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It’s a tough pill to swallow but every mom has to come to terms with the fact that, eventually, your bitty baby will grow up and want out of their crib. But before they hit big kid status, they’ll be hanging out in toddler territory for a few years. When he or she is able to climb out of their crib, you’ll know it’s time to do your research on the best toddler beds on the market.
And while it’s true that toddler beds look a lot like big kid beds — save for the bumpers, guard rails and character themes — maybe hold off on busting out the tissues. Your little one is still little, they just need a bit more freedom. So think of a toddler bed as a crib, only much lower to the ground and with half the barring. Luckily, there are tons of toddler beds on the market that cater to both mom and kid preferences. Below are some of the best toddler beds to help narrow down your options.
What to Look for in Toddler Beds
When choosing a toddler bed, Jennifer Walker, co-founder of Moms on Call, says to prioritize safety, followed by comfort and design. “Look for a sturdy build with secure rails to prevent falls, and make sure the height is just right so your little one can easily get in and out on their own,” she says. “Comfort is key, too—opt for a cozy mattress that promotes good sleep. Lastly, the design should bring joy and fit seamlessly into your toddler’s room to make bedtime something they’ll love.”
Dr. Harvey Karp, founder of Happiest Baby and creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, agrees.
“It can be scary for toddlers and their parents to wave bye-bye to the cozy enclosure of the crib,” he says. “Toddlers love consistency, so a convertible crib that turns into a bed can ease toddlers into this big transition. This way, you keep an almost identical look, feel, and experience as your tot’s cherished crib.”
He also recommends ensuring your toddler’s new bed has these safety features:
Guardrails: “Toddlers are active sleepers! Guardrails keep wiggly tots from accidentally rolling to the floor.”
Low to the floor: “The bed should be easy for your child to get in and out of to minimize their risk of falls.”
A properly fitting mattress: “Toddler beds are made to hold a crib-sized mattress, which should fit snugly into the bed frame, with no gaps between the mattress and the frame. If you can place more than two fingers between the mattress and the bed frame, it’s not a proper fit!”
Safety certified: “Do a quick check on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)’s website to make sure the toddler bed you’re considering hasn’t been recalled.”
Materials: “Look for a bed that features 100% solid wood and a water-based finish. It should also be BPA-, formaldehyde-, lead-, phthalates-, VOC-free.”
Best Toddler Beds at a Glance
Best Overall: Max & Lily Classic Twin Floor Bed, $199
Best Daybed:Maxtrix Twin Toddler Bed, $649 (originally $769)
Best Quality Toddler Bed:Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed, $399
Best Removable Rails:dadada Muse Toddler Bed, $199
Best Platform Toddler Bed:Costway Kids Upholstered Platform Bed, $196 (originally $530)
Best Tent Bed:P’kolino Kids Tent Floor Bed, $85 (originally $145)
Best House Bed: Skyler Metal Montessori House Bed, $136 (originally $560)
Best Convertible Crib: Crate & Kids Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit, $399
Best Race Car Bed: KidCraft Race Car Toddler Bed, $160 (originally $175)
Best Modern Toddler Bed: GapKids Toddler Bed, $100 (originally $144)
Experts in This Article
Dr. Harvey Karp is the founder of Happiest Baby and creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet.
Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker are the founders of Moms on Call.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Max & Lily and Maxtrix are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Max & Lily Classic Twin Floor Bed
The name says it all. This Max & Lily toddler bed is short in stature but big on style and safety. Since it sits just one inch off the floor, your little one can climb in and out on their own, making the transition from crib to big kid bed a breeze. Its streamlined style is easy to decorate around too. Plus, with a 400 pound weight capacity, it’s sturdy enough to support Mom or Dad while reading bedtime stories.
Maxtrix Twin Toddler Bed
Maxtrix thinks ahead. This toddler bed is built to twin bed measurements, so it can transform as your kiddo grows — all the way through teenage years. While they’re still little, keep it as a daybed with a taller-than-average 16-inch guardrail, which can be removed as needed. Then convert it into a loft, bunk, or a simple twin bed, or sneak a trundle bed underneath. Want to really win over your toddler? Nab one of Maxtrix’s fabric top tents, turning the bed into an adorable playhouse that makes bedtime a breeze.
Pottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter Bed
Maybe, just maybe, you won’t be as sad transitioning your child into a big kid bed if it’s as cool looking at this Pottery Barn one. Its high sides create a cozy nighttime nest, yet it’s still easy to crawl in and out of without help. This bed exceeds all the safety standards and looks good while doing it.
Dadada Muse Toddler Bed
Sturdy, safe, and stylish. This low-to-the-ground toddler bed from Wayfair includes two removable guardrails, meaning peace of mind for you and versatility as your kiddo grows. Its white and wood style goes with any bedroom decor; just add some bright, patterned bedding for a punch of extra personality.
Costway Kids Upholstered Platform Bed
How darling is this rainbow toddler bed from Target? The frame features a soft padded headboard and footboard as well as raised side rails to keep the mattress in place. This makes for an extra sweet spot to lean against while reading for bed — a bonus for you and kiddo. Fingers crossed it’ll make your little one excited for bedtime.
P’kolino Kids Tent Floor Bed
Make bedtime a straight-up fun experience with this tent bed from Walmart. It encourages imagination and ensures a soft, safe spot as they fall into a slumber. It’s practical too, since it sits on the floor (no falling out of bed!) and the tent is machine washable. Hurry – it’s currently on sale!
Skyler Metal Montessori House Bed
Your kiddo will immediately forget about their crib if you treat them to this Montessori-style house bed. It’s made with a sturdy metal frame that sits low to the floor, and comes in four colors: pink, off white, dove gray, and black. Whether or not you want to wrap twinkle lights around the frame or drape fabric over it is up to you. Nab it now while it’s on major sale.
Crate & Kids Babyletto 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
Of course Crate&Kids would design the chicest crib-turned-toddler-bed out there. It’ll carry you from newborn days through toddlerdom and beyond, since it can transform from a crib to a toddler bed to a daybed. It’s made of solid New Zealand pine and is available in four washes so you can find the best fit for your little one’s room.
KidCraft Race Car Toddler Bed
Ah, a classic! If your kiddo is a car fanatic, this bright blue and red race car frame will make the transition from crib to big kid bed so much easier. There’s even a bench at the foot of the bed to store your child’s favorite books and stuffies, or it could be a spot to practice putting on their own shoes.
GapKids Toddler Bed
Pretty in pink! Not only is this GapKids toddler bed cool and modern, with a square headboard and round legs, but it’s certified safe too. It’s designed with two attached guardrails and sits low to the ground. Do they make this bed in queen size? (Asking for myself.)
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