Are you looking for the best toddler bed? Keep reading to learn what to look for and find out DadProgress top choices.
Top Toddler Beds Reviewed In This Article
  | DadProgress III Place |
|---|---|
  | |
  | |
  | DadProgress I Place |
  | |
  | |
| |
  | |
| |
  | DadProgress II Place |
List Of Top 10 Toddler Beds For DadProgress With Reviews
This plastic toddler bed offers all the benefits of the material. It weighs only 16lb, and you can choose between many themes.
This furniture doesn't break the bank, at the moment of writing it costs less than 70 bucks (it's worth checking the latest prize from Amazon though).
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides and isn't high off the floor. It's worth pointing out that the picture is a little misleading. You only get the frame and have to buy the mattress separately, which mostly supported by a piece of fabric. But it's strong enough to hold a crib mattress.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
You're looking almost the same bed as described above, but there's one crucial difference- the canopy. So if your little girl is into Disney princesses or Frozen, then this toddler bed for girls is perfect.
Many parents have felt that the canopy is a bit too flimsy, though. On the other hand, it usually doesn't cost very much more than the bed above, and the two available designs are different from the 15 mentioned before. It's always worth checking the latest price from Amazon though.
If you've got a boy, then there are similar beds with small tents available. You can choose between three different designs. As with the canopy, the tent isn't very sturdy, so I suggest that you make your decision based on the price difference. You can check the latest price on Amazon.
I've already listed all the pros and cons above. As it's the bed is almost identical, you get a safe item that's JPMA certified.
Dream On Me toddler bed is made of wood and has a lovely traditional look. You can choose between a lot of different colors. Additionally, this product is surprisingly light. It weighs only 16.5lb.
Products made of wood usually cost more than plastic items, but at the moment of writing the price is less than 70 bucks. It's worth checking the latest prize from Amazon though.
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides and sits low to the floor. The mattress is sold separately so be prepared to get only a frame despite the picture.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
The Delta Children wooden toddler bed has a traditional look. As it's made of wood, it weighs a little more (26lb) than some others. The price is usually good for a bed made of wood, but you can check the latest price from Amazon.
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides and isn't high off the floor. You have to buy the mattress separately, so this review is only about the frame.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
Metal beds can look cold in your toddlers' room, but Little Seeds offers three different colors which will work nicely in the right setting.
Metal beds are heavier and pricier than alternatives, and this one is no exception. The Monarch bed weighs 31lb and usually costs over 100 bucks (it's worth checking the latest price from Amazon though).
As you have to buy the mattress separately (or use the old one), you may face quite a hefty bill for a toddler bed.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
Delta Children plastic bed with a 3D footboard weighs 19lb and so is little heavier than their simpler model (reviewed first).
The 3D footboard is a beautiful design feature, though. Additionally, you can choose between six different themes. I'm especially excited that they also have a Ninja Turtles option:) A perfect toddler bed for boys.
As for all safe toddler beds, it has side rails on both sides and isn't high off the floor.
It's worth pointing out that the picture is a little misleading as you have to buy the mattress separately. A single crossbar and fabric support the later. They are strong enough to hold a crib mattress, so I can't really count it as a con, but there are sturdier options out there.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
You can find a wide variety of convertible cribs, but it's surprisingly hard to come across a extendable toddler bed.
Elizabeth II by DaVinci is one such example. It uses pine wood which makes it relatively heavy 31.5lb. But you want it to be sturdy if you're going to turn it into a full-sized bed. The toddler size accommodates a crib mattress (as required by law), but it's not included. If you want to have a full-sized bed, then you have to buy the conversion kit.
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides, but on one side it's full-length. The bed sits quite low to the floor as is should.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
Delta Children makes many highly affordable, safe toddler beds. Items of wood have usually more traditional design so this bed is a refreshing exception if you don't want to buy something of plastic. The material is medium-density fibreboard (MDF) though.
The bed is quite sturdy and heavy (44.5lb) as it's not made of plastic. As with most of the reviewed toddler beds, the mattress is not included.
If you're looking for an enclosed toddler bed, then this is a right one for you. It's a toddler bed with high sides, but your kid can still has an easy access.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
This Orbelle wooden toddler bed has a traditional look. Although it's made of wood, it weighs only 18lb.
The cost isn't usually bad for a bed made of wood, but you can check the latest price from Amazon.
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides and isn't high off the floor. It's worth pointing out that the picture is a little misleading as you have to buy the mattress separately.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
Emma toddler bed is made of pinewood, so it weighs more than plastic items- 27lb. As a result it's a sturdy, durable bed, and it has a traditional look.
But what I most like about this product, is that you can turn it into a toddler's room furniture. With a conversion kit (that is sold separately) you can create two chairs and a table.
As all safe toddler beds, it has guardrails on both sides and isn't high off the floor.
PROS |
|---|
CONS |
|---|
What's a Toddler Bed?
I wrote this paragraph to point out that in the U.S, a bed needs to meet specific criteria to be called a toddler bed:
- A toddler bed should be able to accommodate a full-size crib mattress. It means that the minimum inner dimensions are 27 ¼ inches wide and 51 5/8 inches long. Many toddler beds are convertible and can grow with your child. The official weight limit is 50lb.
- Toddler beds must meet CPSC and ASTM standards (rules to guarantee that the furniture is safe)
NOTE TO READERS FROM EUROPE: The EU regulations haven't defined a toddler bed (as far as I know). So toddler beds sold in Europe are often bigger as they don't need to be perfect for a crib mattress. There's also no official weight limit which means that you can keep using them for a longer time.
What Are The Advantages Of Toddler Beds?
As you can see from above, a toddler bed is transition furniture from a crib (or an alternative) to a standard (twin) bed. This is the reason why many parents choose to buy a twin bed right away. If you wish to know more, check out "Twin vs Toddler Bed".
That said, there are some advantages of buying a toddler bed:
When To Buy A Toddler Bed?
If you're reading this article, but aren't sure if you even need a toddler bed just yet, then this paragraph may help you out.
You don't need to rush it if you're happy with the situation. A crib is a safe place for your little one to sleep in. Even if you're in a hurry, it's best to wait at least 18 months.
You've Got An Escape Artist
It's safest to buy a toddler bed when your little one starts to escape from his crib because he may hurt himself when climbing over the rails.
The timepoint of this happening depends on a child. My two-year-old is still happily sleeping in a cot. My friends' same old girl, on the other hand, has slept already a couple of months in a toddler bed.
Potty Training
You can't do a proper potty training if your child doesn't have access to a potty during the night. One friend of mine managed to do it because his kid didn't pee during nights. The diaper was always dry in the mornings. But that's more of an exception than a rule.
You Want More Sleep
Most children start to cry when they wake up and get bored in a crib. If a child has free access, then he may find something to do in his room, and you may get some extra sleep-time.
It's worth noting that children usually tend to walk to their parents' bedrooms though. So you may want to install a baby gate to keep your little one in his room.
Your Health
Many dads and moms have back issues which are made worse by heavy lifting.
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two common pain-causing conditions affecting the arms. Both are related to physical overload.
Constantly raising your child over guard rails to and from a crib may worsen these issues. So buying the best toddler bed and allowing your child to move freely can be essential for parents health. It will remove the need for unnecessary heavy lifting.
Other Children
If you're waiting for a new baby, then you'll soon need the crib. This means that your toddler must come in terms with getting a new bed.
Sometimes you've got an older child in a house, and you have considered buying a bunk bed. They are a great way to save some space although most bunk beds aren't made for toddlers. That said, you can buy guardrails separately, so it's possible to make the lower beds safe for little ones. Kids younger than six years shouldn't sleep in a higher bed because of the fall risk.
Transition From Crib To Toddler Bed?
A new bed is a big thing for little kids, so don't belittle your little one's reactions.
As I explain in my guide about children's emotions, young children don't yet know how to react properly to different feelings. This means that you should be prepared for some acting up. Mostly it goes smoothly though.
I'll give you a couple of ideas that will help you make the transition less painful.
Buying Guide To Find The Best Toddler Bed
If you want to learn a little more about buying a toddler bed, then keep reading this paragraph. I'll explain what you should look for when trying to find the best toddler bed for your boy or girl.
Material
Beds can be made of different materials which affect the look, durability, weight, and cost of the thing.
Wood
Wood is a popular choice among parents as it's a natural material and goes well with many toddler-room themes. The design is usually traditional, although they can be painted very originally.
Here's a picture of a cool toddler bed that one dad made for his son. It inspires to think out of the box when it comes to decorating wooden furniture (even if you ordered it from Amazon).
As wooden beds will last for years, the re-sell value is usually good. That said, they are often more expensive and heavy than alternatives.
TIP: If your toddlers' bed is made of wood, you can usually fix broken parts. At least for me this would mean hiring a carpenter of course.
Particle Board
Particleboard is a low-cost material that is widely used. Many manufacturers cover it with wood veneer so the beds can actually look excellent.
It tends to lose its freshness relatively quickly though. A couple of nicks here and there will uncover the unattractive particle board in no time. An additional "water"-accident will cause the board to swell up.
Plastic
Plastic offers innumerable design possibilities, so it's a popular choice among parents. It's also lightweight and relatively cheap material.
Metal
Metal beds can work in some toddler-rooms, but they tend to look a little cold. Additionally, they can weigh and cost quite a lot.
Toddler beds made of metal are very long-lasting though. I don't recommend using your grandpas' old bed though. Older beds don't meet modern strict safety standards- you run the risk of entrapment situations and falls. Additionally, older furniture may have painted with lead-based colors.
Height
It's best to double check that the toddler bed isn't too high. As these are beds for little kids, it's usually not an issue.
But if you've got a bunk bed at home, then you shouldn't let a toddler sleep in a higher bed. He may fall from a bed or ladder and get severely injured. Your child should be older than six years before sleeping in a top bed.
Guard Rails
Toddler beds should have guardrails on both sides. They aren't usually full length, or your little one wouldn't get out.
TIP: If your child tends to fall out of the bed during nights, then you can use pool noodles to make low rails.
Sturdiness and Weigh Limit
Sturdiness depends on the material, and I've already discussed that topic above. It's worth double-checking the legs though. Make sure that they don't look too flimsy.
The official weight limit is 50lb because of the law, but in practice, bigger children are also using toddler beds. You can be quite sure that a wooden bed can carry more than 50lb, but you don't get any guarantees:)
Assembly
You have to assemble most beds. Make sure that the doorways are big enough if you decide to go with a preassembled product.
TIP: It's a good practice to check periodically for loose screws and other parts.
Design
Plastic can be a great choice if the best toddler bed for you needs to have an exciting theme. Other materials usually offer a more classic look.
When it comes to design, it's also worth noting if you want your bed to be convertible. Most popular toddler beds grow with your child, although the official weight limit can be a deal-breaker if you've got a bigger child. You can read more about the topic by clicking here.
Some beds include storage space for clothes, toys, or books. You can find models with in-build books shelves or drawers under the bed.
Warranty
It's worth pointing out that the manufacturer-warranty is often surprisingly short 30 days. There are exceptions, of course.
Many sellers also offer extra-guaranties, and you can buy extended warranties from manufacturers. For example, at the moment of writing, a two-year extended warranty for Delta Children furniture costs only about ten bucks.
Safety Standards
All toddler beds that are sold in the U.S must meet CPSC and ASTM standards.
But sometimes you also see "JPMA certified "in advertisements. What's that all about?
JPMA is a voluntary certification program. A toddler bed with a JPMA mark has passed tests proving that it actually complies with ASTM rules mentioned above.
Conclusion
I reviewed the top ten toddler beds for DadProgress to find the bed toddler bed. All children and their rooms are different, so any of these great products can be right for you, of course.
As a dad, I like furniture that’s easy to assemble. Parents have so little free time, and I prefer to spend it on stuff that really matters.
Safety is also essential to me because I work in an ER department. All these beds meet the CPSC/ASTM safety standards. That said, Delta Children has acquired a JPMA mark for their beds which proves that their items really meet the requirements.
So for me, the best toddler bed is the Canton toddler bed by Delta Children (check the price on Amazon). It’s effortless to put together, has a traditional look, and carries a JPMA mark.
Emma bed by Dream On Me is another safe one as it has double side rails on both sides of the bed. Additionally, it’s convertible to room furniture so you can use for many years. As I hate waste, I find the concept brilliant. It gets second place only because the assembly is relatively hard.
Last Updated on March 1, 2021