How to Buy Your Baby's First Bed

Buying your baby's first bed can be an exciting and difficult decision to make. Consider the following before making a purchase.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bunk Beds
• Children's Bedding
• Children's Beds

1. Decide if your child is ready for a bed. Making the move from a crib to a bed can be a hard transition for some toddlers or preschoolers. Go slow and expect some apprehension from your child.

2. Think ahead. Your child will probably be sleeping in the bed you buy for several years. Toddler beds are great but your child will grow out of it quickly, making it an expensive choice. Bunk beds are great for siblings sharing a room and for only children too, but may be too dangerous for a toddler.

3. Shop. Choices range from toddler beds that fit a crib-sized mattress, to a twin or full-sized beds with box springs. Beds in the shape of race cars and princess castles or with an antique or contemporary look are also available. Look for children's beds at large toy store chains and furniture store.

4. Expect to pay at least $100. Some of the more elaborate or fancy models can range in price from $300 to $1,500 for the bed frame alone. Some beds include a mattress, but you may have to spend more for a mattress and box spring.

5. Buy a quality mattress. If you are using the crib mattress from your toddler's crib, it should be fine. However, if you are buying a mattress, make sure it is firm enough for young growing bones.

6. Consider guard rails. Leaving the security of the crib will take some getting used to and falling out of bed in the middle of the night can be very scary. You will find guard rails that slide under the mattress or attach to the bed with screws. Test the sturdiness of the rails before you place your child in the bed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can leave bunk beds unstacked until your child is developed enough to safely sleep on them.
• Consider assembling the bed in your toddler's room two weeks prior to making the switch.
• It is illegal to buy used mattresses. There is a tag on the mattress warning of the sale and purchase of previously owned mattresses.
• Don't buy a used bed with chipped or peeling paint on it.

on 11/22/2005 Purchasing a crib that will later convert to a day bed will ease the transition for toddlers. When your youngster is ready, you simply remove the sliding rail from the crib and presto! - you've got a toddler-sized bed.

on 11/22/2005 Our baby hated her crib, so when she was nine months old we got her a futon and put it on her floor. Now if she gets upset in the night her mother or I have room to get in bed with her.