ToddlerIf your 2-year-old (or dexterous 18-month-old) has started to make like Houdini and attempt to escape the confines of his crib, it’s probably time to let him graduate to a big-kid bed. Got a crib that converts to a toddler bed? Then you’re all set once you make the change. But if you need to buy a toddler bed, read on.Your Toddler Bed OptionsYou have two choices for your tot’s new sweet-dreams spot:A toddler bed, which is a small bed frame that fits a crib-size mattress and often comes disguised as a spaceship, princess castle or sports car.A twin-size mattress and bed frame and portable safety rails.Both are safe, so let these benefits and drawbacks to each guide your decision.Buying a Toddler BedPros:Bed frames for children are pretty affordable for toddler gear, ranging in price from $50 to $200. Plus, most come with safety rails and accept standard crib mattresses, so you don’t need to buy these extras.The fun designs and colors on toddler bed frames can up the excitement about transitioning from crib to bed.
Most toddler beds are low to the ground, which is good news for your little one, who’s likely eager to climb in and out on his own.Cons:The weight limit for toddler beds is 50 pounds, which means your tot will eventually outgrow it. Another bummer: You won’t be able to hop in for a cuddle during his bedtime routine.Your mischievous little monkey may bounce out of bed (intentionally or not) in the middle of the night since toddler beds are so low to the ground.Many toddler beds are plastic, so they may not be especially durable.What to look for:A frame that holds a standard-size crib mattress. If the crib mattress you have doesn’t fit snugly into the bed frame, buy one that does. Gaps between the mattress and the frame pose an entrapment hazard.The toddler bed you buy has to be tough enough for your rough-and-tumble tot (and maybe some visiting pals as well).Side rails — or a toddler bed that lets you attach them. These help restless sleepers (and tossers and tumblers) stay put.A smooth finish, rounded edges, and hardware that doesn't stick out, so your pipsqueak doesn’t get poked.
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification. Look for this sticker on the packaging for any toddler bed and safety rails you buy. (It guarantees the product has met certain safety standards.)Buying a Twin BedPros:You’ll get more use out of it than a toddler bed, since it can hold your honey through high school (and beyond).Some twin bed frames feature kid-friendly designs or headboards that can get your sweetie psyched about sleeping there.It will be big enough to host you too, which comes in handy for snuggling while your child drifts off to dreamland.Cons:You’ll need to buy a twin-size mattress ($150 to $1,000), a twin-size toddler bed frame ($100 to $300), and portable safety rails ($20 to $100 each, and you’ll need one for each side of the bed that’s not flush against a wall). That adds up to considerably more moola than buying a toddler bed.If the portable safety rails aren’t placed firmly against the mattress, there’s an entrapment hazard.Some twin bed frames are too high for a munchkin to mount easily.
What to look for:Just like when buying a toddler bed, look for twin bed frames that are sturdy with a smooth finish, rounded edges, and hardware that doesn’t protrude.Portable safety rails should have the JPMA certification sticker on them. (A twin bed frame without a JPMA sticker doesn’t mean the product’s unsafe since it isn’t subject to JPMA standards.)You’ll need mesh safety rails if your toddler tends to toss and turn while he sleeps. If he stays still while he snoozes, steel or wood safety rails should be fine.Legal Obligations for Mattress Industry Obligations vary depending on what role a company plays in the manufacturing, distribution, sale or renovation of mattresses and box springs. Businesses not complying with the law can be prohibited from selling their products in California and face financial penalties. MRC Launches Illegal Mattress Dumping Compensation Program MRC will compensate California agencies (including California local governments, certain permitted solid waste facilities, and authorized solid waste operations) that collect illegally dumped mattresses from public rights-of-way.
Mattress Producers, Retailers and Renovators Must Register will be unable to sell their products in California and could face other financial penalties. The following notices describe how the law affects different segments of the mattress industry. Participant obligations vary depending on what role the company plays in the manufacturing, renovation, distribution and sale of mattresses and box springs. California Determined Sales Tax Is Not Applicable The recycling fee is not subject to sales tax. See CA State Board of Equalization Sales Tax Determination for full details. CalRecycle Approved the Plan, Recycling Fee and Budget On Oct. 1, 2015 CalRecycle approved the $11 recycling fee and MRC’s budget. Fee collection began on Dec. 30, 2015. Plan approval followed on Jan. 29, 2016. To view MRC’s complete implementation plan, go here. Interested in Becoming a Collection Site or Event Host? MRC is recruiting solid waste facilities (transfer stations, landfills, MRF’s, public works yards) in California interested in collecting discarded mattresses and box springs for recycling or hosting special one-day collection events.
MRC will provide storage containers/trailers, transport the collected mattresses and box springs to the recycler and recycle those units at no cost to the collection site or event host. MRC will also provide reasonable compensation. If your facility is interested in participating, please fill out the form below. Large Volume Pick-Up Request MRC offers a Large Volume Pick Up Service to retailers, hotels, and educational institutions with at least 100 units to discard. All units must have been used and discarded in California. See the Large Volume Pick Up Service details for further eligibility requirements and contact us if interested. To help mattress retailers, municipalities, hotels, universities, healthcare facilities and other qualified parties understand how they may recycle discarded mattresses and box springs – MRC has developed factsheets, guidelines, videos and more. Sign Up for California Program Updates Whether you’re a retailer following the program’s implementation, a solid waste facility manager interested in getting involved, or a policy maker who wants to stay updated on mattress recycling news, simply enter your information in the form below and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.