Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends was first introduced in 1945. Since then, The Railway Series written by Rev. W. Awdry has continued to delight children with over 100 published titles. Today, one of the most popular children's television shows appearing on PBS features Thomas and his friends as well, as the beloved little engine and many of his friends encounter one adventure after another on the Island of Sodor.
Why Use a Toddler Bed?
As with any well-known and well-liked TV character, the popularity of Thomas has found a home in many products, including the Thomas the Train toddler bed. Toddler beds have gained favor among many parents over the last decade, chiefly because they ease a toddler's transition from a crib to a full-size bed. Why should you purchase a toddler bed for your little one?
* Toddler beds are lower to ground, which makes them easier to get into and out of.
* If your child happens to topple out of the bed, the fall isn't very far or very traumatic.
* Toddler beds provide a sense of comfort. Switching into a big bed from the confines of a baby bed can be intimating, but toddler beds are often just the right size.
* Toddler beds come in a variety of colors, and there are many that feature popular children's characters. This is especially important as you attempt to coax your child out of his crib and into a bed each night.
Thomas the Train Toddler Bed Features
Many toddlers love trains.
What makes the Thomas the Train toddler bed so special? This bed is one of many certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA. JPMA is recognized as an "organization dedicated to enhancing children’s product safety." Its colorful appearance and sturdy structure make it a favorite among kids and parents. Features include the following:
* Construction-The bed is manufactured by Little Tykes, so you know it's sturdy and virtually indestructible. This not only means it will last through your child's toddlerhood, but it also means you can probably resell it if you choose to do so once your child has moved on to a full-size bed. Its construction is basically the familiar molded plastic that most of Little Tykes' other toys, playhouses, and beds are built from.
* Design-This isn't just a bed. It's a play place and storage unit, too. The bed features tracks that are molded into the side rail, providing a perfect place for children to run their cars or toy trains along. The headboard features a storage shelf, which is great for holding small toys. At the front of the bed is a lidded, storage area that can hold collectibles, books, toys, etc. Its bright blue coloring and happy "Thomas" face give the bed such an inviting look that children may beg to go to sleep even before bedtime!
* Age recommendation-As with most toddler beds, the Thomas bed is recommended for children ages two to four years old.
* Pricing-The price runs anywhere from around $270 to a little over $300. As you shop, however, take the shipping and handling price into account as well. Because Little Tykes products seem to last forever, you may be able to find a gently used bed at consignment shops, consignment sales or at an online auction site like eBay or in the classified section of your newspaper.
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If you child loves Thomas then having a Thomas The Train toddler bed will make bedtime a great end to the day. Your little boy (or girl) will love to go up to bed to go in his own train - how exciting!
Great fun, a great place to sleep and a happy way to move from a cot to a toddler bed.
There is quite a choice of Thomas beds to choose from and here's a selection of just a few to give you ideas on what wonderful products are available to make bed time a good time!
A Thomas The Train toddler bed with it's own play tracks!
toddler bedtime tipsLittle Tikes produce a lovely Thomas toddler bed currently advertised for around $280.
It's bright, colourful (made of plastic) and even has little tracks on top of the bedsides so that your son can play with his trains on HIS own train. A fantastic idea and one which your child would surely love.
It's roof acts as a storage area for soft toys and other bits and bobs. There is another useful storage area at the foot of the bed.
One point to note is that not all stores sell this bed with a support base and mattress so you need to check this carefully when you buy it.
If you buy it without the support base or mattress then it should fit a standard sized crib mattress and you will need to either use the crib base support or your own plywood or other suitable material.
The dimensions for this great bed are:
70" long, 34.5" wide and 41.75" high
Thomas Toddler bed with underbed storage!
Another great Thomas Train bed is by Worlds Apart and is selling for around $190. This has a MDF head, footer and side panels with a tubular steel frame.
It comes with a side detachable table with a cup holder (very handy - avoid those spills!) and book store.
AND it has two fabric storage drawers that fit under the bed and are closed with a zip. It also has built in bed sides at the top end. This does not automatically come with a mattress so you will probably need to buy this separately, or you may be able to use your cot mattress.
The dimensions for this lovely bed are:
147cm long,74cm wide x 54cm high
Or A Thomas Bed Canopy
Although not strictly a toddler bed, if you want to go for a cheaper option for around $50 you can make your own Thomas The Train bed by fitting a Thomas four post canopy over a standard sized single bed.
You would need to use separate bed rails for safety to fit under the mattress of the bed).
The Thomas The Train canopy made by Worlds Apart is recommended for children aged 3 and over. You can also purchase a matching headboard with an inflatable inner part covered with a machine washable cover (also from Worlds Apart).
Extra Thomas Treats!
If you want to match your Thomas bed with other Thomas products, the choice is huge. There are so many treats on offer, including:
* a toy box with 2 seats
* a shelf unit
* a hanging unit with storage sections
* a fold away chair
* a cosy chair
* a Go Glow light
* table and 2 stools
* and much, much more!
Having a Thomas The Train toddler bed will add fun, excitement and laughter to your bedtime routine, making bedtime a good time for everyone!
12 years ago
