A sound sleep at night plays an essential role to health and wellbeing, especially for kids as it boosts immune system, enhances memory, improves mental health, regulates metabolism, and maintain healthy weight. Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a notable milestone that marks the advancement of a child from the confines of infancy to the more independent stage of early childhood. Toddler beds are important for children’s development, comfort, and safety. Toddler beds are smaller and lower than regular beds, which makes them easier for young children to access and use. Some of the benefits of toddler beds are:
- Help children transition from a crib to a bigger bed, as they are more familiar and cozier than a regular bed.
- Promote independence and self-confidence, as children can get in and out of bed by themselves and choose their own bedding and toys.
- Reduce the risk of falling and injury, as they are closer to the ground and have safety rails or enclosed frames.
- Make bedtime more fun and enjoyable, as they feature various shapes, colors, and themes that can spark children’s imagination and creativity.
At what age is it ideal for kids to make the exciting move to toddler beds?
Since every child is different, there is no set age for when it is best to switch your child from a crib to a toddler bed, but most children are ready between 18 months and 3 years old. The exact time depends on your child’s readiness and preference. Moving from a crib to a toddler bed can be a substantial change for your children, but there are some ways to make the transition easier for both of you:
- They can climb out of their crib, or their chest is above the rail when they stand up.
- They express a desire for a new bed or show interest in their siblings’ or friends’ beds.
- They have outgrown their crib or need more space to move and sleep comfortably.
- Involve your child in choosing their new bed, mattress, bedding, and decorations for their room.
- Make their new bed safe and comfortable, with a guard rail or a pool noodle under the fitted sheet to prevent them from falling out.
- Keep the same bedtime routine and schedule that your child had in their crib and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to stay in their bed and sleep through the night.
- If your child gets out of bed, calmly and firmly escort them back to their bed and remind them that it is bedtime.
When they become too large for a toddler bed between the ages of five and seven years and will then transition to an ordinary bed.
How to help your child adjust to sleeping in a toddler bed?
The journey from infancy to early childhood marks various developmental milestones, and one significant transition that parents encounter is moving their little ones from cribs to toddler beds. By understanding your child's readiness, choosing an appropriate bed, and creating a positive sleep environment, you can make this transition a smooth and exciting experience for both you and your toddler. Moving from a crib to a toddler bed can be a big change for your child, but there are some ways to help them adjust to their new sleeping environment:
- Maintain the same bedtime routine and schedule that your child had in their crib to help them adjust to their new bed.
- Use a sticker chart, a reward system, or positive reinforcement to encourage your child to stay in their bed and sleep through the night.
- Make sure the new bed and mattress meet the safety standards and fit snugly in the frame or on the floor.
- Make them feel more excited and prouder of their new sleeping space.
These tips can help you and your child make the transition from a crib to a bed more smoothly and successfully.
How can I choose the right bed and mattress for my child?
When selecting a toddler bed, safety and comfort should be top priorities. Opt for a low-to-the-ground bed with guardrails to prevent falls. Ensure that the bed meets safety standards and is free from any potential hazards. Toddler beds often come in various playful designs, allowing you to choose one that resonates with your child's interests and makes the transition more exciting. Choosing the right bed and mattress for your child is a crucial decision that can affect their sleep quality, health, and development. There are several factors to consider when shopping for a bed and mattress for your child, such as:
- Choose a toddler bed and mattress that fit your child’s current and future needs. A toddler bed can be used until your child is about 5 years old or outgrows it.
- Choose a toddler bed that offers enough support and comfort for your child’s sleeping position and body weight.
- Choose a bed and mattress that fit your budget and offer fair value for money. The price of a bed and mattress can vary depending on the size, type, quality, and brand. Look for discounts, coupons, and free shipping offers from online retailers to save money.
- Choose a toddler bed make it easier for your child to get in and out of bed.
How to Make Your Child’s Toddler Bed More Fun and Comfortable?
To ease the transition, maintain a familiar sleep environment. Use your child's favorite bedding and pillows to make the toddler bed feel comfortable and inviting. Making your child’s toddler bed more fun and cozier can be a delightful project that adds comfort and sparks joy in their bedtime routine. Here are some creative ideas to make the transition to their bed more fun and comfortable:
- Engage your child in the process by letting them choose their bedding or pick out special stuffed animals to accompany them during bedtime.
- Choose bedding with your child’s favorite characters or themes. Whether it is superheroes, princesses, animals, or space exploration, themed bedding can make bedtime exciting.
- Install soft, warm lighting such as fairy lights or a nightlight projector that casts stars or underwater scenes onto the ceiling.
- Provide a variety of pillows in different shapes and sizes for extra comfort (Consider fun shapes like stars, hearts, or animals).
- Decorate the walls around the bed with cheerful art, decals, or a mural that complements the bed’s theme.
- Choose decorations or items they love to make the space truly theirs.
The Best Toddler Beds for Kids to Transition from a Crib
1.Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed
Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed is made from wood and featuring classic, stylish while making it durable for years of use. It provides more stability with six legs instead of four and with lower to the ground making it easier for your toddler to get in and out. During sleep, they also will not get hurt if they roll out.
Pros
- Available in several different finishes
- Budget-friendly
- provides extra stability
- durable for years
- has two rails each side of the bed,
2. KidKraft Houston Wooden Toddler Bed
Made from engineered wood, KidKraft Houston Wooden Toddler Bed sits low to the ground and is designed to fit crib mattresses. It also has two rails, one on each side of the bed. It provides four distinct colors to choose from.
Pros
- budget-friendly and adorable.
- available in four different colors
- features two short rails, one on each side of the bed
- designed to fit crib mattresses
3. Delta Children Plastic Toddler Bed
If your toddler loves Minnie and Mickey, it will be a perfect choice. The Minnie style bed features a sweet fuchsia color while the Mickey style bed has bold blue and yellow details. They are . There is option of purchasing the bed alone or buying the bed and mattress altogether. The beds have guard rails on each side and also sit low to the ground.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Fun design for Mickey and Minnie fans
- Mattress and bed can be bought together
- made from plastic and metal construction
- have guard rails on each side
4. Walsport Children Toddler Bed
Walsport Children Toddler Bed are made from pine wood, and it also can be used as a playhouse when your toddler is not sleeping or during daytime. There is also no chance of rolling out of bed and injuring themselves.
Pros
- Made from natural pine wood
- Close to the ground
- can be used as a playhouse
- no chance of rolling out of bed
5. Rail Child Craft Forever Eclectic Hampton Pine Toddler Bed
Rail Child Craft Forever Eclectic Hampton Pine Toddler Bed looks like an adorable miniature version of a standard bed. There are choose four types of classic, stylish toddler bed to choose from. It is made from sturdy pine wood and has two side rails for safety.
Pros
- Built-in guard rails
- miniature version of a standard bed
- miniature version of a standard bed
- Stylish finish
- made from sturdy pine wood
- has two side rails for safety
When Buying a Toddler Bed, Parents should make sure that it is just like a standard toddler bed which sits low to the ground, has a railing usually. Safety, durability, comfort, price, functionality and style- these factors also play key roles when you are considering to buy a toddler bed for your kid. The best toddler beds fit perfectly in the nursery when your toddler is ready to move from the crib to a new, less restrictive sleeping place. They make your little one feels safe and cozy as they were in the crib with more freedom and fewer guardrails.