Kids’ Stuff: Products and Tips to Help Them Graduate from Crib to Bed
One of the greatest milestones for a young toddler is graduating from the crib to a real bed. Somehow even at two or three-years-old, they ‘get’ the magnitude of this step, moving from infancy to being a big kid. Of course this major step represents a whole new set of concerns for parents. Where the crib provided a nearly inescapable perimeter of safety, a toddler bed allows them to get up and roam freely when they want. There’s also the matter of rolling out of bed, which can be scary for both parents and little kids. If you and your child are ready to make the leap from crib to bed, we have some smart ideas to help you both.
One of the first products you’ll need is the bed and frame itself. Sitting much lower to the ground than a typical twin bed, toddler beds are a great choice for two-to-four-year-olds. They often accommodate your existing crib mattress, plus they are very low to the ground and often offer safety rails. Certainly you can spend hundreds on a toddler bed but there are great options for around $100. The one featured below is sturdy and stylish for both boys and girls, and it’s only $110 at walmart.com.
DaVinci Toddler Bed
When you are ready to make the leap from toddler bed to twin (or even full) bed, your first major purchase should be the mattress. For safety and support reasons, mattresses made for toddlers should be firm rather than cushy-soft. Our own 5″ Memory Foam Youth Mattress is actually a combination of HD foam and Memory Foam to keep kids comfortable, safe and supported…perfect when you’re looking for their first “big kid mattress.”
5" Memory Foam Mattress with Moisture Barrier
A toddler’s graduation from the crib often happens about the same time they begin the potty training process. While all kids potty train differently, accidents are still highly likely at night long after they’re out of diapers. Putting them in a nighttime pull-up is smart. The newest styles incorporate real underwear designs and feel much less bulky than traditional diapers. It’s important to note that these pull-ups may overflow from time to time, which means a waterproof mattress cover is necessary. Some kids’ mattresses also come with a waterproof barrier. Our own 5″ Memory Foam Mattress, shown just above, incorporates a moisture barrier to protect your investment.
Waterproof Mattress Pad
Kids are such active sleepers. Even when the toddler bed is too small, it is smart to add a rail to their twin or full beds. The double-sided safety rail below is inexpensive and offers protection by way of its ventilated mesh sides that also fold down for easy bed-making.
Also available in blue.
With the basics in place, kids and parents can work together to create the perfect room design with bedding, curtains and decor. Taking that leap from crib to bed feel can feel daunting. Just relax, take it step-by-step and enjoy this major milestone.
