Toddler Bed Safety: 8 Things to Consider Before you Buy

Making the move from a cot to a toddler bed is a big milestone for both you and your little one. It’s important that your toddler gets a good night’s sleep in their new bed, but their safety will of course be paramount. So what do you need to consider when shopping for a new toddler bed? It is not only the colour, design and aesthetics that you need to take into consideration to ensure your new toddler bed fits in with your room decor but more importantly here are some of the main safety features to bear in mind:

1. Guardrails

Guard rails are important to make sure that your child doesn’t roll out of bed whilst they’re asleep. Some beds have rails all the way around, like our Lark bed below, whereas others may only have them on one side. The right option for you will depend on the configuration of your room, such as whether the bed will be against a wall, for example.

Lark Toddler Bed in White

Many toddler beds also have detachable safety rails. This means that your new bed will last longer as they can be removed when your child is old enough not to need them. Similarly, you can purchase mobile guard rails separately from the bed itself. These slide underneath the mattress and are then fixed in place. As they’re not part of the actual bed, they have the advantage of being movable. You can easily take them with you on holidays or sleepovers at grandparents for example.

Sherbert Starter Bed with Detachable Safety Rail

2. Low to the Ground

Guard rails may stop your child having any night-time tumbles while asleep, but having a bed that’s low to the ground minimises the risk from falling at any time. A low bed makes it easier for little legs to get in and out, which is important as your child gains independence and starts to investigate their surroundings. Going one step further, a floor bed is an integral part of the Montessori method, where children are encouraged to explore and learn from their experiences. Having a bed on the floor allows them to roam freely and gain confidence as they learn and grow.

Maison House Bed

3. Non-Toxic Materials

As toddlers are still prone to chewing or putting their mouths on the bed, make sure that paints and finishes are non-toxic. You can rest assured that all beds here at Room to Grow are made this way with water based non-toxic paints and finishes.

4. Certifications

Look out for British Safety Standard BS 8509:2008+A1:2011 to ensure that your bed is compliant with the most up to date safety legislation. This means that your toddler bed meets the standards for strength, durability and general safety requirements as set out in law for children up to 4 years old. Again, you can be assured that all our beds meet this standard.

5. Sturdiness

You might have noticed that toddlers have lots of energy! Be prepared for your little one’s bed to be on the receiving end of plenty of jumping about and rough and tumble play. This means you’ll need your toddler bed to be made from high quality materials, with a secure frame that won’t wobble or collapse with use.

6. Assembly

Following on from the point above, most beds will require you to assemble them at home, and proper assembly is integral to the safety of the bed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and make sure that all screws and bolts are securely fastened. Toddler beds are generally straightforward to put together, so don’t worry too much if you’re not a flat-pack king or queen!

7. Mattress Fit

It’s important that the mattress fits snugly into the bed frame, to avoid fingers or limbs becoming trapped. Always get the mattress size that matches the bed. Our customer service team are happy to advise if you’re not sure which mattress to choose.

8. Positioning

Be aware of where you place your child’s new bed. It’s important that things like blind cords and power cables are out of reach, as they present a choking hazard. Likewise, as your little one starts to explore, make sure that any furniture is secured and can’t topple over.

We hope you’ve found these tips useful in making your decision on the best bed for your toddler. In summary, you’ll want to look for a low bed that has guard rails, and is made from good quality materials, usually wood rather than metal. Double check that it’s got the right certifications, and make sure that it’s positioned safely in the room. Be patient when assembling it at home, so that it’s done correctly, or get extra help if needed.

Choosing your little one’s first ‘big bed’ is an exciting time! Consider all of the above and your little sleepy-head will be snoozing in no time, allowing you and your little one to sleep safe and sound.