What size is a toddler bed?
What style of toddler bed is most functional?
When do I know my child is ready for a toddler bed?
These are questions that may be going through your mind when your child’s days in the crib are numbered. We’ll walk you through the standard size for a toddler bed as well as various styles and functionality.
What is the Standard Size of a Toddler Bed?
Toddler beds are designed specifically for little people, which is a great way to transition into a “big kid” bed before leaping from a crib to a twin bed. Especially if you have a climber, moving out of the crib may be necessary due to safety.
However, a toddler bed is small enough to still make your little one feel comfortable in their new sleeping space. Toddler beds are not only smaller in size, but they are typically lower to the ground and easy for toddlers to get in and out of.
Toddler bed frames can vary in size due to style, material, and manufacturer.
However, the most common toddler bed size is approximately 54″-56″ long by 29″ wide. Toddler beds typically all fit the same standard size mattress, which is 52×28 inches.
If that size sounds familiar, that’s because it’s the same size that fits inside a standard crib. Essentially toddlers need the same sleeping space that a crib provides, just without the full containment.
If you’re deciding between a toddler bed and going straight to a twin-size bed, there is a difference of about 20″ in length and 10″ in width. Typical twin beds run around 75″x38″. The space you have available in your child’s bedroom may also play a factor.
What Styles of Toddler Beds Are There?
Convertible Crib
Many cribs are “convertible cribs” that are designed to grow with your child throughout all of the various stages. Starting as a crib, converting to a toddler bed, and oftentimes even then converting further into a daybed, and then full-size bed. Typically once your child is out of the crib stage the bed swaps out the main side rail to convert to a toddler bed. Oftentimes the crib kit comes with a toddler rail that is put in its place to maintain a sense of enclosure. The same mattress can be used since you are not changing the actual size of the bed.
Once you’re ready for a full bed, an additional converter kit with hardware and a new mattress will need to be purchased. If you’re designing a child’s bedroom around this piece of furniture, a convertible crib is a great way to maintain consistency in decor. Typically they may be on the pricier side, but you are making an investment in 3 to 4 beds, which we think is a great way to go.
Here are three examples of convertible cribs from our best cribs list and their corresponding sizes:
DaVinci Charlie 4-in-1 Convertible Crib – 54″x29″
Delta Children Heartland 4-in-1 Convertible Crib – 54″x29″
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib– 56″x29″
Wooden Toddler Bed
Choosing a specific toddler bed is a great option if you’re crib is not convertible, or if you have a new baby that will be taking your toddler’s place in the crib. Most toddler beds are designed with half rails on the side, so you don’t have to worry about your child rolling out in the middle of the night. Wooden bed frames are sturdy, beautiful, and can be chosen to go with any room decor.
Typically lower to the ground than a standard bed, Toddler beds have everything you need to keep your little one safe as they move out of the crib. Frame sizes will vary based on the manufacturer, but most accommodate that standard crib size mattress.
Here are three examples of wooden toddler beds with their corresponding sizes:
Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed – 56″x29″
Dream on Me Hudson 3 in 1 Convertible Toddler Bed – 57″x29″
Delta Children MySize Toddler Bed – 55.75″x30.25″
Plastic Toddler Bed
Plastic bedframes are also a popular way to go when choosing toddler beds. Most plastic frames have kid-friendly designs, which can make the transition into a new bed an exciting one. Built to last, the heavy-duty plastic can withstand rough toddlers and is easy to clean.
Many Plastic Toddler Beds are designed to have the mattress sit low to the ground. Some are even extendable, allowing you to start with a standard size crib mattress, and then move to a standard size twin mattress when your child is ready, eliminating the need to purchase another new bed once they grow.
Here are four examples of plastic toddler beds with corresponding sizes:
DC Comics Batmobile Car Toddler Bed – 54″x29″
Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed, Disney Princess – 53″x29″
Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Sleep and Play Toddler Bed– 54.5″x29.5″
Delta Children Grand Prix Race Car Toddler and Twin Bed – 68″x34″
Floor Bed
Floor beds are a popular Montessori-inspired sleeping option for children. Because they are literally placed on the floor children do not have to worry about any bars or rails preventing them from independently getting in and out of bed and freely exploring their space. This is an especially great option if you are transitioning a very young toddler out of their crib.
Many parents enjoy the clean lines and minimalistic feel that comes with a Montessori-inspired floor bed. Generally, you find them most often in a twin bed size. However, there are options that suit a Toddler bed with a standard crib mattress.
Here are two examples of floor beds with corresponding sizes:
South Shore Sweedi Toddler Bed – 54″x30″
House Bed Frame Toddler Bed – 52.5″x27.5″
When to Move Your Child to a Toddler Bed
There are many factors that come into play when deciding it’s the right time to move your child into a toddler bed. Before making the transition, limit the number of toys in a bedroom. When it’s time for bed you don’t want your kids tempted to get out and play. Now that they will have a newfound sense of freedom, expect a learning curve when it comes to staying in bed.
When Crib Safety Becomes an Issue
Usually one of the biggest factors that come into play is if your child is starting to climb in and out of their crib. For safety purposes, you might need to move them so that they do not fall and get hurt.
RELATED: The Best Toddler Bed Rails
When You Want Easier Access In and Out of Bed
If you’ve started to potty train at night, you want to make sure that your child can easily and comfortably get themselves out of bed and to the bathroom. Make sure that their bedroom is child-proofed. If they do get out of bed at night, you’re not worried about what they may get into.
When the Crib Becomes Inconvenient
There are many reasons why a crib can be inconvenient. My son always wanted his back rubbed as he drifted off to sleep, but after the mattress was lowered and I was pregnant with my daughter, it was not only uncomfortable but nearly impossible to lean over the crib and rub his little back. Perhaps there’s a new sibling that is ready to move into the crib. There are a number of reasons why it is logical to begin the transition into a toddler bed.
When You Sense Your Child is Ready
Sometimes your child will just let you know that they are ready for a “big kid” bed. Whether they want to be like older siblings, or they just feel ready as they mature. Follow your parent gut when it comes to deciding when it’s time to move to a toddler bed.
FAQ’s About Toddler Beds
Should You Use Your Crib Mattress in a Toddler Bed or Purchase a New One?
Even though a standard-size crib mattress is what fits into a toddler bed, there are a few factors to take into consideration. Mostly, it just depends on what shape your crib mattress is in. If you’ve used it for multiple years with multiple children, it might be time for a new one. How often have they leaked through their diaper overnight? Do they spend hours at nap and bedtime jumping in the crib and wearing down the support a mattress offers? If so, it might be time to buy a new one.
Is There a Weight Limit for Toddler Beds?
This will vary depending on the manufacturer. You can anticipate a weight limit for toddler beds, but not for floor bed options. Because toddler beds are smaller and designed specifically for toddlers, you may find that they outgrow the height prior to the weight limit. If you have kids who bedshare, or you want to lay down with your child in their bed, moving right to a twin bed might make more sense. Toddler beds are typically low to the ground, which makes it easy to lay down next to them and still be able to comfort them.
How Long Do Kids Stay in a Toddler Bed?
This will again depend on your child’s size. On average you can move your child into a toddler bed around 15 months. However, many families choose to wait until 2-3 years old. Typically you can anticipate using a toddler bed until around 5-6 years of age, or until your child has outgrown the size. One day you might put your little one to bed and notice that their head and feet are already reaching both ends of the bed. If they’re beginning to feel cramped, or have reached the recommended weight limit, then it’s time to move into a bigger bed. You should get a couple of year’s worth of use out of a toddler bed before it’s time to transition to the next convertible option or purchase a new bed.
Wrap Up
Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a big transition. It’s definitely an indication that your little one is no longer a baby. Whether working with specific size spaces in a bedroom or wanting to provide your toddler with a smaller and cozy sleep space, a toddler bed is a great option.
You will find that the most common toddler bed size is approximately 54″-56″ long by 29″ wide. Toddler beds almost always accommodate a standard-size crib mattress.
Depending on your style or room design, there is a toddler bed for every situation! You can go with classic, beautiful, and clean lines, or give your child a bed to match their favorite character or show. Whatever route you choose, we hope your little one drifts off to sweet dreams in their new toddler bed.
