What To Look For When Buying A Toddler's Bed?

If your little one is ready to make the move to a toddler bed, it's important that you know what to look for. A toddler bed is a great stepping stone for your child in their transition to a regular-sized single bed. But it’s important to know what to look for when buying a kids bed.

That’s why we’ve put together this list, with everything you need to know about purchasing the perfect bed and functional kids' bedroom furniture

What age does a child move from crib to bed?

The general consensus is that children are ready to move from a crib to a bed between 2 and 3 years of age. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, of course; it can be a little earlier or a little later, depending on how comfortable the parents feel, as well as the height of the toddler. But it’s important for parents to have peace of mind and confidence in their new child’s bed!

What’s the difference between a toddler’s bed and a normal bed?

A toddler bed is both shorter and narrower than a standard single bed. A toddler bed usually measures roughly 140cm long and 70cm wide… because your little one doesn’t really need any more space than that! If you are space planning, keep in mind that the toddler bed frame may jut out a little longer or wider than this. 

On the other hand, a standard single bed measures 190cm long and 90cm wide, which is just a little too big for a toddler. A standard bed is usually too high and allows too much space for tossing and turning throughout the night. That increases the risk of your child falling from the bed, and can also affect their sleep.

This is why a toddler bed is a great tool to use when transitioning your child from a crib.

Features to look for when buying a toddler’s bed 

There are a number of toddler bed features to keep in mind when picking the right one. If you select a bed that has most of these features, or even all of them, it’s a great result!

1. Safety Features

The most important thing is obviously the safety and well-being of your child. Therefore, you should always prioritise the safety features of a toddler bed when browsing. Guardrails are an important feature of a child's safety bed. They should be sturdy so that your toddler doesn’t accidentally fall out of the bed when sleeping or playing. And quality guardrails are even more important if you elect to go with a kids bunk bed.

The height of a toddler bed is also a really important consideration when it comes to safety. The ideal bed should be lower to the ground so that if your little one does take a tumble, they won’t fall far. A low-height toddler bed also makes it easier for your child to climb into, if need be. A toddler floor bed is a great example of a safer sleep training bed.

If you’re looking for a safe bed that sits comfortably upon the floor, our Tipi Junior Childs Bed may just be the perfect fit.

2. Materials

Toddler beds are most commonly made from timber or timber products, such as pine and laminated or lacquered MDF. It’s important to choose a bed that is made from durable materials, that will stand the test of time… and the test of your toddler!

Materials will also play a part in your toddler room decor. Certain colours or types of timber will work better than others. At Homeline Furniture, we have a wide selection of toddler beds, in many different colours and materials. There’s something to suit every aesthetic and requirement.

3. Certifications

Simply choosing any old toddler bed may put your little one at risk. This is why it’s important to look for certifications and warranties. It’s best to ask your furniture supplier what certifications come with the bed, in terms of security for your child, as well as guarantees if something breaks.

4. Country Of Origin

The country of origin may determine the size and quality of your toddler bed. For instance, a toddler bed made in Ireland needs to meet certain standards. On the other hand, if the bed is imported from overseas, it may not meet the same quality or safety standards. Do ensure that you’re only purchasing a toddler bed made in a country with stringent manufacturing standards so that your toddler is safe and comfortable at all times.

5. Design

The design of your new toddler’s bed is important for a number of reasons, not just safety. The design should fit neatly into your toddler’s existing bedroom. For example, any over-the-top designs with large headboards or extended sides may not fit into a smaller space. On top of that, if you already have an existing aesthetic in mind, you should consider choosing a bed for your toddler that makes use of similar materials, colours, and shades.

There are plenty of ways to keep it fun for your toddler, too. For instance, our Dallas White House Bed comes with a roof and slatted base. Your little one will be able to play house until the cows come home!

6. Comfort

If you’d prefer your toddler to sleep through the night (and who wouldn’t!), comfort is essential. A comfortable mattress will go a long way towards better sleep for your child, which is also important for their growth and development. An uncomfortable bed for kids will cause all sorts of problems, from poor sleep to potential musculoskeletal issues. Therefore, the comfort of your child’s single bed is of the utmost importance. When it comes to firmness, a medium-firm mattress is better for toddlers.

7. Durability

Ideally, your children’s bed should last a good few years, until they are big enough for a regular-sized single bed. That’s why a durable toddler bed is a must. Unfortunately, some are made better than others, so it’s essential that you do your due diligence and choose a bed that is well-built and will stand the test of time… and the test of your toddler!

When selecting a durable bed, you should consider what materials it is made from. For example, solid pine is a great option, as it is very sturdy and will last a long time. MDF board is another durable material, though you should make sure the bed is correctly assembled so that there are no loose joints.

8. Functionality

A kids bed with storage is one example of how your toddler bed can be more functional. Adding draws beneath the bed provides plenty of storage space for toys, books, or other items that need to be tucked away each night. This helps keep your child's bedroom tidy and also removes the risk of tripping over a well-placed toy during the night. 

Looking for a functional bed with drawers, for your child? Our Kiddy White Toddler Bed should do the trick.

9. Price Point

Last of all, the price point needs to be considered. A toddler bed shouldn’t break the bank. But at the same time, it’s important to avoid cheap beds for kids, for all the points we mentioned above. A cheaper bed might compromise on safety, may well be less likely to last, and can affect your toddler’s quality of sleep… which should be avoided at all costs.

Choosing the best toddler bed with Homeline Furniture

Still searching for the perfect toddler bed for your little one? At Homeline Furniture, we have an extensive range of high-quality kid's single beds. If you are looking for the best place to buy a toddler bed online, we’re here for you.

Take a look at our range of toddler beds right here.