A toddler bed should be able to support a growing body and also survive the occasional “rough play” toddlers love to do. A lot of choices are available and choosing the best is certainly a challenge. But, with this checklist, you can easily pick a bed perfect for your precious angel.

Choose A Style

Start shopping for a toddler bed by visiting your local toy and furniture stores. You can choose from a single, twin or full-sized toddler bed. There are many style and color options available so choose which one suits your toddler and his bedroom best. Do you want a standard shaped bed or you prefer a contemporary bed (e.g. beds in the shape of race cars, football or fire trucks)? Do you prefer a toddler bed made from wood or steel? Whatever style you choose, make sure your toddler can use the bed for many years.

Look For Safety Features

A toddler bed should be low to the ground. This will make it easier for your toddler to get up and down from his bed. Since your little one is still perfecting his balance, a bed that is low to the ground decreases the chances of your toddler to get hurt in case he falls off.

Opt for a toddler bed that comes with safety rails or guard rails. Transitioning from a crib to a bed will take some getting used to and having safety rails attached to the toddler bed prevents your toddler from falling out of the bed in the middle of the night. Look for detachable rails so you can simply remove them as your toddler gets older.

Make Sure It Is Multipurpose

It is much better to buy a toddler bed that comes with built-in drawers especially if your toddler’s room is small. The drawers give you and your toddler extra storage for storing extra blankets, pillows, clothes, his treasured toys and other knickknacks.

Buy A Quality Mattress

Once you have chosen a bed, look for a mattress. A durable mattress will keep toddlers comfortable. Go for an innerspring mattress with a box spring to provide ample support for your little sleeper. Make sure that it is firm enough to support young growing bones yet snug enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Check The Product

Make sure you check the bed before buying to ensure it is in excellent condition. The guard rails should be adjustable so you can set it higher or lower and must be 2 3/8 inches apart. See to it that all the parts work smoothly and fit together securely. Go over the toddler bed and keep your eyes open for sharp and cracked parts and loose-fitting connections that could squeeze little fingers. Test the stability of the bed by giving it a good shake. It should be strong and stable and not fall apart after a few wiggles.

Making the move from crib to a bed can be a hard transition for toddlers. Help your toddler feel more at ease so he can welcome this change with open arms by buying a toddler bed that is safe, fun and durable.

Switching from a crib to a toddler bed is a momentous milestone in your toddler’s life. It is a period of adjustment so expect mixed feelings of excitement, happiness and anxiousness. Keep the following tips in mind to make the move as smooth as possible.

Spotting The Signs of Readiness

You know your toddler is ready for that big change when:

• He is tall enough (approximately 36 inches tall) and is able to stand in his crib.
• He becomes an escape artist – constantly climbs in and out of the crib.
• He knows how to use the toilet or when he is potty trained.
• He shows an interest in beds more than his crib.

How You Can Make The Change Easy

Right Timing Is Everything

Change is never easy to accept especially when it comes to children who thrive on consistency. Just like any transition (e.g. potty training or sleeping in their own room), timing is important. Make the change at a time your toddler is calm and happy. Never introduce this idea while he is coping with something – a new baby, an illness or a new skill perhaps. Take it slow. Time, try and test it so there is plenty of time for adjustment.

Talk To Him About It

Do not just set up the bed and take out the crib and expect your little one to be thrilled. Remember, the crib served as his place of comfort and security during the first 3 years of his life and he might not be willing to give it up just yet. Casually bring up the topic at a time he is relaxed - during his playtime, when you feed him or at night before putting him to sleep. Tell him that he is becoming such a big boy and that big boys need a special bed.

Let Him Choose His Bed and Bedding

The transition will be easier for your little one if you get a toddler bed and a bedcover that he likes. Visit furniture stores together so he can check out his options. For instance, if he has a fascination for trucks, get him a toddler bed that looks like a truck and a bed sheet, pillowcase and blanket with trucks printed on them. The more involved your toddler is in the mechanics of the transition, the more likely he is to cooperate and handle the move well. Once he sees his new things, he will probably be giddy and impatient to jump in his new bed.

Keep His Crib Visible

Keep his crib in his room for the mean time. This will help your toddler adjust better. Do not position his new bed the same spot where his crib is. Instead, place his bed in the opposite corner. In this way, your toddler will be comforted with the crib’s presence even if he is sleeping in his new bed. This also gives him the option of which bed he wants to sleep in during nap time and bedtime.

Introduce It At Nap Time

If your toddler is still reluctant to sleep in his new bed, it would be best to introduce it during his nap time when light is present so he can survey his surroundings. This allows him to be acquainted with the strange object and once he is comfortable with it, he will start sleeping in it at night voluntarily.

Place Old Comfort Objects In The Bed

Keep anything that he uses for comfort like a teddy bear or a special pillow he sleeps with in his crib. This creates a feeling of familiarity and security so your toddler will not feel overwhelmed with the change.

Do not worry if the transition does not go well at first. This is a big step in his life. Be patient and support your toddler.

Transitioning from a crib to a bed is one electrifying experience for your toddler. That is why choosing the perfect mattress is very important. However, this can be a daunting task. When selecting a toddler mattress, make these 2 factors your top priority – quality and fit. Here are useful tips to help you select the best mattress for your child.

Measure The Size

Before deciding on a mattress, measure your toddler’s bedroom first. Consider how much space your toddler will need (e.g. play and study area, closet, dresser, etc.). If your toddler’s room is quite big, a full-size or regular mattress is perfect. For smaller rooms, a twin-sized mattress is recommended as this will not cramp up his room giving him ample space. After which, proceed to measure his bed’s length and width with a measuring tape.

If you want your 3 year old toddler to use his mattress until he reaches the age of 10, then it is suggested you buy a mattress that is a few feet taller than your toddler’s height to accommodate growth over the years.

Determine Which Type of Mattress Suits Your Child

Air Mattress

An air mattress is inflatable. And because this type of mattress is very resilient, it is often referred to as a water mattress. Air mattresses are made from PVC vinyl plastic which can be deflated, rolled up, carried, folded or stowed when not in use. This mattress is best for toddlers who suffer back pains. Since you can easily regulate its firmness, you get to personalize it so it can accommodate your toddler’s shape, size and weight to give back relief.

Innerspring Mattress

Wire coils are used as the support structure making them heavier than other mattresses. An innerspring mattress has a strong border wire connected to the edge of the coils. The border wire holds the coils which helps decrease sagging and preserve shape. Its edges are supported with specially shaped springs which averts roll-out and edge breakdown. The upholstery is detached from the innerspring structure by a tough padding, netting layer and an insulator that prevents the upholstery from dropping into the coils.

Latex

Latex mattresses are made from healthy, natural materials which helps take care of your toddler’s sensitive skin. If you want to be Eco-friendly, then this is the perfect product to buy. Latex mattresses are hypoallergenic and contain anti-dust and anti-bacterial qualities. They have a very dense surface making it firm but flexible at the same time ensuring your toddler a good night’s sleep.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are the sturdiest mattresses to date. They are covered with a foam layer inside that is designed to protect the mattress from sagging. A memory foam mattress is affordable as compared to other types of mattresses. It is over 5 pounds thick and gives the support your toddler’s body requires especially in his lumbar section.

Do A Test Drive

Always test out the mattress before you make a final decision. Have your toddler lie down on several different mattresses to test the comfort level. The mattress should be firm enough to sustain your toddler’s body while at the same time plush enough so your toddler’s body can comfortably sleep in it.

Lastly, always check the mattress’s label. Some mattresses contain toxic chemicals which your toddler can inhale.

Your toddler’s safety is your number one priority. By installing toddler bed rails into his bed, you ensure your toddler is secure helping you sleep soundly during the night. Here are some tips to help you choose the best risk-free toddler bed rails:

Select Your Preferred Type of Bed Rails

There are 3 different types of bed rails. The following are:

Grip Bed Rails

Known as stationary or transfer bed rails, a grip bed rail forms an L shape which can be easily attached and detached under the mattress. It has a handle which aids your little one in getting in and out of the bed. Most often, these rails come with latches for added protection especially during night time when your toddler tends to move a lot.

Safety Bed Rails

Also known as security bed rails, this type of toddler bed rail has a length the same size of a regular bed. You can choose between a one or two sided adjustable rail. These safety rails have an L shape that easily slips beneath the mattress on each side of the bed. This makes it easy for your toddler to go in and out of his bed especially when he needs to use the toilet. While at the same time, its adjustable feature is designed for parents to safely keep their toddler in bed when unattended.

Travel Bed Rails

Classified as portable bed rails, these rails are very handy when the family goes on a trip. It involves lesser set-up time than a grip or security bed rail. They are also L-shaped but with straps that can go around the bed spring of most hotel beds and other irregular beds ensuring a tight fit.

Get The Correct Size

A good toddler bed rail must be at least 5 to 10 inches above the top of the mattress. A bed rail that is of the same height with your toddler’s mattress is useless since your toddler can easily go in and out of his bed or worse, he might fall off.

Prioritize Quality Over Style

While a lot of bed rails these days come in different colors, designs and shapes, not all of them provide security for your toddler. Your safest choice is to go for toddler bed rails made from wood. They are firm, sturdy and harmless to your toddler.

Examine Its Construction

A toddler bed rail needs to be strong yet safe for your toddler at the same time. Stay away from rails made from very hard wood since this can cause bruises and severe head injuries especially during this time when your toddler tends to get restless and he likes banging his head on the rails. The rails must also be made from child-friendly materials. Always check the manufacturer’s label to make sure that there are no chemical products present which can irritate his delicate skin.

Look For Extra Features

Look for these 3 toddler bed rail features – padding, to help protect your toddler’s head from injuries (e.g. if he accidentally slips and hits his head in the rail or if he likes to bang his head with hard objects). Compartments and pockets for storing some of his favorite toys and books so he can conveniently reach them.  Built in music (lullaby) and night light, the night light keeps his anxiousness at bay and the music will help him go back to sleep when he wakes up in the middle of the night.