ParentlistToddler Bed
Low bed with side rails for the move out of the crib.
- Priority
- Nice to have
- Ages
- 18 months-5 years
- Category
- Sleep & Nursery
When you need it
Most kids move to a toddler bed sometime from around 18 months to 3 years, often when they start climbing out of the crib or a new sibling needs the crib. It typically lasts until around age 4 or 5, when a twin bed takes over.
What to look for
Choose a low bed with guardrails on both sides, so any tumble is short and gentle. Many take a standard crib mattress, which lets you reuse the one you already have; check for gaps between mattress and frame where a child could get stuck. Make sure it meets your country's safety standard and feels sturdy, since toddlers will bounce and climb. Before the switch, anchor nearby furniture and do a safety sweep of the room, because a toddler in a bed can now get up and roam.
Toddler Bed: common questions
- Do I need a toddler bed?
- Not necessarily. Many convertible cribs turn into toddler beds, and some families go straight to a twin bed with a rail or a mattress on the floor. A separate toddler bed is useful if your crib doesn't convert or you need the crib for a younger sibling.
- When does a baby need a toddler bed?
- A toddler needs a bed when they start climbing out of the crib or are ready for more independence, usually between 18 months and 3 years.
Ages
- 18 Month Old essentials (18-24 months)
- 2 Year Old essentials (2-3 years)
- 3-5 Year Old essentials (3-5 years)
On these checklists
Momblet
Something calm for kids and parents, from the people behind Parentlist. Join the waitlist and we'll tell you when it's ready.