The Best Toddler Beds With The Perfect Mix Of Freedom And Security

Dimensions: 31.5 x 57 x 26 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Greenguard Gold–certified
• Rails at both ends
• White-glove delivery available

Cons:

• Only available in white
• Relatively pricey

The Shelter toddler bed has so many things going for it. For starters, this bed has soothing, curved lines so your little one doesn’t catch their PJs on the rail while climbing in at night. It also features rails at both ends, creating the feel of a snug cocoon. This bed is crafted from poplar wood, birch veneers, plywood and an engineered wood for a sturdy frame that can withstand toddler life. It offers a simple white finish with a child-safe lacquer that doesn’t easily chip. It’s Greenguard Gold–certified to keep your indoor air healthy. And, not that it matters to your toddler, but the Shelter looks chic and works with nearly every decor.

Dimensions: 54 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Rails on four sides
• Removable front rail
• JPMA-certified

Cons:

• Wood may scratch easily
• Stickers may leave a sticky residue

Rails can help your toddler feel like they’re still in a crib-like setting—and prevent them from winding up on the floor in the middle of the night. The Dream On Me Austin bed has rails on all four sides, with a half safety rail on the front for your little one to climb in and out (this is removable, by the way). Made of pinewood, this bed is durable. It also includes wooden mattress rails for added support, and it’s JPMA-certified. Currently priced at well under $150, this bed is one of the biggest values out there.

Dimensions: 42.6 x 77.5 x 79.4 inches | Weight limit: 400 pounds | Rails: No

Pros:

• Fun design
• Available with or without trundle
• Comes in twin and full sizes

Cons:

• Expensive
• No included railing

If you’re open to spending a little more, West Elm’s Tent Bed gives your child a cool bed with add-ons that they can use for years. While it’s not technically a toddler bed, the Story Tent Bed has a fun design that appeals to choosy kids. It comes with the option of a twin or full frame, so your child can technically sleep on it until they go off to college. This bed comes with the option of a trundle that can be opened and used as a safety net if your child tends to roll. While the main bed doesn’t come with a rail, the trundle has an extended lip to keep kids in place. This bed is made from kiln-dried poplar wood that’s Greenguard Gold–certified and made to last. It’s made in a Fair Trade–certified factory as well. Given that this is taller than most, it’s probably best reserved for older toddlers or parents comfortable with using a temporary rail.

Dimensions: 31.3 x 55 x 18 inches | Weight limit: 110 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Dual rails
• Sleek style
• Rails are removable

Cons:

• Headboard is short
• Railing may be too low with a high-loft mattress

Odds are high that your child doesn’t care about decor, but this toddler bed looks cool no matter your age. The Muse features dual rails to keep your child secure, along with angled legs for a mid-century modern vibe. The bed has an overall low profile, so your little one shouldn’t stress about being too high off the ground. The rails are removable, and the bed holds up to 110 pounds, so this bed could hold them right into kindergarten and beyond. It comes with a yearlong warranty and fits your crib mattress. Choose from white or gray finishes, with natural wood accents.

Dimensions: 27 x 29.5 x 54.5 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Unique look
• Rails on both sides
• A portion of your purchase price supports monarch butterflies

Cons:

• Can be creaky when child moves
• Included stickers can be hard to peel off

This sweet metal toddler bed from Little Seeds offers wrought iron–inspired classic curves, including in the footboard and headboard. We love that there are rails on either side, letting parents pick any spot within the room for bed placement instead of being limited to a particular corner or wall. It’s low and easy to climb into, too. It comes in four finishes including Grey, Gold, White and Pink.

What the reviews say: Reviewers praise this bed as both sturdy and beautiful, earning it an overall rating of 4.7 with more than 1,500 reviews on Wayfair.

Dimensions: 69 x 77 x 76 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Ample storage
• Doubles as playhouse
• Keeps twins close

Cons:

• Two people may be required for set-up
• Drawers aren’t attached to the bed

This twin-bed duo offers an ideal sleep spot for young twins not ready for separation. It takes two twin mattresses (sold separately), meaning your kids can use it long after they would have outgrown a toddler bed—and it comes with storage and playtime built into it. With an adorable mini house theme and under-bed storage for each mattress, you’re basically getting a playhouse and dresser as well. The bed is made of pinewood and manufactured wood for a sturdy feel that doesn’t shift as your kids inevitably bounce around on it. Choose between a white or gray finish.

Dimensions: 35 x 30 x 54 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Conversion kit included
• Converts from crib to toddler bed to daybed
• Affordable, given potential years of use

Cons:

• Finish may scratch over time
• Screw heads are not covered

The Babyletto Hudson has been a fan-favorite crib of parents—Forbes Vetted editors included—for years. With a sturdy pine frame and modern vibe, it seamlessly melds into pretty much any bedroom decor (it’s available in nine finishes) at an affordable price point. The Hudson works as both a crib with four adjustable mattress positions and a toddler bed with the help of an included toddler rail, making it ideal for kids from birth to four years. As a toddler bed, the Hudson is low to the ground, making it easy for little ones to climb in and out. It also has a generous guardrail to prevent late-night rolling onto the floor. And, once your child feels a little more confident, the guardrail can be removed to create a daybed, meaning this crib is really three beds in one. It’s also Greenguard Gold–certified for safety. My Hudson has gone from crib to toddler bed twice and still feels incredibly solid.

Dimensions: 80 x 41 x 28 inches | Weight limit: 250 pounds | Rails: Yes

Pros:

• Fun design
• Railing around all sides
• Can be used beyond toddler years

Cons:

• No pre-marked holes for assembly
• Larger than standard toddler bed

Colorful and exciting, this Euroco bed might be just the thing to keep your tot contained and draw them out of that crib. This race car–inspired pick is extra special with automotive details all around, including the headboard. The guardrails, which surround three sides, are made to look like the exterior of a car. They’re also upholstered for your child’s comfort. It’s flashy and fun, but still comes with all the ideal components of a toddler bed, including being low to the ground.