When it comes to transitioning your little one from a crib to a big-kid bed, there are a lot of options to choose from. Toddler beds are designed specifically for children who have outgrown their cribs but are still too small for a traditional twin bed. They come in a variety of styles and materials and can feature fun designs and themes to make the transition to a toddler bed more exciting for your child.
In this article, we will be reviewing the top toddler beds on the market, including options for different budgets, styles, and features. We will also provide tips on how to choose the right bed for your child and what to consider when transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed.
Our Top Picks
- Best Toddler Bed For Small Space: Dream On Me Brookside Toddler Bed
- Best Toddler Bed For Travel: Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed
- Best Plastic Toddler Bed: Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
- Best Character Toddler Bed: Disney Mickey Mouse Plastic Sleep and Play Toddler Bed
- Best Convertible Toddler Bed: Dream On Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
- Best Montessori Toddler Bed: Harper & Bright Designs Full Size House Bed
- Best Toddler Bed With Rails: Costzon 2 in 1 Convertible Toddler Bed
- Best Toddler Bed For Twins: Costzon Wooden Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds
- Best Wooden Toddler Bed: Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed
- Best Toddler Floor Bed: South Shore Sweedi Toddler House Bed
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Toddler Beds Picks
Dream On Me Brookside Toddler Bed – Best Toddler Bed For Small Space
- Straightforward with assembly instructions
- Affordable
- Simple neat design
- Sturdy
- The railings are thin
The Brookside Toddler Bed is an ideal option to make the tricky transition from a crib to a full-size bed a breeze. It’s a fantastic addition to any toddler’s room because it’s not only safe but also stylish and colorful.
The Brookside’s low-to-the-floor design makes it easy for your child to handle. Additionally, the bed features two wooden safety rails on the sides for extra security and stability, and center legs to ensure even more stability.
Made from sturdy New Zealand pinewood, the Brookside is easy to assemble and boasts a modern, streamlined frame design. Choose from a dozen gorgeous non-toxic finishes, such as Blush Pink, Pebble Grey, Dusty Blue, and Royal Blue, to create your dream nursery.
It meets or exceeds government and ASTM safety standards, is JPMA certified, and is tested for lead and other harmful components to ensure your child’s safety.
- Item Weight: 19 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 53 x 29 x 28 inches
Regalo My Cot Portable Toddler Bed – Best Toddler Bed For Travel
- Folds like a dream to a manageable size
- Material is thick
- The seams are smooth and the stitching is great
- Wipes nicely
- No storage bag for cot, only the sleeping bag
This portable bed is constructed with sturdy steel to ensure durability and safety, and it is also lined with a robust canvas material for added comfort. Plus, a fitted sheet is included to make your toddler’s sleeping experience even cozier.
What’s more, setting up and taking down the bed is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. When not in use, the My Cot folds down to a compact size, making it easy to transport and store.
- Item Weight: 6.25 lbs
- Weight Limit: 75 lbs
- Dimensions: 48 x 24 x 9 inches
Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed – Best Plastic Toddler Bed
- Super close to the ground so no worries about your active toddler falling out
- The characters are super cute and not wonky looking
- Fairly easy to assemble
- Pretty comfortable
- Easy to move across the floor because it is lightweight
If you’re having trouble getting your child to sleep or if they get excited at bedtime, a fun toddler bed may be the solution. You can choose from a variety of popular TV and movie characters such as PJ Masks, Cocomelon, Paw Patrol, and more to decorate the plastic bed.
However, the bed is not only designed for fun but for safety as well. Its low profile makes it easy for your child to enter and exit, and it features two side rails to ensure their security. Additionally, you can also purchase the bed with a mattress included for added convenience.
- Item Weight: 18 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 53.94 x 29.13 x 26.18 inches
Disney Mickey Mouse Plastic Sleep and Play Toddler Bed – Best Character Toddler Bed
- It sits on the ground
- Easy to put together
- Cute stickers
- Attractive design
- The stickers do not stick well
The Disney Mickey Mouse Sleep and Play Toddler Bed with Attached Guardrails from Delta Children is the perfect way to transition your baby’s room into a toddler room. It features colorful decals of beloved Disney characters, Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald Duck to create a cozy and inviting environment for your child to rest.
The low height of the bed makes it easy for your toddler to climb in and out independently, promoting their sense of independence. Additionally, the attached guardrails ensure your child’s safety throughout the night. Made with durable plastic, this bed is designed to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages a good night’s sleep.
- Item Weight: 13.34 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 54.5 x 29.5 x 17.5 inches
Dream On Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed – Best Convertible Toddler Bed
- The low-to-floor design makes it easy for children to climb in and out of bed safely
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Converts easily into two kid-sized seats or couches and a table
- A bit lightweight
- May be more expensive than other toddler beds on the market
This bed’s low-to-floor design and sturdy construction ensure your child’s safety while getting in and out of bed. With four wooden safety side rails and center legs, parents can rest easy knowing their child is secure.
But the Emma bed offers more than just safety – it also transforms into two kid-sized seats or couches and a table, making it a functional addition to any room. Start with the toddler bed setting and adjust as your child grows and their needs change.
Not only is the Emma bed functional, but it also boasts a sleek and sophisticated sleigh design, with soft curves and flowing lines. Made from New Zealand pinewood, it comes in nine finishes to match any decor. The bed is JPMA-approved and meets all relevant ASTM and CPSC safety standards, ensuring it is free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, latex, lead, and BPA.
- Item Weight: 27 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 56 x 29 x 28 inches
Harper & Bright Designs Full Size House Bed – Best Montessori Toddler Bed
- Easy to assemble
- Durable construction
- Added safety rails
- Easy access for children
- The bed may be too big for some rooms or may take up a lot of space
This bed is designed with a low-profile frame that makes it easy for toddlers to climb in and out of bed, while its robust pine frame and fence rails ensure added stability and safety.
Not only is this bed functional, but it’s also visually appealing with its unique curved eaves and intriguing design that allows children to use their imagination and personalize their beds. Made from premium pine wood and MDF, it’s built to last and features smooth, splinter-free surfaces on all sides, ensuring it’s safe for your child to use.
This Montessori full bed can also be transformed into a fun play area by simply adding tents, providing your child with a cozy and quiet place to play hide-and-seek with their friends or younger siblings.
- Item Weight: 61.7 lbs
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Dimensions: 78 x 56.4 x 68.6 inches
Costzon 2 in 1 Convertible Toddler Bed – Best Toddler Bed With Rails
- Easy to put together
- Sturdy
- Does not take up much room
- Can be converted to 2 seats
- There’s a fair amount of hardware to install
With its multi-functional design, this bed can be easily transformed into two separate children’s chairs, providing you with endless possibilities for your home.
Crafted from durable hardwood, this bed offers exceptional stability and long-lasting durability. The expanded slats and central legs provide added support, ensuring that your child can sleep soundly and safely. Plus, with four wooden safety side rails, you can rest assured that your little one is protected at all times.
Made with solid rubber wood and poplar, this bed provides robust support for your child while also ensuring that their delicate skin is protected by its smooth and polished surface. Additionally, the ample space between the guardrails allows your child to interact with you easily, while also preventing their fingers from getting caught.
- Item Weight: 28 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 54.5 x 29 x 21.5 inches
Costzon Wooden Twin Over Twin Bunk Beds – Best Toddler Bed For Twins
- Solid wood-like material
- Clear numbered/assembly parts
- Conversion between the bunk bed and 2 standalone twins
- Ladder is removable
- Air out for 36-48 hours to get rid of the initial odor
This twin bed’s solid planks provide a stable foundation that can handle a lot of weight. The bunk bed can be used as a bunk bed or as a standalone bed, making it a versatile choice for any room. As your children grow, you can even convert them into two separate beds, giving them their own space to sleep and play.
Safety is a top priority, and this bunk bed delivers. The guard bar construction helps prevent falls from the top bunk, and the slanted ladder makes it easier and safer for kids to climb up and down. Plus, the under-bed storage is a great spot to store extra bedding, clothes, and toys.
- Item Weight: 53 lbs
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs
- Dimensions: 79 x 39 x 66.5 inches
Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed – Best Wooden Toddler Bed
- It fits regular crib mattresses
- It is low to the ground
- The price is great
- Very good quality
- Mini crib mattresses do not fit in this bed
This wooden toddler bed’s low-to-the-ground design makes it easy for your little one to get in and out of bed on their own, while the middle leg adds extra stability to ensure their safety.
Crafted from solid hardwood, this bed has a classic and timeless design with an arched head- and footboards and smooth rails and beams. It’s available in a variety of stunning finishes that are non-toxic and perfect for any nursery decor.
This toddler bed is JPMA certified and meets or exceeds all relevant ASTM and CPSC safety standards. It’s also free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, latex, lead, and BPA, ensuring your child’s health and well-being.
Setting up this bed is a breeze, as it comes with all the necessary assembly instructions and tools. It’s a practical, ergonomic, and sturdy piece of furniture that will help your child transition from a crib to a big-kid bed with ease.
- Item Weight: 16.5 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 53 x 28 x 30 inches
South Shore Sweedi Toddler House Bed – Best Toddler Floor Bed
- The assembly instructions are very clear
- Very cute design
- Great quality
- Certified safety
- It takes some muscle to put together
This floor bed’s contemporary and functional design adds a touch of Scandinavian style to the nursery, providing a wonderful space for your toddler to play or nap in. The bed is made of natural Poplar wood, which makes it durable, stylish, and safe for your little one.
Safety is a top priority, and this bed has passed all safety tests to ensure the security of your tiny prince or princess. The teepee-shaped bed only requires a standard crib mattress, and it can be easily converted into a traditional bed by placing the mattress on the ground inside the wooden frame. This allows you to reuse the previous baby’s bed, making it an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for your growing child.
- Item Weight: 21.75 lbs
- Weight Limit: 50 lbs
- Dimensions: 55 x 31 x 49.25 inches
How To Choose The Best Toddler Bed?
- Rails: Many toddler beds come with rails, which can help prevent your child from falling off the side of the bed. These rails typically sit on either side of the bed and stretch halfway along its length. Although bed rails are not foolproof, they can reduce the likelihood of your child falling out of bed.
- Size: Twin-size beds are significantly larger than toddler beds, which can make them feel more daunting and less cozy. Toddler beds often have mattresses the same size as cribs, making them simpler to adjust to. The smaller size of toddler beds can make kids feel more at ease, and the lower height can help prevent falls.
- Weight Limit: Toddler beds typically accommodate children between the ages of one and four, although weight limits for kids in this age range may vary. The weight capacity of many toddler beds is around 50 pounds, which restricts how long you may be able to use them safely.
- Durability: The bed should be sturdy, secure, and made of high-quality materials. Given the age of toddlers, you need to take extra precautions to ensure that the bed components will not come loose and that the bed can handle a toddler’s inevitable hopping up and down on it, even if your child will only spend a few years in a toddler bed.
- Safety: There are several different types of toddler beds available that include improved safety measures, such as guardrails and low profiles, to reduce the risk of accidents caused by falls. To further reduce potential risks, toddler beds should always adhere to recognized safety standards, such as CPSC and ASTM recommendations. Such as being made for toddlers 15 months and up (1).
What Kind Of Bed Is Best For Toddler?
The best kind of bed for a toddler is a low-profile, sturdy bed with guardrails to prevent falls. A traditional toddler bed is a great option, as they are designed specifically for young children and are often low to the ground. Some other options include:
- Platform Beds: These beds have a solid base and are low to the ground, making them easy for toddlers to get in and out of. They also come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that fits in with the aesthetic of your child’s room.
- Convertible Cribs: These cribs can be converted into a toddler bed, making the transition from a crib to a bigger bed easier for your child.
- Bunk Beds: Toddler-size bunk beds are available and are a good option if you have limited space. They also provide an extra bed for when friends or family come to visit.
- Cabin Beds: These beds have a raised design and often have additional storage space or shelves underneath. They are perfect for small rooms and are a great space-saving solution.
Why Buy A Toddler Bed?
Buying a toddler bed for your child can be a great decision for many reasons. Firstly, safety is a top priority, and toddler beds are designed specifically for young children, often featuring guardrails to prevent falls.
It also offers comfort to your child as they will be able to move around comfortably in their new bed. Transitioning to a toddler bed can also be an important step for your child as it helps them feel more grown up and independent.
For parents with small rooms or limited space, some toddler beds are designed to save space, which can be a great help. Additionally, toddler beds are often made from sturdy materials and can withstand daily use. This makes them a durable and long-lasting option for your child.
When Should I Transition My Child To A Toddler Bed?
The ideal time to transition your child from a crib to a toddler bed will vary depending on your child’s development and readiness. However, typically, it’s recommended to make the transition between 18 months and 3 years of age. Here are a few signs that your child may be ready for a toddler bed:
- If your child is climbing out of the crib, it may be time to consider a transition to a toddler bed as it is safer (2).
- If your child is outgrowing the crib and seems cramped or uncomfortable, it may be time to consider a bigger bed.
- If your child is showing an interest in moving to a bigger bed or is talking about sleeping in a “big kid” bed, it may be a good time to make the transition.
- Potty training can be an important milestone in your child’s development and transitioning to a toddler bed can be a good way to support this process.
What Is The Best Way To Transition A Toddler From A Crib To A Bed?
Transitioning a toddler from a crib to a bed can be an exciting but also challenging time for both parents and children. Here are a few tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible:
- Begin talking to your child about the transition a few weeks before making the change, and make sure to emphasize the positives of having a “big kid” bed.
- Allow your child to help pick out their new bed and bedding, and let them be involved in the set-up process.
- Add a fun element to the transition by creating a special bedtime ritual, such as reading a story or singing a song.
- Keep the crib in the room for a few weeks after the transition, so your child feels comfortable and can still have the option of returning to it if they need to.
- Make sure your child understands the new expectations and boundaries of the new bed, such as staying in bed until a certain time in the morning.
- It may take some time for your child to adjust to the new bed, so be patient and understanding during the transition (3).
What Is A Montessori Toddler Bed?
A Montessori toddler bed is a type of bed that is designed to align with the Montessori philosophy of education, which emphasizes self-directed learning and independence. Montessori toddler beds are often low to the ground and feature a minimalist design, allowing children to easily get in and out of bed on their own (4). They also typically have no guardrails, which allows children to learn to trust their own abilities and develop a sense of independence.
Montessori toddler beds also typically feature a natural wood finish, which aligns with the Montessori philosophy of using natural materials in the classroom and at home. The bed is designed to be easily accessible to the child and it will be easy for them to make their own bed and keep their room tidy.
How Long Can A Child Use A Toddler Bed?
A child can use a toddler bed for varying amounts of time, depending on the child’s development and readiness to transition to a larger bed (5). Typically, a child will outgrow a toddler bed between the ages of 2 to 4 years old. However, some children may use a toddler bed up to 5 years old.
It’s worth noting that a toddler bed is designed for children who have outgrown a crib but are not yet ready for a full-size bed. It’s a smaller version of a twin bed and has the same dimensions as a crib mattress. The size of the mattress is also the same as a crib mattress and it’s also lower to the ground.
