Once your child can climb out of their crib, it’s time for a toddler bed. The best toddler beds make the transition from a crib to a kid bed seamless, due to their low profile and snug feel—while at the same time providing some freedom for growing tots. Our top pick overall is Pottery Barn Kids’ Toddler Shelter Bed because of its smooth lines, Greenguard Gold Certification and chic look. The best affordable option is the under-$140 Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed, which features four rails and a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification.
The best toddler beds are low to the ground and offer tots a balance of security and freedom.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
Unlike adult beds, there are features unique to toddler beds that can help inform you of their quality, such as guardrails and the ability to transition from a crib. You also want to look for models with appropriate dimensions to accommodate either a toddler or crib mattress, a weight limit of 50 pounds or more and, of course, any safety certifications.
After extensively researching bestsellers on the market, speaking with pediatricians, and relying on our editors’ expertise and firsthand parenting experience, we selected the 10 best toddler beds for your child’s nursery—from those strictly for the toddler years to ones that can support them through their teens.
Dimensions: 31.5 x 57 x 26 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Greenguard Gold–certified
High rails at both ends
Curved (not sharp) edges
Cons:
The Shelter toddler bed has so many things going for it. For starters, this bed has soothing, curved lines so your little one doesn’t catch their PJs on the rail while climbing in at night. It also has high rails at both ends, creating the feel of a snug cocoon. This bed is crafted from poplar wood, birch veneers, plywood and an engineered wood for a sturdy frame that can withstand toddler life. It’s also hand-finished in layers and topped with a child-safe lacquer that doesn’t easily chip. Plus, it’s certified Greenguard Gold to keep your indoor air healthy. Lastly—not that it matters to your toddler—the Shelter looks chic and works with nearly every decor.
What the parents say: One parent who owns several pieces of Pottery Barn Kids furniture shares that they’re “definitely worth the money,” noting, “[Our child] is almost 3 and everything has held up exceptionally. … It’s such a solid piece of wood, I don’t think it’s going anywhere.”
Walmart
Dream On Me Austin Toddler Day Bed
Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Very simple to assemble
Rails on four sides
JPMA certified
Cons:
Rails can help your toddler feel like they’re still in a crib-like setting—and lower their chances of winding up on the floor in the middle of the night. The Dream On Me Austin bed has rails on all four sides, with a removable half safety rail on the front for your little one to climb in and out. Made of pinewood, this bed is constructed to be durable. It also includes wooden mattress rails for extra support, and it’s JPMA certified. Currently priced at well under $150, this bed is one of the biggest values out there.
What the parents say: “Easy to assemble,” shares an Amazon reviewer. “I did it alone in about 15 minutes–could have been less if my kids weren’t trying to ‘help.’ So adorable, basically the most darling piece of furniture in our home. It seems sturdy; my kids … have climbed and bounced all over it, and it’s still standing.”
Modern Nursery
Dadada Muse Toddler Bed
Dimensions: 31.3 x 55 x 18 inches | Weight limit: 110 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Dual rails
Sleek and sturdy
Rails are removable
Cons:
Railing may be too low with a high-loft mattress
Odds are high that your child doesn’t care about décor, but this toddler bed looks cool no matter your age. The Muse features dual rails to keep your child secure, along with angled legs for a mid-century modern vibe. The bed has an low profile, so your little one shouldn’t stress about being too high off the ground. The rails are removable, and the bed holds up to 110 pounds, so this bed could hold them for many years to come (or until they’re too tall). It comes with a year-long warranty and fits a standard crib mattress. Choose from white or gray finishes, with natural wood accents.
What the parents say: “Thrilled to find this sleek toddler bed after many, many hours spent looking for one that would fit the aesthetic of my son’s room,” one parent writes. “My son is an active sleeper so I knew he would just fall out of bed nightly. It looks great and was easy to assemble. Most importantly, it is sturdy and the rails keep him in bed. We transitioned to this bed at 15 months as my son grew too tall for his mini crib, and it’s been a great success.”
Editor’s Pick
Babyletto
Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib With Toddler Rail
Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 54 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Conversion kit included
Converts from crib to toddler bed to daybed
Affordable, given potential years of use
Cons:
Finish may scratch over time
Screw heads are not covered
The Babyletto Hudson has been one of the most recommended cribs among parents—Forbes Vetted editors included—for years. With a sturdy pine frame and modern vibe, it seamlessly melds into pretty most any bedroom décor (it’s available in nine finishes) at an affordable price. The Hudson works as both a crib with four adjustable mattress positions and a toddler bed with the help of an included toddler rail, making it ideal for kids from birth to 4 years old.
As a toddler bed, the Hudson is low to the ground, making it easy for little ones to climb in and out. It also has a generous guardrail to prevent late-night rolling onto the floor. Once your child feels a little more confident, the guardrail can be removed to create a daybed, meaning this crib is really three beds in one. I have converted my Hudson from a crib to a toddler bed twice, and it still feels incredibly solid. Bonus: It’s also Greenguard Gold–certified for chemical safety.
Sustainable
Dimensions: 42.6 x 77.5 x 79.4 inches | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Rails: No
Pros:
Fun design
Available with or without trundle
Comes in twin and full sizes
Cons:
If you’re open to spending a little more, West Elm’s Tent Bed gives your child a cool bed with add-ons that they can use for years. While it’s not technically a toddler bed, the Story Tent Bed has a fun design that’s exciting for many kids. It comes with the option of a twin or full frame, so your child can technically sleep on it until they go off to college. This bed comes with the option of a trundle that can be opened and used as a safety mat if your child tends to roll; while there’s no rail, the trundle has an extended lip to keep kids in place.
This bed is made from kiln-dried poplar wood that’s Greenguard Gold certified and made to last. It’s made in a Fair Trade certified factory as well. Given that this is taller than most, it’s probably best reserved for older toddlers or parents comfortable with using temporary toddler bed rails.
Dimensions: 54.5 x 29 x 21.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Rails on all sides
Can detach to convert into kids’ chairs
Low to the ground
Cons:
Owners say the last two screws can be tough to secure
Want your child to feel like they’re basically still in their crib? The Costzon is here for it. This toddler bed is pretty much all rails, with the exception of an opening on each side that your little one can climb through. This might make it ideal for those younger tots already hopping out of their cribs, but not truly ready for that big-kid bed feel. The bed is low to the ground, providing a feeling of safety. It comes in a brown or white finish and—this is genius—the sleeper can be detached to form two kids’ chairs once your child graduates to a bigger bed.
What the parents say: One reviewer notes, “We love this design because of the limited opening in the middle. Our child has not fallen out of bed once. Its symmetrical design allows you to keep it wide against the wall to maximize space in the bedroom.”
Walmart
Euroco Upholstered Race Car Bed
Dimensions: 80 x 41 x 28 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Fun design
Bumpers around all sides
Can be used beyond toddler years
Cons:
No pre-marked holes for assembly
Larger than standard toddler bed
Colorful and exciting, this bed might be just the thing to keep your tot contained and draw them out of that crib. This race car inspired pick is extra special with automotive details all around, including the headboard. The bupers, which surround three sides, are made to look like the exterior of a car. They’re also upholstered for your child’s comfort. It’s flashy and fun, but still comes with all the ideal components of a toddler bed, including being low to the ground.
What the parents say: One Walmart buyer shares, “We absolutely love this bed! Pure wood, cool design with base support—my kid named it after the Batman’s vehicle and is so excited to sleep on it every day. It’s also very easy to put together; took me less than an hour all by myself.”
Gives Back
Wayfair
Little Seeds Monarch Hill Ivy Toddler Bed
Dimensions: 27 x 29.5 x 54.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Unique look
Rails on both sides
A portion of your purchase price supports monarch butterflies
Cons:
Can be creaky when child moves
Included stickers can be hard to peel off
This sweet metal toddler bed from Little Seeds has wrought iron–inspired classic curves, including in the footboard and headboard. We love that there are rails on both sides, letting parents pick any spot within the room for bed placement instead of being limited to a particular corner or wall. It’s low and easy to climb into, too. It comes in four finishes including Grey, Gold, White and Pink (though note that the Pink is currently out of stock).
What the parents say: “This bed is the cutest,” writes a Wayfair reviewer. “Fits our crib mattress perfectly and is just low enough to the ground for my 3-year-old to climb in and out of. It is very sturdy metal as well. Love it.”
Amazon
The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rail For Toddlers
Dimensions: 48 x 7 x 4 inches | Weight limit: 300 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Inflatable
Folds up compact for storage and packing
Transforms most beds into toddler beds
Cons:
Deep sheets are needed to cover the bumpers
Supplies rail for only one side
Most hotel rooms and rental homes don’t have beds specially designed for toddlers. If your little one has outgrown a travel crib, you need a fast and easy way to create a toddler bed on the go. The Shrunks inflatable bed rail is one of the most affordable and smallest solutions if there is some sort of bed available once you get where you’re going. This inflatable blows up to create rails with grip strips that keep your child snug and secure in bed.
Shrunks rails have a low enough profile to slip under sheets, so they’re not obvious. They’re compatible with any size bed, so you could also use one to help transition a tot to a higher twin bed. Once you’re done using it, simply deflate the bed and stash it in your suitcase. If you prefer to pack their whole bed, consider the Shrunks inflatable toddler mattress, a top pick in our travel toddler bed roundup. It has slightly raised sides to keep tots from rolling out.
What the parents say: “I was using side rails before, but my daughter wanted to take them off,” writes one reviewer. “She sleeps up against the rail so I needed something. This is awesome: She is safe, it looks good, and she feels like a ‘big girl.’ It is very easy to remove and travel with, too. I took it to her cousins’ [place] for a sleepover—so convenient.”
Dimensions: 80 x 81 x 85 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes
Pros:
Ample storage
Doubles as playhouse
Keeps twins close
Cons:
Assembly may require two people
Drawers aren’t attached to the bed
This twin-bed duo has an ideal sleep spot for young twins who are not ready for separation. It takes two twin kids’ mattresses (not included), meaning your kids can use it long after they would have outgrown a toddler bed—and with an adorable mini house theme and under-bed storage for each mattress, you’re basically getting a playhouse and dresser, as well. The bed is made of pinewood and manufactured wood for a sturdy feel that doesn’t shift as your kids inevitably bounce around on it. Choose between a white or gray finish.
What the parents say: “This is an absolutely adorable solution for a shared room. Very cute and very functional,” shares one reviewer. Another parent writes, “Great-looking bed. Easy, straightforward install with two people; about two to three hours.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we have an extensive library of expertly researched guides on kids and baby gear, including the best items for your nursery.
The author of this story, Korin Miller, is a mom of four with plenty of personal experience testing and using a number of children’s beds and sleep. She’s tested the best twin mattresses for kids, and also reported on the best bunk beds and the best pack and plays.
This story was edited by Margaret Badore, our baby and kids gear editor. A toddler mom herself, she knows what little ones need when it comes to bedtime.
We consulted two pediatric medical experts to determine when to consider transitioning to a toddler bed and what features to prioritize when shopping: Douglas A. Henning, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital; and Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center.
Our team regularly reviews this piece to to confirm our picks are still in stock and relevant based on the latest offerings in the kids’ furniture market. It was last refreshed in October 2024 by kids and parenting writer Fran Sales.
How We Chose The Best Toddler Beds
We relied on the expertise of our team and firsthand input from other parents and reviewers. We consulted with experts, compared the attributes of the most popular toddler beds and considered safety and environmental certifications.
We tapped into our own product and brand expertise in the kid gear space, combined with our years of experience parenting young children.
We welcomed firsthand recommendations from other parents and evaluated reviews from real shoppers.
We incorporated insights from our conversations with our experts, Henning and Woods.
We looked at the most popular toddler beds on the market and compared aspects like features, ease of use, certifications, safety features and value, selecting a range of options suitable for different budgets, preferences and lifestyles.
What To Consider In A Toddler Bed
Toddler beds can have a lot of features you don’t usually find in beds for adults, like a petite size, the ability to transition from a crib (and back) and guardrails. Figuring out in advance what features are important to you—along with what price tag you’re comfortable with—is crucial.
Quality
You want something that doesn’t fall apart after a few months, especially considering a toddler’s energetic tendencies to roughhouse and jump around. Typically, wood is the go-to material. Keep an eye out for rough or sharp edges—your child and their clothing can get caught on them.
Size
Toddler beds are typically 50 to 60 inches long, but you may also prefer to invest in a bed that accommodates a twin mattress with features of a toddler bed, like being low to the ground or having guardrails. Ultimately, this one is up to you.
Weight Limit
Many toddler beds have a weight limit of 50 pounds or so, which limits how long you can safely use them. However, if you opt for a larger twin bed, you can find weight limits that are similar to those of adult-size beds, meaning your child’s twin bed can last much longer.
Safety And Health Certifications
Toddler beds must also be graded for children aged 15 months and up, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Toddler beds also have certain requirements for paint composition to ensure safety, per the CPSC.
You might also see toddler beds with a Greenguard Gold certification, which lets you know that the bed’s materials don’t off-gas harmful chemicals that can lower indoor air quality. Some also have a JPMA certification—the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association is an industry group that offers advocacy and also additional safety testing for members’ products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is There A Difference Between A Toddler Bed And A Twin Bed?
There is a difference between a toddler bed and a twin bed, but whether one is better than the other depends on a few factors, says Ashanti Woods, M.D., a pediatrician at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center. “Toddlers often appreciate a transition to a new space of any kind, regardless of [whether] it’s a toddler bed or a normal bed,” Woods says.
However, “many children appreciate being in somewhat of a familiar-sized sleeping environment.” As a result, “a normal bed, if much larger than the crib mattress, may pose a threatening environment to some toddlers,” he says. In other words, the small size of a toddler bed may make the transition from crib to bed a bit easier.
When Should My Child Switch From A Crib To A Toddler Bed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends transitioning your child to a toddler bed once they can climb out of her crib. According to Douglas A. Henning, M.D., a pediatrician at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, this might happen anytime from between 18 months and 3 years old. If your toddler is potty trained, prioritize looking for a toddler bed with a low height to make it easy for them to get in and out. That way, “a toddler can independently get out to use the potty overnight or first thing in the morning,” Woods says. Suddenly plopping your kid into a bed without the restraints of crib rails, however, almost always presents some challenges. Woods recommends toddler beds with rails to help keep your child from rolling off the bed and ease the transition from a secure crib.
Before transitioning to a toddler bed, your child should be able to sleep on their own without any help from you or your partner, as well as have some self-soothing skills, Henning says. “A good bedtime routine should already be established in the crib before you even think of moving to a toddler bed,” he adds.
Does My Toddler Need A Special Mattress?
The best mattress for your toddler depends on your child’s needs; generally, you’ll choose between a crib mattress and a toddler mattress. A crib mattress is designed to be firm to keep a baby from sinking in and suffocating. A toddler mattress can be a little softer, but generally, a medium-firm one is a good bet. If you want to keep things consistent, you’re fine to use a mattress with the “same firmness as a crib mattress,” Woods says. Keep in mind that some crib mattresses have the option to flip it over from the extra-firm infant side to a slightly less firm toddler side.
Make sure whichever mattress you choose fits snugly into the toddler bed frame to avoid any trapped fingers and other entrapment issues or injuries. You may also want to invest in a waterproof cover or mattress as this age group is right when potty training begins.
