Just-Right Beds to Help Your Kids Sleep the Whole Night Through

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.

Have you noticed your little one is not so little anymore? Is he outgrowing his crib — or even looking a little scrunched in his current bed? It might be time to upgrade to a big kid bed. The transition can seem daunting for both parents and little ones, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, making a new bed an exciting milestone could actually make it easier to put your child to bed and keep them sleeping there the whole night through. (Hey, dare to dream!)

What To Look For In Kids Beds

Dr. Harvey Karp, founder of Happiest Baby and creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet, says durability is key as your tot blossoms into a big kid. “Not only should the bed be strong enough to support bedtime-story-snuggles with Mom or Dad, but it also needs to stand up to your tyke’s whizzing imagination. One day the bed may be a boat, the next a rocket ship, and the next a trampoline! Durable, solid wood plus a spring base can withstand the raucous big-kid years way better than particle board or a wood-slat grid,” says Dr. Karp.

He also recommends checking off a few practical must-haves in a kids bed. “You’ll want to pick a bed that’s safety-certified, not on the recall list, and free of yucky ingredients like BPA, formaldehyde, and VOCs,” he says.

Laura Hunter, co-founder of Moms on Call, adds, “For a big-kid bed, safety is still a priority, but you also want to ensure the bed feels like a ‘grown-up’ version of their toddler bed. A sturdy frame is key, she says, and if possible, consider a bed with a low profile or adjustable height for easy access.

“Comfort should still be top of mind, so choose a high-quality mattress that supports their growing body,” says Jennifer Walker, Hunter’s co-founder of Moms on Call. She also recommends making sure any furniture around the bed, like a dresser, is anchored securely, and to keep cords or small toys out of reach to avoid any hazards.

Best Kids Beds at a Glance

Best Overall: Max & Lily Twin Over Twin Low Bunk Bed With Easy Slide & Stairs, $679.49 (originally $899)
Best Bed with Storage: Kymara Platform Bed with Storage Headboard and a Big Drawer, $274 (originally $410)
Best for Toddlers: Pottery Barn Kids Avery Bookrack Bed, $599
Most Design Forward: Crate & Kids Tucker Brown Sherpa Kids Twin Bed by Jeremiah Brent, $799
Best to Transition into Teenage Years: Halis Upholstered Scalloped Bed, $260 (originally $290)
Best Classic Bed: Dream on Me Classic Toddler Bed, $67 (was $99)
Most Versatile: Storkcraft Caribou Twin-Over-Twin Bunk Bed, $230
Best Character Bed: Delta Children Paw Patrol Plastic Toddler Bed, $49 (originally $70)
Best Canopy Bed: DHP Metal Canopy Platform Bed, $145 (originally $211) 
Best Low to the Ground Bed: Delta Children Canton Toddler Bed, $144

Experts in This Article

Dr. Harvey Karp is the founder of Happiest Baby and creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper Bassinet.
Laura Hunter and Jennifer Walker are the founders of Moms on Call.

Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Max & Lily is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.