Toddler Bed

Strictly speaking, a toddler bed is a small bed with low sides that are not fully enclosed. However the term is largely ambiguous and is also frequently used to denote “cots” for babies, which more normally fully enclosed and higher. “Toddler beds” are meant for children up to three years old; babies are placed in toddler beds once they start to roll, as a bassinet could be a potentially dangerous choice. Toddler beds archetypically have a low centre of gravity, a broader support base and provide more room for the baby to roll over. Some toddler beds are fully enclosed and keep the baby in the bed; these are ideal for parents who do not want their babies moving around the house. These enclosures are too high for the toddler to climb out of and do not feature footholds either.

Furthermore, these enclosures can be refined with the addition of a top (soft or hard). Most toddler beds use mattresses which are firm, as these lower SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) risk. Toddler beds may be made from wood, plastic or other child-safe materials. Toddler beds that have provisions for being converted to standard sized beds as the toddler grows are becoming popular.