The answer to what size mattress fits a toddler bed is 28 by 52 inches. However, expect some deviations in these dimensions, depending on the toddler bed you have. Remember that you must get the bed and the mattress of the same size, much like when shopping for other mattresses.
This article will also discuss how you can ensure that the mattress you get is the best for your little one. Is your child even ready to use this type of bed? Find out more below!
What Size Is A Toddler Bed Mattress?
While there can be variations depending on the mattress brand and frame you’re using; a toddler bed mattress typically has dimensions of 28 by 52 inches. This size is ideal for toddlers or young children that have grown out of their crib. A toddler bed might also be helpful for children with a smaller body type.
Should your child transition to a toddler bed?
Just because your child is a toddler doesn’t immediately mean that you can transition him/her to a so-called toddler bed without considerations. However, it’s common for kids around the age of 18 to 24 months to graduate from their cribs because this age range is when they start to get more active and climb out of the crib. If your little one is also around three feet tall, it puts him/her at risk of getting out of the crib, and it’s best to transition to a toddler bed for safety.
Ultimately, the deciding factors for a child to use a toddler bed are his/her physical attributes, demeanor, and milestones. As your child grows up physically and becomes more capable of various movements, the crib’s rails also become riskier. Now, how do you help a child adjust to a new bed?
How to help a child transition to a toddler bed
You might think that your child is too young to understand things, but explaining and talking to him/her about this new experience should make it more exciting and less scary. You can explain that he/she will be using a big kid’s bed and what to expect with this new upgrade. You can even make it more fun by narrating a story, so they have characters to relate to.
But since using a toddler bed is a new experience, you want to transition when there are no other “big changes” your child has to face. For example, your kid might be starting school. You don’t want to overwhelm your child as he/she processes many changes simultaneously.
The final tip is ensuring that bedtime is familiar. Stick to the same nighttime routines to help your child feel more at ease to sleep. You can also have trial naps with his/her favorite stuffed toy to help him/her get used to the new bed.
What Kind Of Mattress Do You Use For A Toddler Bed?
Other than the size, the next question that comes to a parent’s mind is what specific type of mattress works for a toddler bed. You can choose any material as long as it’s a maximum of six inches deep to achieve the child’s ideal comfort. Some parents also swore to use something conforming like foam instead of spring to support a child’s developing body.
The best mattress you can have for your toddler is something that can support his/her spine. This means that it should be firm enough to keep your child from sinking too deeply but also soft enough for comfort. Some doctors also recommend changing the mattress every three years during the ages of 0 to 10 to ensure that your child gets the ideal structure.
Is A Toddler Bed The Same Size As a Crib Mattress?
While the bed usage stages start from crib to toddler bed, did you know that a toddler mattress measures the same as a crib mattress? Therefore, you can use the crib mattress on a toddler bed frame as well. However, your child might prefer a different and slightly softer mattress since those used in cribs tend to be firmer to support a very young child.
Is Toddler Bed Same As Twin?
A toddler bed is not the same as a twin bed because the latter is bigger and serves as the next stage once your child outgrows a toddler bed. Remember that a twin-size mattress can become a daybed because it is 75 inches long and 38 inches wide. However, some parents skip the toddler bed and immediately have their child use a twin bed, so he/she can have it until his/her teenage years.
The only potential issue for a toddler using a twin-size mattress is he/she might find it hard to adjust to the larger size. It would be best only to consider this size of bed if your little one is at least three years old or if he/she is around 35 inches tall.
Conclusion
If your little one has outgrown his/her crib, it’s time to transition him/her to a toddler bed. But are you familiar with what size mattress fits a toddler bed? It measures 28 by 52 inches, which is also the same size as a crib mattress.
However, you want to get something softer to help your child feel more comfortable. Some parents even skip the toddler mattress altogether and opt for a twin-size bed instead. Overall, your decision lies in whether a toddler mattress will be ideal for your child’s size and physical milestones.