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.If you have trouble getting a good night's sleep on your mattress, a mattress topper might be the perfect solution. It can boost the comfort level of an old mattress for a fraction of the price of buying a new one. Sometimes called a pillow-top mattress pad, a topper is a cushion you place on top of the mattress to add softness or support. The terms "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" are often used interchangeably, but the latter also refers to a thinner type of cover that's placed over a mattress to protect it from stains.
This report focuses mainly on the type of toppers used for added cushioning, but we do recommend waterproof and non-waterproof mattress pads as well. The most common reason people decide to add toppers to their mattresses is to add new life to an older bed. Innerspring mattresses in particular tend to compress over time, losing their ability to shape themselves to a sleeper's body. A mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushioning, relieving pressure points and enhancing sleep quality. However, mattress toppers can't compensate for major problems such as sagging, sinkholes or springs poking through the mattress cover. If your mattress is that bad, you need a new one. We have recommendations for the most popular types in our separate report on mattresses. Mattress pads aren't just for old mattresses, though. People often add a mattress topper to adjust the firmness level of a newer mattress. If you buy a new mattress and determine after a short time that it's too soft or firm for your taste, adding a topper can make it softer or firmer without the hassle and expense of trading in a nearly new model (returning a new mattress often involves shipping and restocking fees, not to mention the logistics of dealing with returning a large item).
Placing a topper on just one side of the bed can also help couples who prefer different levels of mattress firmness. Memory foam is the most popular type of mattress topper, and it tends to be the most effective at improving mattress comfort. Made from polyurethane, memory foam contains millions of open, spherical cells that respond to pressure and heat. It comes in many thicknesses and densities: In general, a thicker topper will have a softer feel, while a denser foam will provide more support. However, memory foam can trap body heat, and some say that the way it cradles the body can make it difficult to move around on. Many memory foam toppers also give off an unpleasant odor when new, although a good airing usually takes care of that. Latex foam is similar to memory foam, but it's made of either natural or synthetic latex rubber. It comes in many grades of thickness and firmness like memory foam, but generally tends to be a bit firmer. It's also somewhat less likely than memory foam to trap body heat and emit an unpleasant odor, but the "new mattress smell" can still be a problem for some users.
Latex excels at providing both softness and support and it's a good choice for allergy sufferers because it's resistant to both mold and dust mites. However, latex itself can be an allergen for some people and latex toppers are among the most expensive. Featherbeds are basically cushions stuffed with feathers or down. These add softness to a mattress, but not support. While they don't retain body heat as much as foam toppers do, they tend to compress under a user's weight and must be fluffed or shaken regularly to restore their shape. Featherbed mattress toppers are usually less expensive than foam ones. If you're sensitive to feathers, fiberbed and wool mattress toppers are very similar to featherbeds, but are made from hypoallergenic materials. Mattress pads are not mattress toppers, they are just a thin pad, with corners like a fitted sheet that go over your mattress to protect it from moisture and stains. Deep-pocket mattress pads can even fit over both a mattress topper and a mattress.
Mattress pads are very affordable and there's little variation in quality. With the high cost of mattresses, we highly recommend that everyone protect their investment from spills, stains and other accidents. analyze thousands of owner reviews and break down the data to provide specific information about different mattress topper types and brands. Our research turns up three main factors to consider when shopping for a mattress topper. Since a topper's job is to improve the comfort of a mattress, we give particular importance to how well each pad cushions and supports the body, as well as such criteria as whether it retains body heat. A good mattress topper also needs to stay comfortable over time, so we examine how well each model holds up with use and whether it needs special maintenance to keep it in good shape. Based on these factors, we identify the best mattress toppers of each type and list their pros and cons. One is sure to be the perfect choice for your best night's sleep.