When your toddler reaches a certain height, it is
always prudent to transition him or her from the crib to a bed. This is
because of the high risk of your toddler falling, climbing or jumping
out of the crib.
However, many parents also find it difficult to
decide if they should let their child graduate straight to a twin bed
or should they start with a toddler bed. If you are wondering what you
should do, consider the following factors when you make your decision.
Readiness
Not every child finds it easy to move from the
crib to a bed. Some go through the transition without a fuss while
others would put up a fight to keep their crib. If your toddler shows
signs that he or she is reluctant to move to a big bed, then you might
like to start with a toddler bed first. This is because a toddler bed
is small and feels snug compared to a twin or full-sized bed.
Furthermore, there are many cute toddler bed designs that appeal to
kids of that age group. This may go a long way in helping your child to
make the transition.
Independence
You have to bear in mind that an adult bed is
higher from the ground. If your toddler has not reached a height or
developed the ability to get on and off a twin bed on his or her own,
you would be better off with a toddler bed. Such a bed is low to the
ground and a toddler can easily get on and off it without much
difficulty. If you insist on getting a twin bed, at least check the
height of the mattress base from the ground. Because different beds
have different heights, check this aspect before buying one for your
young child.
Bed Rails
Most toddlers require a bed that is “boxed” in.
This is to prevent them from rolling off the bed since they have yet to
develop the ability to stay within the bed boundaries while asleep.
Toddler beds come with built in bed rails that keep them safe and
secure. If you do decide to get a twin bed instead of a toddler bed for
your child, then you would need to buy the bed rails separately.
However, you would then need to do additional research on this item as
not all bed rails are the same when it comes to quality and safety
level.
Practicality
Most parents are reluctant to buy a toddler bed
because of the short-term nature of its use. Usually, toddler beds can
only be used until your child reaches the age of five or fifty pounds
in weight. Bearing that in mind, you would have to evaluate the
physical size of your child when you make your purchase decision. If
you suspect that your child would quickly outgrow a toddler bed, then
you might like to buy an adult bed instead. Otherwise, you would have
to buy another bed sooner than you expect.
In summary, whether you decide to buy a toddler
bed or a twin bed, always be aware of safety issues. Different kids
develop at a different pace and as a parent, you would be the best
judge of the type of bed most suitable for your little one.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/choosing-
between-a-toddler-bed-and-a-twin-bed-for-your-child-482270.html
About the Author
Visit
http://www.babycrib-toddlerbed.com
for transition tips from crib to bed. Also read about sleepness nights
with a baby which is a very common experience among all parents.
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