The 13 Best Toddler Beds for Your Big Kid

• Best overall toddler bed: Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed
• Best toddler bed with rails: Dream on Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
• Best budget toddler bed: Orbelle Toddler Bed
• Best loft toddler bed: Donco Twin Art Play Junior Low Loft Bed
• Best toddler bed for active sleepers: Big Oshi Contemporary Design Toddler Bed
• Best princess toddler bed: Delta Children Princess Crown Wood Toddler Bed
• Best car toddler bed: Delta Children Grand Prix Race Car Toddler-to-Twin Bed
• Best character toddler bed: Delta Children Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Bed
• Best wooden toddler bed: Costzon Toddler Bed
• Best travel toddler bed: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers
• Best modern toddler bed: Karla Dubois Bodhi Toddler Bed
• Best toddler bed with storage: Dream on Me Toddler Day Bed
• Best tent toddler bed: Delta Children Mickey Mouse Toddler Tent Bed

Whether you’re shopping for a toddler bed to accommodate an active 18-month-old or you need to free up the crib for a new baby, deciding on the best bed for your little one requires time, patience, and some serious sleuth work.

But all this research and shopping can be a bit daunting. That’s why we did the work for you! After combing through multiple sites and reading reviews, we rounded up some of the top toddler beds in various categories.

Ultimately, the toddler bed that works best for you will fit your budget, space, and taste. Here, we go over the right time to transition to a toddler bed, our picks, and how we chose.

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to go shopping:

• Your toddler is climbing out of the crib.
• They don’t really fit in the crib.
• The size and comfort of the crib is impacting their sleep.
• You’re expecting another baby and need the crib for this new addition.
• They’re potty training and need easy access to get in and out of bed

The right time to transition to a toddler bed involves your toddler’s size, since if they’re tall enough to climb out of the crib, there are safety issues at play.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends moving your child to a bed when they’re 35 inches (in.), or 89 centimeters (cm) tall, or when the height of the side rail is at approximately at their nipple height.

The good news is most toddler beds are designed to sit lower to the floor, making it easier (and safer) for your little one to climb in and out of bed. They also come equipped with safety measures like rails.

To make this roundup of the best toddler beds, we considered:

• durability
• comfort
• price
• functionality
• style

And, of course, safety is important. Look for beds that carry the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification.

We also considered customer reviews posted on reputable websites. All of these beds received rave reviews and high ratings from consumers.

A word about pricing

Toddler bed prices vary by brand and material. On average, you can buy a decent toddler bed for under $100. Some of the higher quality or solid wood beds run closer to $150 to $200. Shop around and compare different brands.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $100
• $$ = $100–$150
• $$$ = over $150

Best overall toddler bed

Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: 56.25 in. deep (D) x 29 in. wide (W) x 24.50 in. high (H); holds up to 50 pounds (lbs.); full-size crib mattress
• Pros: can purchase with or without mattress; low to the ground for easy in and out; classic design
• Cons: rails might be too short for taller toddlers; assembly is tedious and takes over an hour

Rated as one of the best toddler beds on the market, the Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed is simple, safe, and affordable.

Parents love this bed because it looks good and it’s sturdy. Kids like it because it is the perfect bed to transition from a crib to a full-size frame.

Plus, it comes in four colors — white, grey, cherry, and dark chocolate — so it’s easy to coordinate with other bedroom furniture and color combinations. This bed carries the JPMA sticker.

Best toddler bed with rails

Dream On Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: 56 in. long (L) x 29 in. W x 28 in. H; holds up to 50 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: solid wood; comes in over 10 colors; bed converts to table and chairs
• Cons: pricey; time-consuming to assemble

Safety is the number one feature of the Dream On Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible bed. Available in ten colors, including white, espresso, green, blue, and pink, this solid wood toddler bed comes with four rails that encompass most of the bed.

But the best part? When your little one is done with the bed, you can convert it to a table and two chairs or into a sofa and table. The 3-in-1 is JPMA certified and meets or exceeds all applicable American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

Best budget toddler bed

Orbelle Toddler Bed

• Price: $
• Sizes: 53 in. L x 30 in. W x 26.5 in. H; holds up to 50 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: solid wood; affordable; low/easy entry and exit
• Cons: complicated assembly process; basic design

Budget-conscious shoppers will love this high quality, solid wood toddler bed from Orbelle. Built at just the right height, the Orbelle has two side rails to keep your little one safe at night.

It comes in four colors, including dark cherry, espresso, white, and pink. The wood construction means the bed is sturdy and built to last. Overall, this bed is a nice choice for the price, and it carries the JPMA sticker.

Best loft toddler bed

Donco Twin Art Play Junior Low Loft Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: 81.7 in. L x 77.3 in. W x 38.5 in. H; holds up to 160 lbs.; twin mattress
• Pros: unique design with several features; high weight limit; extra fun with chalkboard and slide
• Cons: very expensive; requires large space for slide and stairs to extend

Ladder, slide, and bed, oh my! Active toddlers will never want to leave this loft bed from Donco. Made from sturdy pine wood and steel hardware connections, the strength, durability, and stability of this bed are spot on.

The walk-up and slide can go on either side of the bed. And your budding artist will love the chalkboard finish front panel. Although this toddler bed is a bit on the pricey side, most loft beds are more expensive because of the extra features.

Best toddler bed for active sleepers

Big Oshi Contemporary Design Toddler Bed

• Price: $
• Sizes: 53 in. L x 30 in. W x 24.6 in. H; holds up to 60 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: slightly higher weight limit than similar beds; gender-neutral design; made with high quality pine; no toxic fumes
• Cons: minimal color choices; assembly takes a few hours

If you have an active sleeper, finding a low-to-the-ground toddler bed with guardrails is essential. This pick from Big Oshi is built from solid wood and is the right height to meet safety requirements for lively little ones.

It comes with two side safety rails, plus a headboard and footboard, which leaves a space towards the end of the bed for your toddler to climb in and out of bed. Available in natural and white, the Big Oshi is also an excellent buy at a very affordable price. This bed carries the JPMA seal of approval.

Best princess toddler bed

Delta Children Princess Crown Wood Toddler Bed

• Price: $
• Sizes: 53.5 in. D x 30 in. W x 25 in. H; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: low profile; coordinates with other items in Princess Crown collection; affordable
• Cons: scratch and damages easily; chemical smell; may sit too low to the floor for older kids

Your little princess will love this adorable crown bed from Delta Children, which is good for ages 15 months and up. You can fit a standard-sized crib mattress in the frame, and the height makes it perfect for your toddler to get in and out on their own.

In addition to being made with super-sturdy wooden construction, this frame is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM.

Best car toddler bed

Delta Children Grand Prix Race Car Toddler-to-Twin Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: 70.49 in. D x 34.25 in. W x 21.47 in. H (toddler bed); 94.49 in. D x 45.34 in. W x 21.47 in. H (twin bed); full-size crib mattress; twin mattress
• Pros: converts from toddler to twin bed; unique and fun design; easy assembly
• Cons: pricey; made from plastic not wood

If your toddler dreams of sleeping in a race car, then give the Grand Prix Race Car Toddler-to-Twin Bed a test drive. Available in three colors — red, black, and blue — it easily transforms from a toddler bed to a twin bed using the included conversion kit.

Plus, secure guardrails and a design that allows the mattress to sit low in the bed frame make this bed a favorite among parents looking for extra safety. This bed carries the JPMA sticker.

Best character toddler bed

Delta Children Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Bed

• Price: $$
• Sizes: ‎54.53 in. L x 29.92 in. W x 18.9 in. H; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: colorful and fun design; solid wood construction; elevated sides act as guardrails
• Cons: low to the floor; instructions are difficult to follow

These paws uphold the laws! The Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Toddler Bed is designed to look just like the beloved characters, so your pup-loving kiddo will likely have fun playing and reading in this bed that fits a standard toddler crib mattress.

Parents appreciate how easy it is to assemble. And kids will enjoy looking at their favorite characters on the headboard, footboard, and sides. Plus, this animated bed is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM.

Best wooden toddler bed

Costzon Toddler Bed

• Price: $$
• Sizes: ‎53 in. L x 29 in. W x 24.5 in. H; holds up to 50 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: adequate height for storage underneath bed; classic look and design; environmentally friendly
• Cons: minor design flaws with holes not lining up for screws; assembly may require extra time

Made from solid rubber and poplar wood, the Costzon Toddler bed is a top pick among parents looking for a bed that is sturdy, reliable, and able to handle the wear and tear that comes from an active toddler.

Available in black, white, cherry, and gray, the Costzon looks great in any bedroom and the material with a nontoxic finish passed ASTM certification for safe and healthy environment.

Best travel toddler bed

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

• Price: $
• Sizes: ‎62 in. L x 39 in. W x 12 in. H; mattress included; holds up to 310 lbs.
• Pros: high maximum weight; inflates fast; extra-long bed rail bumpers; excellent customer support
• Cons: not good for daily use; needs to be inflated often

Easy to pack, comfy to sleep on, and affordable are just three of the key features of this inflatable bed. It’s also lightweight and inflates in under 30 seconds.

This travel bed is surrounded by bumpers for safety and the mattress fits all standard crib sheets and blankets. Plus, the blow-up mattress is free of BPA, phthalates, and lead. The Hiccapop comes with a travel bag for easy storage.

Best modern toddler bed

Karla Dubois Bodhi Toddler Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: 31 in. L x 55 in. W x 25.50 in. H; holds up to 250 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: soft upholstery; high weight capacity; modern design fits any bedroom
• Cons: very pricey; sides are open; not good for kids who roll out of bed

Function meets style with this modern piece of furniture from Karla Dubois. Looking more like a couch than a bed, the Bodhi Toddler Bed is made from solid wood and covered with velvet upholstery.

It comes in five colors: black, dusk blue, gray, off-white, and purple. The bed uses a full-size crib mattress and is low to the floor for easy access. This bed carries the JPMA sticker.

Best toddler bed with storage

Dream On Me Toddler Day Bed

• Price: $$$
• Sizes: ‎54.5 in. L x 29 in. W x 28.5 in. H; holds up to 50 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: large drawer for storage; sits low to the floor for easy in and out; wooden mattress support
• Cons: pricey; only available in neutral colors; assembly takes time and may require two people

While your toddler may not care about storage space, having a few drawers to stash extra sheets is a must-have feature for many parents. The Dream on Me Toddler Day bed comes with a large roomy drawer below the bed for convenient storage. The drawer has two compartments that allow you to keep everything organized.

Features also include solid wood construction, removable rails, and sturdy wooden slats for mattress support, and it sits low to the floor, making it easy for your little one to access. Plus it’s safe: This bed meets all JPMA safety standards.

Best tent toddler bed

Delta Children Mickey Mouse Toddler Tent Bed

• Price: $$
• Sizes: ‎53.94 in. L x 29.13 in. W x 37.4 in. H; holds up to 50 lbs.; full-size crib mattress
• Pros: tent has mesh windows and roll-up doors; low to the ground for easy in and out
• Cons: plastic and steel construction; tent comes apart and falls off easily

Bedtime just got a whole lot more exciting with the Mickey Mouse Toddler Tent Bed from Delta Children. With a low-to-ground design, this toddler bed is easy to access, safe, and provides your little one with a lot of fun.

The tent comes with roll-up doors and mesh windows that provide a clear view. Plus, the colorful character artwork gives your child something to look at while they drift off to sleep.

The tent sits above a sturdy toddler bed, and it is JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC and ASTM.

Shopping for a toddler bed can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. If possible, visit a store that stocks toddler beds so that you can see and feel the bed before purchasing. It also gives your little one a chance to test it out. That said, if you need to shop online, there are some things to consider before making a decision.

Safety features

Safety features like guardrails or safety railings attach to the bed to help prevent your child from falling out. A low profile is another thing to look for when shopping for a toddler bed. If your child tends to roll around a lot or you have concerns about falling out of bed, consider a bed that is lower to the ground or is fully enclosed.

Also, be on the lookout for sharp corners. Toddler beds should not have any protruding hardware that could harm little hands or feet when climbing in and out of bed.

And finally, a toddler bed should follow all established safety standards, like CPSC and JPMA certifications.

Price

Beyond safety features, cost is a critical factor to consider. That’s because toddler beds can range in price from $65 to well over $400. And more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean a better bed.

Often, beds with a higher price tag are more stylish, made from higher quality materials, and come with a fun factor like cartoon characters or tents. However, safety is typically not compromised. If budget is a priority, there are plenty of great toddler beds priced under $150.

Style, design, and materials

Toddler beds are available in various styles and designs, including cartoon characters and more modern looks. Color is another feature to consider.

Some manufacturers focus on neutral colors like white, black, and beige, while others make beds in bright colors such as pink, red, green, and blue. In general, toddler beds are made from wood, plastic, steel, and sometimes rubber.

When is it safe for a toddler to use a pillow?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping pillows out of the bed for the first year after birth. However, they do not state the age at which sleeping with a pillow is safe beyond 12 months old.

Do doctors recommend pillows for toddlers?

Toddlers don’t need a pillow to sleep on. In general, doctors recommend a safe toddler bed that a child can get in and out of, and you can add guardrails to prevent falls.

Additionally, the mattress should fit the frame, so there are no gaps. It’s always best to ask your pediatrician what they suggest for your child’s sleep environment.

How much does a toddler bed cost?

Toddler beds range in price from $65 to over $400. Most beds don’t include the cost of the mattress in the total price.

How can I make my toddler’s bed more comfortable?

Creating a safe sleep environment that is also comfortable is a goal for many parents transitioning their child from a crib to a toddler bed. If the mattress is old or has lost its shape, consider purchasing a new one.

You can also flip it to the toddler side if you have a two-stage crib and toddler mattress. The toddler side is softer than the crib side. Another option is rotating the mattress, so your child’s head is now where their feet were when in the crib.

Also, bedding is key. Involve your toddler in the process of choosing a new set of sheets. You can also consider adding a small pillow if your child is old enough or you have approval from the pediatrician.

Why are there toddler bed standards?

Federal law requires that all toddler beds comply with standards set forth by the CPSC. These standards can help minimize the risk of asphyxiation or a child getting trapped between guardrails, side rails, or bed-end structures.

According to the CPSC, standard toddler beds are designed for children who are least 15 months old and weigh at most 50 lbs. Once your child hits that weight limit, it might be time to transition to a bigger bed.

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a big change for you and your little one. As you shop for a new bed, consider safety, price, function, durability, comfort, and of course, style.

Depending on your toddler’s age, they may be able to weigh in on the final decision — especially if it includes choosing the color or type of character. Involving them in the process can help make the transition to a big kid bed that much smoother.