How to Choose a Toddler Bed

Transitioning to a toddler bed is a really important part of your child’s early life – and it can be a big step! Therefore, choosing the best bed is imperative to help your little one settle, feel comfortable, and get a peaceful night’s sleep. Here, we’ve collated our top tips that you should consider when buying your toddler’s first bed.

Safety

When choosing the right bed for your toddler, safety ultimately comes first. It’s important that the bed is stable and low to the ground, to avoid any incidents of falling in the night. Make sure to also prioritise quality– you’ll need durable hardwearing frames that can handle any of your toddler’s rough handling over time.

Next up, timing is everything. It is important to ensure your child is ready for their larger toddlers bed so that they sleep safely and soundly overnight, as they will be more accustomed to an enclosed cot. The ‘right’ age for this transition can range from anywhere between 18 months and 3 years old. One measure for this is to let your child take the lead, as they may ask for a ‘big bed’ if they’re expressing an interest and feeling ready.

If your toddler is safe, then you’ll feel secure too. This will positively impact both of your night’s sleep as you won’t be kept awake worrying or be tempted to check-in on them multiple times throughout the night.

Security

Security is also a big factor to consider. Make sure to choose a toddler bed without gaps at the edges, as these can pose a risk to a small child. The transition from an enclosed cot can leave your toddler feeling exposed, so a quality bed with raised side panel is ideal for giving your toddler (and you!) that extra security.

The  Bloc Starter Bed is a great example of a secure bed, with a removable safety guard rail and low-to-floor fitted design. Quality wooden or metal frames and bases will also help to keep your toddler safe and sound at night.

Storage

Is your child’s bedroom easily cluttered with toys? Make sure to pick a bed that doubles up as a storage space!

A bed that you can neatly house books, toys, bedding and clothes will make life a little easier. Like the multifunctional Lark toddler bed, that allows cupboard, drawers and shelving space. Not only does this save space in the bedroom, it also saves on tidying up time and, as your toddler gets older, can positively influence them to keep an organised space.

Plus, keeping a tidy room is a fantastic life skill for toddlers to develop, as organised surroundings are much more comfortable, safe, and can help give parents peace of mind - the clutter is under control! This will also foster a sense of responsibility for your child to look after their space.

Longevity

When choosing a first toddler bed, select an item that’s durable, good quality, and will last. This purchase may be more of an investment, so find a bed that can adapt to your toddler’s needs as they continue to grow. It may also be important for you to think of sustainability, using furniture to its full potential and long-term use is always better for the planet.

For example, many of the beds we create at Room To Grow are adaptable; they have removable safety features, such as rails and guards. This means that even when your toddler keeps growing, their bed can be altered to suit their requirements, allowing you to take full advantage of the two-year guarantee offered on all beds.

Plus, to ensure reliability in your toddler bed choice, also check out the review ratings for a quick check of other buyer’s experiences with the product.

Fun!

Last but not at all least, imagine if bedtime could be fun for your toddler… For many parents, putting their toddler to bed is tricky, and this is totally normal. However, getting your child engaged in their night-time routine is a valuable lesson for their early-years development. So how can you do this?

A colourful, creative, or quirky bed can make going to sleep much more interesting for a toddler. For example, providing bedding in their favourite colour or tucking in their beloved teddy alongside them. This instantly establishes their bedroom as a personal and safe space that can be an exciting and fun place to be. Squashing any night-time fears with a fun bed will also help limit the number of times your little one sneaks out of bed into your room.

The Room To Grow Adobe toddler bed is a brilliant example of a playful bed, which inspires adventure and imagination, both necessary for your child’s growth. Interactive features such as the window cut-outs provide a quirky touch, great for day-time play. Importantly, boosting creativity through a fun bed will help a toddler’s development, and make bedtime enjoyable through the positive association. Note that a bed offers more than just a sleep-space, it can be a place for imaginative play and socialising with little friends, so finding one which your toddler really connects with and loves is vital!

We hope you found this top tips round-up useful! Join with our community and share pics of your toddlers rooms on our Facebook and Instagram feeds: @roomtgrowbeds

You can also use our interactive bed finder tool on our website to help you in your search, finding out which bed is best suited to your little one and their needs.