October 2007
Toddler, twin, and bunk beds
Between the ages of 2 and 3 (or sooner), many children are ready to make the transition from the cocoon of a crib to the open
landscape of a "big girl" or "big boy" bed. That's the time to consider a toddler bed, which is a mini version of a twin bed.
It's low to the ground and uses a standard crib mattress. Toddler beds have bed rails that are usually 2 inches above the
top surface of the mattress. Those rails are there to remind kids that they're getting close to the edge of the mattress and
to help them feel secure, not to actually prevent them from falling out.
Your other options are a twin or full-size bed with added portable bed rails or bunk beds, if you have more than one child. But bunk beds are only a viable alternative if one child is at least 6 years old. The upper bunk isn't safe for kids younger than 6. Whichever option you choose, remember that as soon as a child is able to climb out of a crib, he should be moved into a toddler or other bed (so that he doesn't hurt himself in a fall from the crib).
To decide which type of bed to choose, think about whether you want to buy for the short- or long-term, and think about your other needs. Though it's the least expensive option, a toddler bed is a temporary solution. Your child will typically outgrow a toddler bed by age 5 (or about 50 pounds). A twin or a full-size bed with portable bed rails costs more, but could conceivably last until your child goes off to college. Bunk beds make sense if you have another child and the kids need to share a room.
SHOPPING TIPS
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands of toddler, kids' twin, and bunk beds include, in alphabetical order: Cosco Juvenile (www.coscojuvenile.com), Da Vinci (found at online retailers and at www.amazon.com), Delta Enterprise (www.deltaenterprise.com, which licenses the Cars, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego, Nascar, Princess, SpongeBob Squarepants, Tonka, and Winnie the Pooh lines of toddler beds), Pottery Barn (www.potterybarn.com), and Storkcraft (www.storkcraft.com). Prices range from $55 (for a character-inspired toddler bed) to $4,700 or more for a twin bed with added features, such as under-bed storage cubbies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In lieu of a toddler bed, think about getting a twin or a full-size bed and adding a portable guardrail to each side. Many manufacturers set a weight limit for toddler beds (typically 50 pounds). Because transitioning from a crib is a major milestone for toddlers, and scary dreams are a fact of life for many youngsters, consider getting a bed that can hold you, too, in case you need to comfort your child occasionally or read another bedtime story. Or put the frame aside and just place the mattress on the floor when it is first being used.
Place any bed safely in the room away from windows, radiators, or other heating units; wall lamps; and drapery or window-blind cords. To avoid the risk of a toddler becoming trapped between the bed and a wall, place the bed with the headboard (and not the bed's side) along the wall.
If you opt for bunk beds, reserve the top bunk for kids age 6 and older, as we previously mentioned. If you plan to have your child use a twin or full-size bed until she goes off to college or passes it down to a younger child, buy a bed frame built from a material that's made to last, such as a hardwood like birch, beech, or maple. Pine, which is a softer wood, has a tendency to splinter over time.
Your other options are a twin or full-size bed with added portable bed rails or bunk beds, if you have more than one child. But bunk beds are only a viable alternative if one child is at least 6 years old. The upper bunk isn't safe for kids younger than 6. Whichever option you choose, remember that as soon as a child is able to climb out of a crib, he should be moved into a toddler or other bed (so that he doesn't hurt himself in a fall from the crib).
To decide which type of bed to choose, think about whether you want to buy for the short- or long-term, and think about your other needs. Though it's the least expensive option, a toddler bed is a temporary solution. Your child will typically outgrow a toddler bed by age 5 (or about 50 pounds). A twin or a full-size bed with portable bed rails costs more, but could conceivably last until your child goes off to college. Bunk beds make sense if you have another child and the kids need to share a room.
SHOPPING TIPS
- Look for a toddler, twin, or bunk bed with a smooth finish, sturdy construction, rounded edges, and hardware that doesn't
protrude. It should have no sharp points, and the headboard and footboard should not have cutouts or protrusions of any kind.
- According to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), the industry standard for toddler beds is that the bed's
corner posts or finials should not be more than 0.06 inch above the upper edge of the side or end panel of the bed. A new
industry standard for bunk beds specifies that corner posts and the tops of ladders should not be more than 3/16-inch above
the upper rail of the bed. Stick with those guidelines to ensure your child's safety.
- Buy the bed and mattress together so that you can be sure the mattress is the right fit. A mattress that's too short can cause
gaps between itself and the foot- or headboard, which can entrap a child. Bunk-bed mattresses come in two lengths--regular
and extra long. If you buy an extra long bunk bed, you must get that size mattress. A federal standard for bunk beds also
requires that the mattress surface be at least 5 inches below the upper edge of the guardrails.
- Bunk beds intended for children and manufactured since June 2000 are federally regulated. Those in compliance are quite safe,
but you should still take some precautions: Don't make any changes to the structure, do buy a bunk bed with a sturdy foundation,
and do check frequently that the ladder remains securely attached.
- If you decide to buy a twin or full-size bed, a portable bed rail can help guard your child from accidentally rolling out.
The bed rail should be placed firmly against the mattress when it is in use, in order to prevent the child from becoming entrapped
between the rail and mattress. A portable rail isn't recommended for a bunk bed, youth bed, water bed, or a bed without a
box spring. Use your best judgment about when to remove the bed rail, though age 5 is typically recommended.
- Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification sticker somewhere on the rail or on its packaging.
Of the brands of portable bed rails on the market, five have JPMA certification. They include Dex Products, Dorel Juvenile
Group, The First Years, Simplicity for Children, and Summer Infant Products. Brands of toddler beds certified by JPMA include
Delta Enterprise, Dorel Juvenile Group, Simplicity for Children, and Stork Craft. Twin and full-size beds aren't certified
by the JPMA.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands of toddler, kids' twin, and bunk beds include, in alphabetical order: Cosco Juvenile (www.coscojuvenile.com), Da Vinci (found at online retailers and at www.amazon.com), Delta Enterprise (www.deltaenterprise.com, which licenses the Cars, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego, Nascar, Princess, SpongeBob Squarepants, Tonka, and Winnie the Pooh lines of toddler beds), Pottery Barn (www.potterybarn.com), and Storkcraft (www.storkcraft.com). Prices range from $55 (for a character-inspired toddler bed) to $4,700 or more for a twin bed with added features, such as under-bed storage cubbies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In lieu of a toddler bed, think about getting a twin or a full-size bed and adding a portable guardrail to each side. Many manufacturers set a weight limit for toddler beds (typically 50 pounds). Because transitioning from a crib is a major milestone for toddlers, and scary dreams are a fact of life for many youngsters, consider getting a bed that can hold you, too, in case you need to comfort your child occasionally or read another bedtime story. Or put the frame aside and just place the mattress on the floor when it is first being used.
Place any bed safely in the room away from windows, radiators, or other heating units; wall lamps; and drapery or window-blind cords. To avoid the risk of a toddler becoming trapped between the bed and a wall, place the bed with the headboard (and not the bed's side) along the wall.
If you opt for bunk beds, reserve the top bunk for kids age 6 and older, as we previously mentioned. If you plan to have your child use a twin or full-size bed until she goes off to college or passes it down to a younger child, buy a bed frame built from a material that's made to last, such as a hardwood like birch, beech, or maple. Pine, which is a softer wood, has a tendency to splinter over time.
