler rail as we had to do a quick change late one night to prevent my little guy from breaking his neck. It was beyond easy to unscrew the front panel of the crib and attach the toddler rail. It took us all of 10 minutes.”

This Babyletto model is Greenguard Gold Certified and finished with a non-toxic paint/stain that is lead and phthalate safe. The frame itself is made from a sustainably sourced New Zealand pine, making it an eco-conscious option.

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How to help transition your kiddo from a crib to a toddler bed

The AAP suggests sticking with your little’s regular bedtime routine as you make the transition. This could include a bath before bed, a special story-time, singing songs together, or any other nightly tradition you’ve used since they were a newborn.

You don’t have to make a sudden move. Talk to your child about this change before you’re ready for them to move into their new bed. These “big kid” discussions could include expectations, praise, or info about their new bed. Involving your toddler in some of the decision-making process can add excitement and help to make the transition easier, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Ask for your kiddo’s input and give them control over choosing the color of the bed, the style, or the bedding.

Not only should you prep your child for this change, you also need to prepare their room. Now that your toddler will have the ability to get in and out of bed on their own, you need to make sure their space is safe. This includes covering electrical outlets, removing window treatment cords, anchoring furniture to the walls, locking windows, moving furniture away from the bed area, and installing baby gates at the top of the stairs.