How To Choose A Toddler Bed

by Audrey Lai

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.

Look for crib transition tips or get a promo code to qualify for a discount at http://www.babycrib-toddlerbed.com when you buy a toddler bed or a twin bed at a major online retailer.

Article Source: How To Choose A Toddler Bed

Should You Get Your Child A Toddler Bed Or A Twin Bed?

by Audrey Lai

When your toddler reaches a certain height, it is always prudent to transition him or her from the crib to a bed. This is because of the high risk of your toddler falling, climbing or jumping out of the crib.

However, many parents also find difficult to decide if they should let their child graduate straight to a twin bed or should they start with a toddler bed. If you are wondering what you should do, consider the following factors when you make your decision.

Readiness

Not every child finds it easy to move from the crib to a bed. Some go through the transition without a fuss while others would put up a fight to keep their crib. If your toddler shows signs that he or she is reluctant to move to a big bed, then you might like to start with a toddler bed first. This is because a toddler bed is small and feels snug compared to a twin or full-sized bed. Furthermore, there are many cute toddler bed designs that appeal to kids of that age group. This may go a long way in helping your child to make the transition.

Independence

You have to bear in mind that an adult bed is higher from the ground. If your toddler has not reached a height or developed the ability to get on and off a twin bed on his or her own, you would be better off with a toddler bed. Such a bed is low to the ground and a toddler can easily get on and off it without much difficulty. If you insist on getting a twin bed, at least check the height of the mattress base from the ground. Because different beds have different heights, check this aspect before buying one for your young child.

Bed Rails

Most toddlers require a bed that is “boxed” in. This is to prevent them from rolling off the bed since they have yet to develop the ability to stay within the bed boundaries while asleep. Toddler beds come with built in bed rails that keep them safe and secure. If you do decide to get a twin bed instead of a toddler bed for your child, then you would need to buy the bed rails separately. However, you would then need to do additional research on this item as not all bed rails are the same when it comes to quality and safety level.

Practicality

Most parents are reluctant to buy a toddler bed because of the short-term nature of its use. Usually, toddler beds can only be used until your child reaches the age of five or fifty pounds in weight. Bearing that in mind, you would have to evaluate the physical size of your child when you make your purchase decision. If you suspect that your child would quickly outgrow a toddler bed, then you might like to buy an adult bed instead. Otherwise, you would have to buy another bed sooner than you expect.

In summary, whether you decide to buy a toddler bed or a twin bed, always be aware of safety issues. Different kids develop at a different pace and as a parent, you would be the best judge of the type of bed most suitable for your little one.

Get a promo code to qualify for a discount at http://www.babycrib-toddlerbed.com when you buy a toddler bed or a twin bed at a major online retailer.

Article Source: Should You Get Your Child A Toddler Bed Or A Twin Bed?