A bed is probably the most important item to complete a child’s room. Like every parent, you want to make the best choice there is to create a cozy and safe environment for your little one. But where to start?
A lot of things can influence your choice of bed, such as safety, room space, storage needs, aesthetics, etc.
For example, a toddler bed can leave more space to play in the bedroom, but implies an additional transition later on, from a toddler to a twin bed.
A twin bed, on the other hand, can be intimidating for little ones because it's taller and bigger, but it will allow for shared sleeping, or co-sleeping, and there's enough space to encourage cuddling for a bedtime story.
The right first bed for your toddler will be the one that meets your needs and fit your reality.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Bed for Your Child
Think about safety features:
a bed with a bed guard or side rail is preferred as it prevents a fall during the night.
Think about the room layout:
you might want to adapt your choice depending on how much space you have in the room. You can optimize storage and declutter a room by using the space under the bed, or place the bed close to the floor for a more streamlined effect.
Think about design and style:
a bed can and should be an aesthetic item as much as it is a practical one.
Think about the height and width of the bed:
a bed with a bed guard or side rail is preferred as it prevents a fall during the night.
What Size of Bed is Right for a Child/Toddler?
There are two bed sizes available on the market for children, which are toddler beds and twin beds. They both have pros and cons, so it is important to take everything into account so you can make an informed choice.
Toddler Beds
Toddler beds are smaller and usually at floor level. They usually come in fun design and most of them have a safety rail, which is a must for toddlers at a young age. Their smaller size makes them less intimidating for young children when it comes to transitioning from a crib, and they also happen to have the same dimensions, so you probably can keep the crib mattress and use it for a little longer. Toddler beds also leave more space for playing and they are less expensive than a twin bed, so you can avoid another important expense, at least for now.
However, it is important to keep in mind that a toddler bed can be worth it, but will never replace a twin bed. You will eventually have to buy one anyway as your child will outgrow the bed.
Apart from the size, toddler beds also have a lower weight limit than twin bed, and can make co-sleeping and cuddling impossible. Storytime is a precious bonding moment to create and have with a child, so if you go the toddler bed route, make sure you find an alternative to make it happen somehow outside of the bed!