When you start looking for the best toddler bed for your child you’ll see that you have a lot of choice in style, material and budgets. See the tips below to help you make an informed choice to find the perfect bed that your child will love!
Budget
Toddler beds greatly vary in price. You can pick up a second hand cheaply (see Cheap Toddler Beds) or choose a cheap new bed. A new cheap toddler bed can cost less than $50. The most expensive toddler bed we could find was $680 and if you want something custom made then no doubt it would be more expensive.
Material
Toddler beds can be plastic or made from wood. You will need to consider what look you prefer, though this may depend on the style that you and your toddler are after. If you are buying a wooden bed check that they are finished with a lead-free, non-toxic paint.
The material will affect the bed's sturdiness. Most toddlers love to dance or jump on their bed at some point so you need to check how sturdy the bed is.
This could be difficult to do if you are ordering online and if you can inspect the bed in a shop or factory outlet then do so vigorously!
Toddler bed rails
Some toddler beds come with in-built toddler bed rails, some are detachable and some won't have any at all though may have slightly raised sides. You can buy bed rails separately and fit them under the mattress.
This has the advantage of having the option to remove them when your child is old enough not to need them, simply doesn't want them or you can transfer them when they move onto a standard sized single bed.
Mattress
Generally your crib or cob mattress should fit the toddler bed but it would be wise to check this with the manufacturer. When you buy a toddler bed they often come with a mattress or they are an optional extra.
Putting the bed together
Some toddler beds come ready assembled, others need putting together. Are you happy to do this? Generally this should be straight forward and you only require basic tools.
Follow the instructions exactly and if you are buying the bed as a present, be sure to order it in time to make it up!
Storage
Is storage important to you? Some toddler beds come with very handy storage drawers. From experience, so many toys and clothes and bit and bobs come with having children and more storage, neat and tidy under the bed, can be a handy bonus.
The best toddler bed for your family needs to tick as many boxes as possible both for you and your child.
Décor
If décor and room coordination is important to you (there is an interior designer in all of us!) then be aware that most toddler beds come with a variety of finishes.
Toddler beds can also come as part of a co-ordinated furniture set and optional extras such as a chair, desk and drawers may be available.
Height
Most toddler beds are designed to be low to the ground so that your child can easily get in and out of bed, but the heights do vary. The best toddler bed for your child needs to be low to the ground and always needs to be safe.
You will need to check and compare the heights, especially if your child is small or not yet adapt at climbing in and out of bed - though they will soon learn this handy trick!
Size
Toddler beds are great fun and because of the character or theme of the bed they can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Before you buy that perfect car or truck bed, do check the size so that you know you will be able to use the bed for some time to come.
It would be a shame to buy the best toddler bed perfect for your child only to find that he outgrows it after a few months.
Style
This is the fun part! There are so many styles to choose from. Feast your eyes on what is available on the many online toddler bed websites and let your imagination take over. You will know what your child likes, be it Spiderman, Thomas the Tank Engine, Disney Princess, Fairies or any other theme.
Select the beds that your child would find fun and exciting and one that fits your criteria. You could print pictures of your selection and then show the selected few to your child.
We would not recommend sitting your child on your lap in front of the computer to see the full range of toddler beds. The choice could be overwhelming, and his choice of the best toddler bed for himself may not fit in with your criteria!
You may prefer to choose a plain wooden bed and personalize the bed with toddler bedding. Plain beds can be in a natural plain finish or painted.
This could provide both a special bed for your toddler and create a calm atmosphere ready for sleep. You know your child best and will know what style of bed would suit his personality.
If you are planning to use the same bed for a younger sibling then a plainer option could avoid arguments at a later date. You could then personalise the bed with his own toddler bedding.
The best toddler bed should be exciting for your child and one which you like too. It needs to meet your criteria and you want to be 100% happy with your choice. Most importantly, you want your toddler bedtime to be happy, your child to go to his bed without any problems and be happy to sleep in his special bed too!
