How Long Should/can a Child Stay in a Toddler Bed?

Updated on September 02, 2007
M.D. asks from Vancouver, WA
9 answers

I am wondering how long a toddler can comfortably sleep in a toddler bed? My little one is just turning three and I would love to get matching toddler beds for him and his 1 yr. old brother but I don't want to unless he can use it for at least a year or two. When is it appropriate to switch them to a twin?

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A.C.

answers from Eugene on

It really depends on the child, my son slept in his toddler bed for about 6 months before we moved him into a twin bed simply because he didnt like his toddler bed and wouldnt sleep in it. Now hes in his big boy bed that my husband built for him and hes been sleeping in it with no problem. He doesnt wake up at night any more and sleeps right through. I guess as long as he likes it and he doesnt become to big for it I dont see a problem with keeping him in it for anther year or two.

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D.D.

answers from Portland on

my oldest stayed in his until he was 4. My 2nd and 3rd stayed in theirs until they were wlmost 5. They are made to be 5 year beds, but I'm pretty sure babies are bigger than they used to be... my children were on the small side.
My friend had toddler bunk beds and her oldest was able to sleep in it until he was 6! Depends on your child and their comfort level.

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G.B.

answers from Portland on

M.,

I believe the toddler bed is really about a bed being functional for your child. Some people skip the toddler bed and have a twin bed on the floor or a low bed. That way the child can climb on to it safely and easily. My point is, you might want to consider getting matching twin beds and just putting the mattress on the ground so it's low and easy to get on to. A toddler bed is fine too, but I think it is only a short time experience. Your three year old should be getting to where he can easily get off and on the bed without much difficulty. Also, don't forget the guard rails that keep them from falling off.

Your one year is probally still moving all around hat night. so, make sure the bed is low and you have protection from him falling off. Many people keep their child in a crib until they are three and that sounds like what you have done with your first child. It's all about being ready and where your child is at on an idividual basis. It's nice your one year old can watch his older brother and learn from him all the bed time routines he needs to know. It's really up to you what feels like the right situation. I am sure there is probally a certified standard for everything and I think it's logic that makes the most sense.

Best wishes to you and your family. And what an exciting step for your three year old to be getting a big boy bed soon!

G.

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H.G.

answers from Portland on

Until they are too long for it. My daughter is 5 1/2years old. We have kept her in a toddler bed because it gives her more room to play in her room. She is 42 inches tall the beds are 58 inches tall. We aren't going to take her out until we have to. It's really up to you and how tall your kid is.

M.M.

answers from Portland on

hey there,

ikea does have quite a few SUPER CUTE toddler beds that grow with your kiddo from toddler to twin size . they're low to the ground and seem pretty easy to get in and out of. good luck!

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A.M.

answers from Portland on

Good Morning M.~
I kept my 2 youngest boys in their toddler beds til they were about 4 and 5. We had tried to move them to twin bunk beds, and they weren't liking it. We finally just had to, they were getting to long for the smaller ones. I don't think there is an actual set time period.
Good luck I hope this helps.

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B.M.

answers from Portland on

M.,
I had my oldest son in a toddler bed from 17 months to 3 years. He was getting to the point where he was hanging out of his bed and not sleeping as comfortably as he should be, so we moved him into a big bed. Toddler beds use the crib mattress, so it's basically the same size as the crib...and after 3 years old, they're just too big. It would be cute to get them matching beds...but maybe just skip the toddler beds and get them matching twins!? Toddler beds seem like a good idea at the time, but I soon found that I don't really care for them...you can't lay in bed with your child to read stories or cuddle, and they don't stay in them very long. Thankfully we were able to reuse ours with our second son, but if I had to do it over again, I'd skip the toddler bed all together. Hope this helps!
B.

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G.B.

answers from Portland on

Hi, my son's crib changes into a toddler bed. he has been in it for about 2 yrs. We are planning on moving in a year, I plan on getting rid of his bed and getting a bigger bed for him. He is not good with changes, so I plan changes at the same time. My 15 mnth Granddaughters sleeps in a twin. She had no problems, because her 3 yr old sister sleeps in one.
So it depends on your child. Hope this helped

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K.O.

answers from Portland on

You know im not to sure but Ikea had a great line of toddler beds out that grow with your child so they can get longer :) you should check them out!

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