It may not seem like it when you’re running around after an active toddler, but little kids actually spend a lot of time in bed! In fact, a toddler needs 11-14 hours of sleep every day. For children who are still napping, that usually means between 10-12 hours at nighttime, while the remaining two hours are for naps throughout the day. With so much time spent in one place, the decision of what bed to buy for your 2-year-old is an important one.
Toddlers can experience difficulty falling asleep due to their rapid development. Having a comfortable and familiar place to rest is key to making this process smoother for all involved! In this article, we discuss the best beds around for your two-year-old to have a peaceful and calming sleep.
Top 4 Best Bed For A 2-year-old – Comparison
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Before The Purchase
Make sure your space is appropriate for a toddler bed before you decide on a purchase. Double-check that the room is safe from wall to wall in case your toddler walks about the room at night. All sharp corners should be covered, toys should be stored away in bins so your toddler doesn’t trip over them, and the room scoured for any choking hazards within reach.
Make sure there are no thick or heavy blankets in the area; they can cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by suffocating your child as they sleep. If your toddler is used to sleeping with toys in their crib, it is okay to keep them in the room for when the bed arrives. A few on the bed are fine as long as they are not a choking hazard.
Selecting A Toddler Bed
When choosing the perfect toddler bed for your big kid, carefully consider which elements are most important to you. From a safety perspective, we recommend looking for a bed that is free of toxins and harmful chemicals. If your little one is a wriggler, you may want to opt for a toddler bed with rails included. If aesthetics are important to you, look for a toddler bed that will blend seamlessly with the style of your toddler’s room. Finally, you might like something that’s simply fun and attractive to your child. Our list considers each of these factors to make your search that much easier.
Our Top Choices For Toddler Beds
Dream On Me Emma 3-in-1 Convertible Toddler Bed
This handy toddler bed can be converted into a table and two chairs when your toddler is awake or has outgrown it. More importantly, it’s all about safety. This toddler bed is low to the ground to prevent dangerous falls and features a patented design making it easier for your toddler to climb in and out of the bed, especially at night. It has rails on all sides to keep your child from rolling off the bed while they sleep. What’s more, this nontoxic toddler bed is JPMA certified, making it safe for every child. It’s also free of latex, phthalates, lead, and BPA. As an added bonus, the Dream on Me Emma is available in nine colors, matching any child’s space with ease.
DHP Junior Twin Metal Loft Bed with Slide
Dorel Home Products (DHP) is a trusted brand when it comes to baby products, and this loft bed is no exception. Combining both safety and fun, the Twin Metal Loft Bed with Slide is a unique way to get your kids to love their room and even enjoy bedtime. It comes with bed rails to avoid dangerous falls, in case your child moves about at night.
Because this bed is twin size, it’s an investment for the long term. You don’t have to worry about your toddler getting big and outgrowing it!
Donco Twin Art Play Junior Low Loft Bed
If “fun” is your name, the Donco loft bed is the game! This toddler bed features a 3-step ladder on one side and a slide on the other, providing hours of fun for your active 2-year-old. Besides ease of access, the bed also has a built-in chalkboard for playtime or learning. To withstand your toddler’s active climbing, the Donco loft bed is constructed with sturdy wood panels and steel hardware. This guarantees long-lasting durability for years to come. This attractive loft bed comes in white, suiting any theme in your toddler’s area.
Max and Lily Platform Twin Bed
While this option is not a toddler bed, this saves on both money and time as it will last your child through to their teenage years! The Max and Lily Platform bed is close to the ground so parents will not worry about falls. It comes with a headboard and a footboard that adds security, and you can install a bed rail for younger kids if needed. It is also fairly priced, compared to other selections in this list, so it is definitely worth the purchase.
The neutral colors of this twin bed blend well with any decor – from nursery to toddler to big kid bed, and even an addition to the guestroom once your child doesn’t want the bed anymore!
Suite Bebe Connelly 4 in 1 Convertible Crib
If you need something chic yet functional, the Suite Bebe convertible crib is your winner! Featuring three timeless color pallets, this toddler bed includes a dual-panel headboard and tasteful guard rails facing the head and feet. The fourth side can either remain open or have a small guard rail attached near the head. Alternatively, if your little kid is very active, you can attach a full guard rail to that entire side, creating an attractive yet practical crib. It makes the crib to bed transition easier for you and your toddler!
When your little one has outgrown his or her toddler days, the crib can be used as a daybed or simply a stylish couch. Though this Suite Bebe crib is on the pricier side (it rings in at about $250), it’s functional from your child’s infancy through their toddler years and well beyond.
Little Seeds Monarch Hill Toddler Bed
Little Seeds, like DHP, is also a branch of Dorel Industries. It is the same brand that brought you the Ivy Crib, winner of Baby Maternity Magazine’s Product of the Year Award, 2020. Made of wrought-iron, you can be assured that this toddler bed is sturdy enough to withstand your kid’s growing years. Curved bed rails on both sides are also included so your toddler will not easily fall off the bed. Easy to assemble, stylish, and reasonably priced, this toddler bed can also accommodate up to 50 lbs. so your child has enough support at play or at sleep.
Delta Children Sleigh Toddler Bed
If you are working under more of a budget, the Delta Children Sleigh bed may be a good choice for you. When purchasing from Delta Children’s website, the price tag is just under $90, while other stores like Target carry it for $80. This toddler bed is both functional and stylish; its all-white, simple wooden design makes it easy to pair with any aesthetic in your home. Moreover, the toddler bed comes with a headboard, footboard, and two half-size guard rails on either side of the toddler’s head.
Health-conscious parents can have zero worries about purchasing the Sleigh Toddler Bed; this product is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it has been rigorously screened in laboratories for tens of thousands of chemicals and pollutants, making it safe by the most rigid of emission standards.
Delta Children Mickey Mouse Toddler Tent Bed
This toddler bed is perfect for your imaginative, fun-loving kid. Not only does it create the perfect play space, but the Delta tent bed is easy to access, safe, and makes naptime exciting for your toddler. Its low design and attached guard rails ensure your child’s safety at all times. Moreover, the bed’s mesh, roll-up windows help it feel like an actual train inside, sparking your toddler’s imagination. The tent bed fits a standard crib mattress and is constructed with a sturdy steel frame and high-quality plastic.
Alternative option: Dream On Me Mesh Security Bed Rail
If you already have a twin bed and don’t want to purchase an additional bed for your kids, you can effortlessly create your own toddler bed with this mesh crib rail. Easily attaching to any adult twin bed, the rail’s no-tool assembly is simple and quick. Moreover, the product is quite affordable; each rail costs only $22.99. Featuring blue, pink, and white designs, the Dream On Me guard rail is suitable for any toddler and will guarantee their safety throughout the night.
Post-Purchase: From Crib To Bed
Once you’ve found your ideal toddler bed, your toddler can start becoming familiar with it and establish his or her sleep routine. To smooth this process, ensure your kids avoid blue light or technology before bed, as it can prevent them from falling asleep soundly. If your toddler has a favorite way to relax, now is the time to use it, either through reading books, singing their favorite lullaby, or a short back rub. In no time, your toddler will love both bedtime and their new sleeping space!
Final Thoughts
Whether your focus is health, aesthetic, safety, or fun, any item on this list of toddler beds is an excellent option for your two-year-old. Once you find your perfect fit, be sure to acquaint your toddler with the bed right away so they can adjust. In no time, you’ll find they are getting a peaceful night’s sleep and giving you a well-deserved rest.