One of the many significant milestones in a child's life is the transition from a toddler bed to a "big kid bed." Recently, we made this exciting leap in our family by upgrading our 4-year-old's toddler bed to a twin loft bed. This new upgrade not only offers a cozy sleep space but also a fun underneath play area that our little one absolutely adores. I'm going to explore this important childhood transition and provide valuable insights and safety considerations for choosing the right bed and ensuring your child's safety.
The Excitement of the Big Kid Bed
There's something magical about watching your child transition from their cozy toddler bed to a more grown-up twin bed. It marks a significant step towards independence and growing up. The key is to make this transition as smooth and exciting as possible.
Choosing the Right Bed
Before making the move, it's essential to choose the right bed that suits your child's needs and preferences. Our twin loft bed with the underneath play space was just a great choice for our family. It added storage without taking away floor space, plus what kid doesn't enjoy a "cave" of some sort to go hide and play in?! Here are some considerations when selecting a bed:
Safety First: Safety is paramount. Ensure that the bed meets safety standards and guidelines. Look for features like sturdy construction, rounded edges, and non-toxic materials.
Bed Type: Consider the bed type that suits your child. Loft beds are fantastic if your child loves to have an underneath play area. Traditional twin beds with or without storage options are also great choices. There are also plenty of bunk bed options and triple bunks out there that can suit your needs.
Accessories: Think about what accessories would enhance your child's experience. We added LED light strings and, believe it or not, dog kennel pads underneath the bed for added fun and comfort. the entire bed is also on top of a rug to protect our floors. The manufacturer we went with also had side attachment shelves that we opted in for, but they also have tons of dressers, toy boxes, and side tables.
Is Your Child Ready for a Twin Bed?
Transitioning to a twin bed is a significant step, and it's important to make sure your child is ready for it. Here are some considerations:
Age and Size: Typically, children transition to a twin bed between the ages of 2 and 4. It's crucial that your child can climb up and down safely and comfortably if there's something to climb at all.
Independence: Ensure your child can get in and out of bed on their own, use the toilet independently if potty-trained, and sleep through the night without needing a crib. I waited until both of my kids were four because they fit in their toddler bed just fine and, as I've said, upgrading can be an investment purchase.
Interest: If your child expresses excitement about having a "big kid bed" or shows interest in one, it's a good sign they're ready for the transition.
Safety Considerations
Safety should be your top priority when transitioning to a twin bed, especially if you choose a loft bed. Here are some safety considerations:
Guardrails: Loft beds should have sturdy guardrails on all sides to prevent falls during sleep. Make sure your guard rails are still rails at all if considering a thicker mattress. We looked for extra high railings because we wanted a thicker, more comfortable mattress, knowing that was also an investment purchase.
Stairs or Ladder: If the bed has a lofted play space, ensure that the stairs or ladder are safe, with non-slip steps and handrails.
Proper Mattress Support: Ensure the bed's mattress support is secure and suitable for your child's weight.
No Overhead Hazards: Make sure there are no hazards like ceiling fans or low-hanging lights above the bed. We got a bladeless fan first, not knowing how tall the bed would eventually be, and it's been another great choice. The LED lights are another fun kid option in the fan to! It's a bluetooth music playing options too but I just don't sacrifice my phone for that long, personally.
Keep the Area Below Safe: The play area underneath should be free of clutter, with soft padding in place to prevent injuries. This is honestly something I have done with all bed sizes and kid ages: Your bed and the path to the door need to be free of clutter and toys in case you get up at night. Simple.
Get the Look
Bed: Max & Lily Modern Farmhouse Low Loft Bed
This is made with durable wood, a great farmhouse white wash finish, and was easy to assemble, honestly. It comes in other finishes, has matching room furniture, and has options with drawers too.
Rug: Luxury Shag Area Rug, 5x8 Feet
This rug is so soft! I love it. I thought it would feel stiff based on the low price point, but it's been great. Makes going under the bed more enjoyable too. It will need to be aired out as it has a chemical smell to it, but most manufactured items have that and require it.
Fan: LED Color Enclosed Bladeless Low Profile Ceiling Fans With Remote Control
There are many versions of this fan out there. This has LED lighting and bluetooth connectivity for music and everything can be controlled from an app. If you have multiple, however, you can't control more than one from the app. I don't use the music, however, and the lights can also be controlled by the remote, so I don't see it as an issue. This is pictured below.
Bedside Shelf: Classic Bedside Tray or Book Holder
The one in the picture is not the one in this link. Ours has no ledge to keep things from falling off and is the one downside. But I found another one and linked it above that can be mounted in two ways depending on what you need it for.
Stuffed Animal Storage: Teardrop Net
This was a major improvement to the room! Corner nets simply can't be reached usually and anything on the floor or a toy bin just could have better use with something else, so this took the stuffed animals off the floor. You'll see it below :)
Window Treatments: Curtain Rods, Sheers, Curtains
This is a double curtain rod because we live in track housing and I still like privacy with my sunlight. These say they are blackout, but they are more like light filtering. But they are very soft, super long to maximize the look of the room, and very affordable. Bonus! Also, pictured below.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer.
The transition from a toddler bed to a twin bed is a memorable milestone for both parents and children. Choosing the right bed and ensuring your child is ready are key factors in making this transition a smooth and exciting one. Safety should always be the top priority when selecting a bed, especially if it's a loft bed with an underneath play area. With careful consideration and preparation, you can create a safe and exciting space for your child to enjoy their new "big kid bed."
Comments