Best Toddler Bed (2021): Reviews & Comparison

Your little one brought much joy to you when they came into this world, and nothing beats the happiness parents get, watching them slowly grow, do new things, and come into their own. One of the first steps towards becoming their own little selves is the graduation from a crib to a toddler bed.

If your tot is ready to take this step, you’re probably preparing to get the best toddler bed for your little one; here’s all you need to know to help you in your quest! 

Our Reviews of Toddler Beds

Not only do we review five of the top beds in the market but we also give you a handy buying guide to help you pick out your own toddler beds. Read on.

Hiccapop Convertible Crib Toddler Bed 

Kicking off our list is Hiccapop’s super-popular convertible crib toddler bed, claimed to be the safest and sturdiest on the market by the brand. Considering that the design comes from the brains and laboratories of Stanford University, we’re inclined to think that claiming so isn’t just an advertising gimmick!

Specifications

Benefits

Apart from being designed and engineered at one of the educational institutes in the world, the Hiccapop Convertible Toddler Bed boasts a range of other features that make it a best seller. 

The bed is constructed using a reinforced steel anchor system that attaches to the crib directly, with the help of clamps and passive safety latches that allow the rail to stay upright in place (as opposed to straps in many other brands’ toddler beds, which are a much feebler method of attaching). This means that thanks to the secure locks, the rail will never shift, keeping your little ones 100% safe, no matter how much of a tosser and turner they are, and your mind 100% worry-free! 

What also adds to the safety factor is the no-lead-and-phthalates paint and the fact that the crib passes all federal safety regulations. Additionally, hardened steel is used throughout; coupled with child-friendly heavy-duty fray-and-tear-proof fabric on the mattress, this makes the Hiccapop toddler bed one of the most durable, high-quality toddler beds in the market. 

Another feature that goes to prove that this toddler bed has an excellent design is the easy-access fold-down rail. The rail can be folded down when required, thanks to childproof heavy-duty hinges, making it easy to change sheets, spend quality bedtime, or during the day. Additionally, mattress covers can be easily removed and machine washed. 

Last but not least is the fact that assembling this bed is as easy as saying "toddler bed" - the assembly is pretty simple and intuitive without the need for tools, but if you do require help, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions that will let even the most assembly-challenged parent put the bed up in minutes.

Pros

Cons

Verdict 

Minor con apart, we think that this toddler bed is pretty much perfect. The price isn’t too bad either unless you have a really low budget. The design, quality, and safety are quite unparalleled, making this toddler bed worth every penny you pay for it - with over 500,000 units sold, it’s evident that many customers harbor the same thoughts.

Overall, a must consider for your little one’s sleeping needs!

Delta Children Wood Toddler Bed

If you’ve got a tot (or tots) who are fans of Pixar and Disney (who isn’t? We still are, at our ripe old ages!), this toddler bed is going to have them over the moon. Delta Children’s awesome, authentic, new Lightning McQueen toddler bed doesn’t just look amazing - it’s strong, sturdy, and safe for your little one.

Specifications

Benefits 

It’s pedal to the metal with Delta Children’s car, the perfect bed for your little one, allowing racing dreams but keeping them safe the entire time! This cool, fun Lightning McQueen bed is the perfect transitioning bed for your tot as he or she goes from baby girl or boy to big girl or boy (relatively, at least!). And yes, the decals are 100% authentic. 

The bed features a strong, sturdy wooden frame and durable wood/plastic construction, meeting all JPMA safety requirements. The guardrails are built-in, while the high sides keep your child from rolling out of bed as they sleep. The bed is 100% non-toxic, featuring a safe and durable finish that will probably outlast your tot’s years in the bed. 

The fun characters and colorful artwork on the headboard will make putting your tots to bed a much easier task - they’ll have your little ones racing to bed, going to sleep with their favorite characters around them. 

 You can use a standard crib mattress with this bed (though you’ll have to buy this separately). Additionally, the company earns major brownie points for sourcing materials that don’t have such a harsh impact on the environment and for contributing 10% of all their profits to helping families in need.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

We dig this car for its cool design and we’re pretty sure the tots will too. However, the bed requires some putting together; it isn’t as easy to assemble as some of the other beds in the market and it’s quite heavy, too. For those parents who like getting the job done fast and easy, this may significantly dim the bed’s appeal. 

Additionally, some users have also stated that the bed smells of plastic and paint and that the smell just doesn’t go away despite extensive washing and airing - this is a risk you will have to consider, as it can impact your child’s health (and yours too, possibly), especially given the high price tag on the product. 

That apart, the Delta Children’s Disney Toddler Bed is good looking, sturdy, durable, and importantly, highly rated, which means that significantly more users are loving this toddler bed than hating it! Ultimately, if you can afford the price and the risks, go for it.

Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed

The Dream On Me Classic Design Toddler Bed is quite a dream, with a minimal design that will probably take you back to your nursery and toddlerhood! Not only does this toddler bed let your tot transition easily from crib to bed, thanks to a low build and many safety features, but with its aesthetic appeal, can fit into any themed nursery.

Specifications

Benefits 

This classic toddler bed is a great option for those who love a minimal, classic aesthetic combined with functionality and practicality. 

What makes bed especially great for tots going from crib to bed is the bed’s design - it’s built low to the floor, allowing children to get in and out of the bed easily. However, there’s no compromise on safety when the tots are in bed, thanks to the smooth-curving safety rails on both sides and the gently arched foot and headboards that are as attractive as they are safe. 

Additionally, strong wooden slats provide support to the mattress, ensuring that there is no risk of any falling through (for children up to 50 pounds), and a center leg reinforces the bed’s stability. These features make the Dream On Me bed quite a durable, safe product. 

Though the bed is great looking from the outset, thanks to its simple yet lovely design, we further love the fact that it features an entirely wooden base - it only gets better when you learn that it’s made from renewable, sustainable, durable, and solid New Zealand pine wood. 

Last but in no way the least, the bed is completely non-toxic - it’s free of lead, latex, BPA, and phthalates. Reinforcing its safety is the fact that it is JPMA certified and is designed to meet, and even exceed, all CPSC and ASTM standards that are applicable. 

Oh, and did we mention that the bed is available in 12 different, attractive finishes, to further add to the beauty already on offer?

Pros

Cons

Verdict 

Honestly, we can’t find much to fault with this bed, from its design to looks to safety to durability to small things like the use of ethically-sourced material. Though users have stated that assembling the product is a little difficult, it should also be noted that many of these users didn’t really follow the provided instructions. 

Ultimately, we think that this is a toddler bed that’s simple, safe, functional, and beautiful, and fulfills its purpose more than satisfactorily.

Delta Girls Canopy Toddler Bed

Another offering from the house of Delta Children, this elegant canopy bed is for the little princes and princesses in your life. Luxurious, safe, durable, well built - not much more we could ask for.

Specifications

Benefits 

This extremely pretty canopy bed is a great idea for the tots who love the charm, glam, and plain awesomeness of royalty! The bed features an organza canopy, with two attached guardrails to keep your tots safe and sound as they sleep. 

Additionally, it’s easy to assemble and certified to meet, and even exceed, all of CPSC and ASTM’s safety standards, along with being JPMA certified. 

The bed is constructed using high-quality plastic and a sturdy steel frame, ensuring durability and stability. Like the company’s other products, this bed is non-toxic, made using mindfully-sourced materials, and the innovation that is the hallmark of the company. 

Additionally, the bed is built low to the floor, enabling the tots (and parents) to easily get in and out of the bed. You can use a standard crib mattress with this bed, though it has to be bought separately.

Pros

Cons

Verdict 

An extremely cute bed that tots are sure to love if they love all things royal, the Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed is all kinds of safe, sturdy, and durable. However, as it is with other beds from this brand, this bed is quite expensive, and having to buy your own mattress can really elevate the costs.

Additionally, though it isn’t hard to put together, assembly is a long process that is a two-people job. That apart, the bed satisfies on all counts.

Delta Boys Plastic Toddler Bed

We round off our list with another offering from Delta Children, with an evergreen children’s favorite theme - Paw Patrol! With all the standard features of a great toddler bed, this bed is a must consider for your tots.

Specifications

Benefits 

A great bed for children up to the ages of 15 months, this bed features a sturdy steel frame, high-quality plastic construction, and attached guardrails on either side for safety. 

Like all other Delta Children products, this bed is also JPMA certified and meets/ exceeds all ASTM and CPSC standards. The headboard features colorful artwork and decals of our favorite Paw Patrol characters - tots will want to go to bed to join Nick and the rest of the furry gang on their adventures!

Additionally, the bed is designed to stay low to the ground, enabling easy movement in and out of the crib. The bed is 100% non-toxic (there’s no bleach used), made of materials with as little impact on the environment as possible, with 10% of the proceeds again going to families who need it.

The toddler bed is also quite easy to put together and will probably last you for years to come, while the quality plastic ensures that the bed is stable and durable.

Pros

Cons

Verdict 

Of all the Delta Children beds we’ve reviewed, this bed is the most reasonably priced, light, and easy to assemble of the lot. It’s all kinds of durable, safe, and sturdy, made using quality plastic that will last you and your tots for years, probably long after they need it, too! 

Though the mattress support system is poor, it can be fixed with a little extra effort, with the help of slats that you can install. 

Overall, a toddler bed we definitely recommend!

What is a Toddler Bed? 

A toddler bed is meant for tots between the ages of one and four, as they transition from a crib to something bigger and more spacious. This is great for kids who are on the more active side, constantly moving in and out of the crib. Additionally, if they’re now capable of using the bathroom on their own, it’s definitely time to get a toddler bed. 

While all toddler beds should come with standard features such as safety rails and stay low to the ground, not all toddler beds are created equal. Picking out the best for your little one requires the consideration of certain factors. Let’s take a look!

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Toddler Beds 

Materials 

Toddler beds come in a range of materials, such as plastic, wood, steel, nylon and particleboard. Some, like the Delta Children Canopy Toddler Bed reviewed above, come with cloth canopies and bedding, such as organza. 

For a bed that lasts long and is super sturdy, metal and wood are excellent materials. Metal is cheaper, lighter and easier to assemble but wood lasts longer and has a classy look that metal could never replicate. Additionally, it’s sturdy, resilient and versatile; many wood and metal beds can be converted to actual beds once the toddlers outgrow them.

Plastic is the most commonly used material for toddler beds, as it’s easy to clean, is much cheaper, and can be customized to produce a range of designs, unlike wood and metal. Particleboard is the cheapest. 

When you’re looking for a toddler bed and wondering what material is the best bet, pick something that provides ultimate sturdiness. This doesn’t necessarily mean you always have to pick wood; high-quality plastic in a well designed and well constructed bed may also give you a sufficient amount of stability.

A good way to check is by shaking the bed (as your tot will invariably end up jumping on the bed at some point!); the bed needs to be able to withstand force and weight. Check the weight limit as well.

Adjustability 

Most toddler beds work with standard crib mattresses, so look for one that belongs to this group. Additionally, as mentioned above, some beds can be converted to full beds once your toddler grows up (in about 3-4 years). For 3-4 years, you don’t want to invest a significant amount, unless it’s a convertible bed. 

Many beds come with removable rails and attachable head and footboards; opting for these is wiser, more practical and more cost efficient - though it may look more expensive initially, you’ll be saving money that you would have had to spend on two more bed frames, at least!

Therefore, look for adjustability and versatility in the toddler bed you buy.

Safety Features 

Safety is paramount in toddler beds. There are many safety standards that toddler beds need to adhere to, such as ASTM, CPSC and JPMA. Look for the approval stamps from these organizations in the toddler bed (meaning that the bed has met or exceeded these standards) before you invest in it. 

Apart from that, look at the features of the bed itself. Does it have adjustable guardrails on either side? Are these stable? Is the bed stable? Is the bed built using non-toxic materials? 

Are there possible choking hazards if anything comes loose from the bed, especially in metal beds where screws tend to come loose after some time? Are there possible pointy parts that could hurt your child?

Whatever you do choose to let go, never ignore the lack of guardrails. Guardrails are a must for toddler beds - they are both comforting and safe. With adjustable rails, ensure there are no tiny spaces that tiny fingers can get caught in. For extremely restless kids who move a lot as they sleep, look for longer guardrails.

Ensure that the bed is made using materials and paint that are latex, lead, phthalates and BPA-free. Greenguard Gold Certification is a sign that there are no toxic substances in the bed.

Pricing

Don’t pay blindly for a toddler bed - consider whether the features of the bed are worth it, since a toddler bed is always going to be a short-term investment unless it’s convertible. Decide what you want to pay the premium for, whether it’s the quality, the design or the safety.

Other Factors 

Toddler beds are not a necessity but are extremely helpful when it comes to getting your tot to transition from a crib to a regular bed. A high bed without guardrails could pose a safety hazard to your toddler if they’re put in them too early. 

Additionally, toddler beds come in various styles, such as sleigh beds, vehicle beds, daybeds and convertible beds. Each has its own pros and cons, so do your research before picking out a type for your child. 

Ensure that the bed is comfortable and doesn’t trouble your child’s sleep. Sleep is extremely important in toddlers’ lives and tots spend quite a bit of time sleeping in these years. Buy a mattress and bedding that’s soft, comfortable and supportive enough.

Other things you may want to consider are the warranty deals and return policies offered. It’s always wiser to opt for a product with good deals on these, especially with toddler beds, as you never know how they’ll fit your toddler. It also helps to have these in case you receive a defective product.

Conclusion

Toddler beds are an excellent way to slowly introduce children to full-sized beds - they’re safe, durable, comfortable and practical. However, do ensure you’re picking out the right product for your toddler by keeping in mind the points discussed above. 

Remember, when in doubt, you can always just go with one of our picks and gift your toddler a comfortable, safe, good night’s sleep!