What Mattress Size Do You Need for a Toddler Bed?

If your toddler is ready to transition for its baby crib into a toddler bed, this might bring up some questions for parents about what to do next, and how to make this transition successful. In this guide, we’ll help parents answer the question: “What size mattress does a toddler bed fit?”

When a baby is first born, its first bed is a baby crib. It has high side rails, and adjustable bed heights, so it can accommodate your baby’s needs as it grows over time. There is a point, however when toddlers have learned how to stand up straight by themselves, and will want to climb over things. If you have noticed that your toddler is trying to jump over the side rails, this might be a good indication that it’s time to switch over to a toddler bed.

Toddler Bed Mattress Size

If you already own a crib, which has its own crib mattress, chances are you don’t need a new mattress. A standard crib mattress measures 28 inches by 52 inches, which is the same size as most toddler mattresses. There could be a few exceptions, depending on the manufacturer and brand of your crib. The best way to be sure, is to measure your old mattress, or check it’s label.

If your crib does not transition or if you’ve been using a mini crib, you’ll need to get a toddler bed. There are lots of lovely toddler beds, that come at an affordable price, so choosing one should be a big issue for parents. Once you’ve narrowed your search and picked a bed you want to use, then check what are its full dimensions and what mattress size if fits. In the majority of cases, a crib mattress will fit a toddler bed.

Quick Tip: Toddler beds do use crib mattresses.

Mattress Firmness

Another important point to consider when it comes to the mattress your toddler is using is the firmness level. Babies should be using a firm mattress, since it decreases it’s risk of SIDS for infants. However, after a baby reaches 6 months of age, the risk of SIDS significantly drops. Once your child grows older, it might not find its firm mattress that comfortable to sleep on. If you’ve noticed that your child does not feel very comfortable and is coming over to your bed in the middle of the night, then you might consider getting a new softer mattress.

Actually, there is a clever solution to this: a double-sided mattress. Where on one side the mattress is firm so it can be used by a newborn baby, and on the other side it has a plush memory side for older babies and toddlers.

When is child ready for a toddler bed?

There is no one correct answer to this question. It depends on each individual child, and how it develops and grows. Most children transition between ages one and a half and three and a half (according to BabyCenter). Make sure you have lowered the crib mattress as far down as possible, so the side rails are move difficult to climb over, which will give you some additional time. But if you notice that your child is too active and is able to climb out of the crib by him/herself, this is an indication that it’s time to switch.

Choosing the right toddler bed:

Toddler bed have side rails and are low to the ground. This will make the bed safer, in case your toddler tumbles and falls out of bed in the middle of the night. The side rails should help stop, any night tumbles, while the fact that it’s low to the ground and floor should prevent any injury. Nonetheless, depending on the design of the toddler bed, you might want add a foam roll number to the side or change the bed rail.

Tip: If you’re looking for a unique and original toddler bed, check out our article on the best upholstered toddler beds, which have padding and are upholstered in a soft durable fabric, for a more sophisticated and modern look.

Once your child has reaches 4 or 5 years of age, it will most likely have outgrown its toddler bed. You’ll then need to get them a twin size bed, which will fit a twin mattress with size: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Make sure you get them a wooden or a metal bed that is sturdy, so they can use it well into their teenage years.