Your little one is growing up. Soon, he or she will have to move out of the crib to their new big kid bed. During this transition, you have to ensure you get a bed that gives your growing toddler the best chance of sleeping through the night. There is no specific timeframe for moving your young one from the crib, it is entirely up to you. However, in most cases, it happens when they are between 18 months and three years. Here are six things to look out for when buying a big kid bed for your little angel.

6 The Safety It Offers

Watch here the Big Kid Bed video.

Getting the right bed will encourage or discourage your child to sleep in it. However, the most important thing to remember is that safety is king. The right big kid bed should come with safety rails on either side to prevent your little one from slipping out.

Also, you should go for a model that is not so far off the floor. This is just a precaution should they fall while trying to climb down. Additionally, ensure the safety rails are narrow to prevent things from getting stuck in between them.

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5 Sturdiness Of the Bed

Watch the Best Beds, Best Mattress video here.

A well-constructed and strong bed frame is essential for your growing tot. Kids are full of relentless energy that they vent through vigorous physical activities such as playing or jumping on the bed.

Get a strong bed that can withstand your kid’s rough-and-tumble behavior, including a few of his or her sleepover pals. A strong big kid bed can save you some repairing costs and also come in handy in case you plan on having a new addition to your family in the future.

4 Mattress Features

Watch the Shopping for a Mattress video here.

In most cases, it is convenient to just transfer the mattress from the cot to the big kid bed. Your child is more inclined to sleep better on his or her old crib mattress rather than a hard new one. This makes the transition a little smoother for both you and your toddler.

However, this is only helpful if the old crib mattress has the same dimensions as the new bed. If they do not, you have to buy a new mattress. This is because the spaces between the frame and the mattress present an entrapment hazard for your child. Get a mattress that fits the big kid bed frame perfectly.

3 Style and Taste

What a cool Fire Truck Toddler Bed.

Although your child might be young, he or she has a unique personality and character. Accordingly, choose the style of a big kid bed that not only complements their room but also their personality. For instance, if your child enjoys crafting and art, some big kid beds incorporate handy work stations.

Others have desks and storage making them an all-in-one station for playing, studying, and sleeping. Letting your little one help you get a bed for them is also very helpful. By involving them in the process, he or she will get excited about going to bed.

2 Cost of the Bed

DIY video of building a bed.

When buying a big kid bed, consider what your spending limit allows. Naturally, a big kid bed that is made from solid wood cost more than other beds. They also are more durable and sturdier, hence the higher cost. Evaluate whether spending the extra buck is worth your while.

If you do not plan to use it in the future, consider purchasing a model that is less expensive but reliable. Big kid beds that have elaborated designs and added functionalities tend to be more expensive. In the long run, this saves you some money since you will not have to buy everything separately which is slightly costlier.

1 Storage and Space

Here's the Crib to Big Kids Bed Transition.

Since every kid grows uniquely, you should keep your child’s physical dimensions in mind when buying them a big kid bed. If you buy a standard big kid bed for a child who comes from a family of tall people, he or she is likely to outgrow it in a short time. Also, consider the size of your little one’s room. The bed should not take up too much space leaving little room to play or move around.

To save some space, you should go for models that come with storage options. Some innovatively manufactured big kid beds have convenient under-bed storage like pull-out drawers. You can save some closet space by using them to store some bedtime storybooks, toys, or spare bed sheets, to name a few.

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Sources: whattoexpect.com, dreams.co.uk, potterybarnkids.com.