Many parents rush out to buy a toddler bed based
solely on the cuteness or cartoon character painted on the bed. While
buying a toddler bed is to entice our kids to move from the crib,
cuteness should not be the sole deciding factor either. This is because
not all toddler beds which are cute are durable and can withstand the
average active toddler.
Apart from cuteness, some parents also prefer to
settle for a cheap toddler bed due to its temporary nature before the
move to a full-sized bed. Bear in mind that what you pay is what you
get at times. Many parents have ended up complaining that these cheap
beds are not sturdy enough to support the weight of their toddler.
So, how do you choose a toddler bed? To help you
make your decision, you can try considering the following factors.
Sturdiness
A toddler is bound to end up bouncing and jumping
on the bed, unless you are stern enough to discipline them not to do
so. Most toddlers certainly do not reach 50 pounds, which is the
maximum recommended weight for almost all toddler beds. But if you have
an active toddler who would bounce on the bed, make sure the bed that
you are going to buy can withstand that kind of pressure.
Many families also have more than one child and
you would have to factor in that combined weight of all of them on the
toddler bed, especially if they are close in age. The other factor that
you should think about is whether you would end up sitting on the
toddler bed yourself to read or play with your child.
The above situations might cause the toddler bed’s
frame or mattress base to bend or simply snap if it is flimsy and
poorly made. Of course, it makes little sense to invest too much on a
toddler bed but when you do choose one, you have to consider how active
your toddler is and how many will end up on the bed. Otherwise, it
would only cost you more money to buy another bed later on if you
settle for a less sturdy one now and it breaks.
Bed Rails
All toddler beds come with bed rails but the
difference lies in the width and height of the rails. Some kids have no
problems with narrower bed rails while others will still roll off the
bed through the gap between the end of the rail and the footboard. It
all depends on how much your toddler moves about when sleeping and you
would need to consider this aspect when you buy a bed.
You also need to be aware that some bed rails can
be low in height and if you have a thick crib mattress, the top of the
mattress may come up to about the same height or just slightly less
than the top of the rails. Therefore, your toddler still has the risk
of falling off the bed due to the rails being too low to keep him or
her safely within its boundaries.
So, when you choose a toddler bed, consider the
width and height of the bed rails and if you can, how they are attached
to the bed. Again, flimsy ones can easily break or become detached from
the bed with one kick by your toddler.
Ease Of Assembly
Most toddler beds come in parts and you would have
to do the assembly. If you are not good at putting things together, get
a toddler bed that is less complicated and easier to assemble. Of
course, one wouldn’t know whether a piece of furniture is easy to put
together until it is delivered. One way you can minimize this risk is
to do a little homework and read reviews by other buyers.
Most popular toddler beds have many buyer reviews
in a variety of websites. It is up to you to search for them online
before you make your purchase. If you see a bed that you like and it
has both good and poor ratings, then look at the review dates. Some
toddler beds may have poor ratings three or four years ago but later
reviews may be more favorable, which may reduce the risk of a poor
quality bed.
Conclusion
In summary, do not buy a toddler bed simply
because it is cute. Consider other practical aspects as well so that
you do not end up wasting your money in the long run. If you shop for a
toddler bed with safety and sturdiness in mind apart from cuteness, you
would be less likely to regret your purchase later on.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/
parenting-articles/how-to-choose-a-toddler-bed-488528.html
About the Author
Let me share with you crib transition tips at http://www.babycrib-
toddlerbed.com
when you buy a toddler bed. Also read about sleepness nights with a
baby which is a very common experience among parents here.
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