A baby is ready to move out of a crib when the crib mattress is as low as it can possibly go, but the toddler can still climb out. Since this is a safety hazard, it's time for a transition. Toddler beds are miniature twin beds. They sit low to the ground and frequently include bedrails that prevent a restless sleeper from tumbling out of bed and onto the floor. Best of all, toddler beds fit a crib-sized mattress and provide a transition from the crib to a big-kid bed.
Step 1
Evaluate the bed's sturdiness. It shouldn't rock or seem flimsy. While it won't need to bear the weight of an adult, the frame should feel solid and substantial.
Step 2
Check the bed for anything that might cut your child or cause him to catch his clothing. Many toddler beds come in fun forms, like race cars or fairies. While this may be pleasing to your child, make sure the bed is also safe. Any slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches (6 cm) apart to avoid strangulation hazards. Any ornamentation should be substantially built and not prone to breaking off if a child jumps or flings himself onto the bed.
Step 3
Check for guardrails. Toddler beds come with either two guardrails, one guardrail or none. Since your child is used to sleeping in a crib, two guardrails is ideal at first. If the bed comes with one or none, check the structure of the bed to make sure the frame isn't too thick to affix a temporary guardrail. If the frame extends all the way to the floor, for example, you won't be able to attach a guardrail.
Step 4
Make sure the bed is low to the ground. While guardrails prevent most falls, children still fall out of toddler beds. Beds that are low to the ground, which is standard for most toddler-bed designs, prevent the fall from being dangerous.
Step 5
Keep it simple. The simpler the design, the easier the bed will be to put together when you get it home. In addition, a simple design will likely work for the next child in the family, whereas a race-car design, for example, may not appeal to your daughter when it's her turn to transition.
Tips and Warnings
- Many cribs transition to toddler beds with relative ease. If this is the case, follow the instructions to convert the sides of the crib to head and foot rails. Consider putting a carpet next to the bed to cushion any fall.
