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For parents of young kids, efficiency is no small consideration. How many burp cloths fit in the diaper bag? How streamlined is the stroller? How many to-dos can be packed into an hour-long nap? For those facing the task of furnishing a smaller nursery or sharedkids room, its importance is magnified tenfold. Enter thetoddler bed, a somewhat controversial item, largely due to the fact that many consider it a waste of money: Why purchase abed frame youll only use for a couple of years, when you could skip straight to atwin instead? But for households short on space, a bed that shares the same tidy footprint as astandard crib (and makes use of the same mattress and sheets) can be a godsend. Whats more, many parents report that theirlittle ones slept intoddler beds well past the age of five; others argue that its snug measurements, clocking in at 20 to 30 inches smaller than a twin, makes for a more soothing adjustment to abig kid bed.Of course, the decision ultimately boils down to individual needs and preferences. Many cribs includecrib-to-bedconversion kits andguard railsthat make quick work of switching between sizes. But for those withoutconvertible cribsor who dont own cribs, or may have skipped them altogetherweve listed 10 standalone beds that meet our top requirements:high quality materials; safe, smart design; and enough unquestionable cuteness to earn their keep.Shop our top picks:Best Classic Toddler Bed: PotteryBarn KidsToddler Shelter Bed, $399Best Modern Toddler Bed: Oeuf PerchToddler Bed, $590Best Minimalist Toddler Bed: Kalon Caravan DivanToddler Bed, $1,295Best Montessori-Style Toddler Bed:Sprout Montessori BirchFloor Bed, $299Most Colorful Toddler Bed: Bodhi Toddler Bed by Second Story Home, $256Browse by category1. For a classic lookPottery Barn Kids Toddler Shelter BedFor families drawn to more traditional designs, theToddler Shelter Bed fromPottery Barn Kids features a classic silhouette with rounded sides and sweet molded feet straight out of a storybook. Still, its not overly precious: Its unfussy frame and hand-applied white finish make it understated enough to match decor of all styles.SpecsDimensions: 57"L x 31.5"W x 26"HMaterials: Solid poplar wood, birch veneers, plywood, and medium density fiberboardWeight: 50 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesGreenguard Gold certifiedWest Elm Mid-Century 4-in-1 Convertible CribCribs and beds are major purchases for parents, which is why so many gravitate toward a convertible crib. With a conversion kit, you can help your baby graduate from a crib to toddler bed in just a few steps. The Acorn finish perfectly matches the brands classic Mid-Century Bed.SpecsDimensions: 55.5L x 30W x 42HMaterials: Solid and engineered wood and real wood veneerWeight: 80.5 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesGreenguard Gold certifiedMade using a child-safe, water-based finishTested to meet or exceed safety standards in the US and Canada2. For a modern lookOeuf Perch Toddler BedModern, minimal, and responsibly made, the OeufPerchToddler Bed features a birch plywood frame thats sophisticated without ceding kid-friendly character. A notable perk of its sustainable design: With itsside rail removed, it can easily be repurposed as a minidaybed.SpecsDimensions: 29.5"L x 53.5"W x 21"HMaterials: Baltic birch plywood and eco-MDFWeight: 52.7 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesGreenguard Gold certifiedMade using non-toxic, water-based finishesMeets safety standards in the US, Canada, Australia, and EuropeDream On Me Osko Convertible Toddler BedIn addition to being strongwith its frame andslats made from durableNew Zealandpine woodthis cleverDream On Me bed has a surprising trick up its sleeve: Once its ready to be retired, it can be converted from chicwood toddler bed to two child-size chairs to use for years to come. Available for under $150 onAmazon, its also a surprisingly affordable find.SpecsDimensions: 48"L x 30"W x 19"HMaterials: New Zealandpine woodWeight: 42.5 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesGreenguard Gold andJPMA certifiedMeets or exceeds ASTM andCPSC standardsFeatures foursafety rails3. For minimalistsKalon Studios Caravan Divan Toddler BedCrafted ofsolid woodin this case, sustainably sourced European ash, white oak, or walnuttheCaravan DivanToddler Bed from Los Angelesbased Kalon Studios exemplifies both top-notch quality and stunning design. And though it sports a higher price tag, its timeless profile makes it just as attractive as child-size seating once its been outgrown.SpecsDimensions: 55"L x 30"W x 19.5"HMaterials: Raw or oiled ash wood, white oak, or walnutWeight: Not providedMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesMeets safety standards in the US, Canada, Australia, and EuropeFree of toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and finished with an organic, SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certified productFerm Living Sill Junior BedThough its a bit longer than a standard UStoddler bed (see below for a note on mattress sizing), Danish brand Ferm LivingsSill Junior Bed occupies a similar scaled-down footprint and puts forth the same cozy vibe. It can also be outfitted with ahanging steel shelf for safekeeping of books or a night-lightor, for an extra dreamy twist, add FermsPatch Bed Canopy, with organic cotton walls and roll-up curtains.SpecsDimensions: 29.92"L x 65.35"W x 31.50"HMaterials: MDFWeight: 77.2 lbsMattress sizeMade in Europe, this bed fits mattresses that measure 70 cm x 160 cm. It will not fit a standard UScrib mattress, but interested US customers can purchase IKEAsUnderlig mattress for junior beds, which matches the required dimensions.Safety notesUses FSC Mix-certified MDF4. For aMontessori-style frameSprout Montessori Birch Floor BedWhen people refer toMontessori beds, theyre typically describing afloor bed that encourages independence and freedom to move with abandon. ThoughMontessori beds can take the form of something as simple as a mattress on the ground, we like this birch plywoodSprout model for itslow profile and customizable details (parents are able to vary the heights of the beds sides depending on how the bed will be positioned). The real draw, however, is its ability to be flipped: When turned upside down, it becomes a taller bed for older children. In the meantime, a generousweight limit of 250 pounds means parents can comfortably snuggle in for bedtime stories. (Its also available as atwin-size orfull-size bed.) It also comes with a removable bed guard to help prevent middle-of-the-night falls.SpecsDimensions: 54"L x 29"W x 11"HMaterials: Baltic birch plywoodWeight: Not providedMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattress (but also comes intwin- and full-size variations)Safety notesMade from sturdy Baltic birch plywood with a VOC-free, UV-cured finishComes with a removable bed guardDecimus Twin Floor Platform Bed with Fence by Harriet BeeLow to the ground and protected on all sides, this floor bed is designed for your tots safety and comfort. The mattress is not included, but the brand recommends a 6-inch thick twin. Some colors were out of stock at the time of publication, but neutrals like gray and white and a pastel pink are all up for grabs.SpecsDimensions: 79.5L x 41.8W x 17.5HMaterials: Solid pine woodWeight: 42 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard US twin mattressSafety notesMade with eco-friendly paint5. For color loversBodhi Toddler Bed by Second Story HomeUpholstered in cushy velvet, theBodhiToddler Bed offers tiny sleepers a soft place to land (literally) after a hard days play. In addition to classic neutral hueswhite, black, almond, and pebble grayit comes in a cool pink, cornflower blue, and muted lavender for a pop of color in an unexpected place. It also flaunts more than 2,000 positive reviews fromWayfair customers.SpecsDimensions: 55.5"L x 31"W x 25"HMaterials: MDF andsolid woodWeight: 68 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesCPSIA, CAL TB 116, and CAL TB 117-2013 compliantDream On Me Classic Sleigh Toddler BedA charmingly minimal take on the traditionalsleigh bed, thissolid wood framefeaturesa classic curvedheadboard andfootboard, and a pair of simpleside rails to keeplittle ones tucked in safely. As a bonus, its available in nine finishes (though only two are currently in stock)from saturated blue to eye-popping pinkand boasts a budget-friendly price tag to boot.SpecsDimensions: 57"L x 30"W x 28"HMaterials: Solid woodWeight: 24 lbsMattress sizeFits a standard UScrib mattressSafety notesJPMA certified and meets all relevant ASTM andCPSC standardsPhthalate, latex, lead, and BPA-freeFAQs:Is a toddler bed worth it?In short, yes. For starters, toddler beds are an affordable option as opposed to opting for a twin or full with rails. A toddler bed is also helpful if you plan to have other children that will need to use your older child's crib. And if your child is prone to jumping off of things, a tot bed is a good route to take since they sit lower to the ground.What are the benefits of a toddler bed?Some toddler bed benefits depend on your preference (like the style of the bed and available colorways), but here are key notes to keep in mind:Structure: The build of a toddler build typically includes shorter frames with built-in rails.Takes up less space: Unlike nearly any other bed (think: twin sized bed or bunk bed), a toddler bed takes up substantially less space, which gives kids more room for playtime.Versatility: While it can vary based on the model, many crib mattresses and sheets can be reused for a toddler bed.Sleep Transition: This type of bed can be especially helpful for kids to adjust to, as many are similar in size to a crib.Is it safe to place a toddler mattress directly on the bedroom floor?No, as mold can grow underneath the mattress, so it needs a proper foundation for ventilation.What is considered a safe bed for toddlers?There are specific qualities, safeguards, and best practices you can keep in mind while purchasing a toddler bed. For a better understanding of toddler bed safety, we spoke with two experts: Lois Lee, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACEP, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Boston Childrens Hospital, associate professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, and chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention; and Elizabeth Hawse, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the AAP.For starters, when do you know if its the right time to transition from a crib to toddler bed? Parents should consider switching from a crib to a toddler bed when the child is 35 inches tall or the rail of the crib is at the childs mid chest (nipple line) when the child is standing in the crib with the mattress on the lowest setting, Dr. Hawse says.Toddler bed safety checklistBefore adding a toddler bed to your cart, there are a number of considerations outlined by Dr. Lee and Dr. Hawse. To promote safety, a toddler bed should:Come with side rails. There are several different types of beds, and the most secure have guardrails included. These are in place to prevent your toddler from falling or rolling off of their bed, and some are removable. If you choose a toddler bed with an optional guardrail, Dr. Lee recommends removing it during playtime, when toddlers might want to move in and out of the bed. Another warning for toddler parents: Keep in mind that some toddler beds have higher sides that slope down, creating an opening in the middle. Dr. Lee warns this could give parents a false sense of security, and due to fall risk, it could be particularly dangerous for toddlers under 3. Toddler safety bed rails, like this one from Munchkin, are also sold separately.Have a low-to-the-ground design. The lower you are to the ground (less than 3 feet), the risk of any serious brain injury is much lower, Dr. Lee says. Dr. Hawse agrees, adding, It is also safe to just put the crib mattress on the floor.Adhere to US safety standards. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has safety standards for toddler beds and I would be sure any bed I purchased met those, Dr. Hawse says.Be available for purchase on reputable websites. Some third-party sellers make similar, perhaps cheaper alternatives, but Dr. Lee says these might not adhere to all of the US safety standards.How to childproof a roomAfter you select the best toddler bed for your space, youll also need to childproof the entire room. Heres a childproofing checklist, supported by tips from Dr. Lee and Dr. Hawse:
