How to Choose a Toddler Bed

Many parents rush out to buy a toddler bed based solely on the cuteness or cartoon character painted on the bed. While buying a toddler bed is to entice our kids to move from the crib, cuteness should not be the sole deciding factor either. This is because not all toddler beds which are cute are durable and can withstand the average active toddler.

Apart from cuteness, some parents also prefer to settle for a cheap toddler bed due to its temporary nature before the move to a full-sized bed. Bear in mind that what you pay is what you get at times. Many parents have ended up complaining that these cheap beds are not sturdy enough to support the weight of their toddler.

So, how do you choose a toddler bed? To help you make your decision, you can try considering the following factors.

Sturdiness

A toddler is bound to end up bouncing and jumping on the bed, unless you are stern enough to discipline them not to do so. Most toddlers certainly do not reach 50 pounds, which is the maximum recommended weight for almost all toddler beds. But if you have an active toddler who would bounce on the bed, make sure the bed that you are going to buy can withstand that kind of pressure.

Many families also have more than one child and you would have to factor in that combined weight of all of them on the toddler bed, especially if they are close in age. The other factor that you should think about is whether you would end up sitting on the toddler bed yourself to read or play with your child.

The above situations might cause the toddler bed’s frame or mattress base to bend or simply snap if it is flimsy and poorly made. Of course, it makes little sense to invest too much on a toddler bed but when you do choose one, you have to consider how active your toddler is and how many will end up on the bed. Otherwise, it would only cost you more money to buy another bed later on if you settle for a less sturdy one now and it breaks.

Bed Rails

All toddler beds come with bed rails but the difference lies in the width and height of the rails. Some kids have no problems with narrower bed rails while others will still roll off the bed through the gap between the end of the rail and the footboard. It all depends on how much your toddler moves about when sleeping and you would need to consider this aspect when you buy a bed.

You also need to be aware that some bed rails can be low in height and if you have a thick crib mattress, the top of the mattress may come up to about the same height or just slightly less than the top of the rails. Therefore, your toddler still has the risk of falling off the bed due to the rails being too low to keep him or her safely within its boundaries.

So, when you choose a toddler bed, consider the width and height of the bed rails and if you can, how they are attached to the bed. Again, flimsy ones can easily break or become detached from the bed with one kick by your toddler.

Ease Of Assembly

Most toddler beds come in parts and you would have to do the assembly. If you are not good at putting things together, get a toddler bed that is less complicated and easier to assemble. Of course, one wouldn’t know whether a piece of furniture is easy to put together until it is delivered. One way you can minimize this risk is to do a little homework and read reviews by other buyers.

Most popular toddler beds have many buyer reviews in a variety of websites. It is up to you to search for them online before you make your purchase. If you see a bed that you like and it has both good and poor ratings, then look at the review dates. Some toddler beds may have poor ratings three or four years ago but later reviews may be more favorable, which may reduce the risk of a poor quality bed.

Conclusion

In summary, do not buy a toddler bed simply because it is cute. Consider other practical aspects as well so that you do not end up wasting your money in the long run. If you shop for a toddler bed with safety and sturdiness in mind apart from cuteness, you would be less likely to regret your purchase later on.