Best Toddler Beds

Proper sleep is crucial for infants and children as they grow. Moving from a crib to a bed is a major milestone that many parents and toddlers look forward to. However, finding a bed that is both comfortable and safe is important.

Toddler beds are typically lower to the ground than other options and frequently have additional safety features, such as guardrails. Most also comply with safety standards pertaining to materials and design.

With so many factors to consider, it can be challenging to sift through all your choices. While safety should always be the top consideration when searching for a toddler bed, shoppers have countless models to choose from in varying materials, colors, and designs.

To help you find the right fit for your child’s sleep needs, we’ll outline our top picks and discuss what sets them apart. Then, we’ll examine the most critical factors to look at when shopping for the best toddler bed, including materials, construction, and ease of assembly.

In-Depth Reviews

Best Overall

Newton Soho Convertible Crib

$499 from Newton (queen)

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Parents seeking a versatile toddler bed

  2. Customers wishing to match their child's bedroom furniture

  3. Young children and toddlers

• Highlights

  1. Adjustable design that converts into a toddler/day bed

  2. Customers wishing to match their child's bedroom furniture

  3. Young children and toddlers

Price

$500

The Newton Soho Convertible Crib is a highly customizable crib with three adjustable height positions, and it converts into a toddler bed. These features make it a great option to meet a child’s needs as they grow.

The bed is made from sturdy beechwood, and includes a toddler rail to help prevent falls. It’s also certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturer’s Association (JPMA), proving it meets quality and safety standards. The bed comes in three styles – natural wood, white, and natural wood legs with white rails – which are neutral enough to match existing bedroom furniture. In-home assembly is required.

Customers living in the contiguous U.S. are eligible for free shipping. Newton Soho Convertible Crib purchases come with a 2-year warranty covering structural defects.

Best Design

dadada Muse Wood Toddler Bed

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Modern Nursery mattresses

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Children who weigh up to 110 pounds

  2. Kids up to 5 years old

  3. Parents who prefer modern-looking furniture

• Highlights

  1. Modern design with a low profile that makes it easy for toddlers to get in and out of bed

  2. Sturdy all-wood construction is curved to prevent injury

  3. Assembly tools included with purchase

Price

$200

Design-minded parents should look no further than the dadada Muse Wood Toddler Bed. This bed frame has a sleek and modern design with rounded edges to prevent injuries.

The bed frame has an exceptionally durable all-wood construction that supports up to 110 pounds. Guardrails are included for the child’s safety, preventing them from rolling or falling out of bed at night. This feature and the low profile make it easy for kids to get in and out of bed by themselves. The frame is recommended for children up to 5 years old.

Assembly is quick and easy, and all required tools are included with purchase. The assembly instructions include a QR code to an instructional video for extra assistance. The Muse Wood Toddler Bed holds JPMA and Bureau Veritas certifications, proving the bed frame has been tested and meets safety standards for children. Modern Nursery orders typically ship within a week in recyclable packaging.

Modern Nursery typically ships orders within a week, and all items are packaged using recycled cardboard. Assembly is simple and usually takes buyers less than an hour.

Easiest to Assemble

Delta Children MySize Wood Toddler Bed

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Delta Children mattresses

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Parents who'd like to coordinate bedroom furniture

  2. Children who weigh up to 50 pounds

  3. Shoppers seeking a toddler bed that is easy to assemble

• Highlights

  1. Three color options

  2. Lightweight design makes it easy for parents to move

  3. JPMA certified

Price

$150

The Delta Children MySize Wood Toddler Bed is an excellent bed frame for parents with limited building experience. Assembling the bed is quick and requires no drilling, just a flathead and a Phillips-head screwdriver. The product also boasts a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certification, ensuring it has been tested for quality and meets safety standards.

This bed frame has a durable all-wood construction that supports children over 15 months who weigh up to 50 pounds. Two attached guard rails ensure the child will not fall out of bed, and they make it easier for them to enter and exit the bed on their own. The frame measures 23.5 inches tall, making it short enough for most children to enter. The lightweight design weighs just over 36 pounds, so parents can easily rearrange their toddler’s room.

Three colors are available: white, gray, and dark brown. The frame also matches other items in the MySize collection, so parents can match their toddler’s bedroom furniture. Delta Children backs the MySize Wood Toddler Bed with a 90-day warranty.

Best 4-in-1 Convertible Bed

Delta Children Royal 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Delta Children mattresses

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Parents looking for an adaptable design

  2. Infants and toddlers who still need a crib

  3. Children up to 50 pounds

• Highlights

  1. Attached changing station and storage

  2. Multiple height and color options

  3. GREENGUARD Gold certified

Price

$269

The Delta Children Royal 4-in-1 Convertible Crib features a versatile design made from New Zealand pine and engineered wood. With the option to switch between a crib, a toddler bed, a daybed, and a full-size bed, this product is designed to meet your child’s needs at various stages.

The frame has three different height positions so that it can be adjusted as your child grows. It also comes with an attachable changing table, which includes a changing pad, two shelves, and two drawers.

This convertible bed is JPMA certified, meaning that the design follows ASTM safety standards. It also holds GREENGUARD Gold certification for low emissions.

With four colors to choose from, the Delta Children Royal 4-in-1 Convertible Crib is very customizable. Shoppers can also choose to pair this with other Delta Children furniture for a cohesive bedroom. The frame can hold up to 50 pounds and comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

Best Montessori-Style Bed

Harper & Bright Designs Montessori Floor Bed

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Harper & Bright Designs mattresses

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• Who it’s best for

  1. Kids who prefer sleeping close to the floor

  2. Parents looking for a toddler bed with easy setup

  3. Shoppers with tight budgets

• Highlights

  1. All-wood playhouse design is both fun and durable

  2. Quick, straightforward assembly

  3. Available in three stain colors

Price

$211

Many toddlers enjoy Montessori-style bed frames, which rest close to the floor and don’t require any climbing to get on and off the mattress. This model from Harper & Bright Designs adds playful style to the practical design. A vaulted roof and perimeter posts mimic the look of a playhouse. All components of the frame are composed of pine, a long-lasting hardwood that provides strong support for your toddler and their mattress.

You can choose from white, grey, and espresso stains for the wood. The entire frame can be assembled in minutes, and all hardware you’ll need is included with your purchase. Available in twin and full sizes, the frame is compatible with most toddler mattresses sold today. The total height is 42.5 inches, so be sure to measure the dimensions of your child’s room before purchasing the frame.

Prices for the Montessori Floor Bed vary by retailer, but most sellers offer the frame at a reasonable cost. Many also provide free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. If you order the bed through Amazon.com, you’ll receive a 30-night trial period with your purchase.

What Is a Toddler Bed?

Young children frequently transition from a crib to a toddler bed, which is smaller than a twin and lower to the ground for easy access. These beds usually use the same size mattress as cribs to make the transition to a “big kid” bed as simple as possible.

Additionally, toddler beds should have safety features to help protect young sleepers. Guardrails on both sides can help prevent falls, though many models have openings so your child can still get in and out of bed without help.

Safety should be the primary concern of any parent. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards are intended to reduce risks by establishing guidelines on small pieces, the size of openings, and the quality of materials used to limit the chances of choking, entrapment, and exposure to toxic materials. Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification verifies that a product meets ASTM standards and applicable laws.

Some toddler beds are convertible or customizable to suit your family’s needs. They may include additional storage, attachable changing tables, or the option to convert the bed into different furniture pieces. With a wide array of colors and styles on the market, there’s also something to complement virtually any decor.

Since toddler beds allow children to be more autonomous, it is essential to prepare for the transition. Ensuring your child’s bedroom is safe by securing furniture, using plug protectors, keeping cords out of reach, and eliminating potential hazards can help prevent injuries. Consult your pediatrician to determine whether your child is ready for a toddler bed and prepare an individualized plan for transitioning.

How to Choose a Toddler Bed

Finding the perfect toddler bed for your child can be challenging. With so much to consider, it can be difficult to determine what is most important. To help you find the right toddler bed for your family, we will outline key factors to examine before making a purchase.

What to Look For in a Toddler Bed

Safety is the primary aspect shoppers should consider when searching for a toddler bed. However, many other criteria also contribute to what is ideal for your family.

Bed Size
Toddler beds are smaller and shorter than twin size beds. They typically use the same size mattress as a crib for an easier adjustment. The smaller size of these beds can help children feel more comfortable, and the low height can allow them to access their beds independently while limiting the possibility of serious falls.

Quality Materials
Beds made of quality materials can help promote a safer night’s rest for your child. Frames made with low-quality materials may be less stable and could contain potentially harmful substances. While quality materials often cost more upfront, they may enhance the safety and durability of the bed.

Safety
Safety is paramount when searching for a toddler bed. As such, many models have enhanced safety features, such as guardrails and low profiles to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. Toddler beds should also follow established safety standards, like CPSC and ASTM guidelines, to limit potential hazards.

Versatility
Many toddler beds have versatile designs that allow parents or caretakers to adjust the bed to fit specific needs. Some common design elements include height adjustments, the ability to convert to a crib or a daybed, and built-in storage. These special features may cost more, but they can be immensely valuable as your child’s needs change throughout their growth.

Style
While safety should always be the first concern when selecting a bed for your toddler, certain styles can also enhance the look of the room and make your child’s bed feel special. With so many models on the market, shoppers can choose from countless materials, colors, and designs to find a style that suits their preferences.

Price
The price of toddler beds can vary widely. Factors such as versatile designs, quality materials, and customizability may increase the price. Shoppers can generally expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for a quality toddler bed.

Ease of Assembly
Buyers are often responsible for assembling their new toddler beds. The more intricate a design, the more complicated it may be to construct. While most companies aim to produce a product that is straightforward and simple to put together, ease of assembly may be useful to assess when comparing options.

When to Transition Your Child From a Crib to a Toddler Bed

Each child is different when it comes to reaching milestones, including transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed. Most experts recommend making the switch when your child is around 3 feet tall or attempts to climb out of their crib. Typically, this occurs by the time the child is 3 years old, though each child varies. However, experts typically advise that children should be at least 18 months old before making the switch. A pediatrician can give you individualized advice for when to make the transition based on your child.

While many children are excited to move to a “big kid” bed, going from a crib to a toddler bed can come with challenges. To ensure safety and establish a routine, experts recommend taking the following steps:

Make sure your child’s bedroom is safe. It is important to clear away any toys or furniture that could cause injuries if your child falls or gets out of bed. Installing childproof latches on drawers or chests can also prevent your toddler from climbing on them.

Create rituals to establish a bedtime routine. A simple routine, such as reading a bedtime story or singing a song, can help set the expectation of sleep and signal to your child when it is time for bed.

Encourage your child to stay in bed. When your child can get in and out of bed on their own, it may be more challenging to get them to remain in their room throughout the night. Setting the expectation to remain in bed until morning and rewarding your child for doing so can help reinforce this habit.

Avoid rewarding getting out of bed during the night. While it may be difficult, try not to encourage bedroom breakouts. Simple actions, such as letting your child get in bed with you or stay up later, can inadvertently reward them for leaving their bedroom. Instead, encourage them to remain in bed until morning.