Toddler bed or twin bed?

[Anne]

DD turned 2 last month. She's always slept in our bed. But the time has come to get her into her own bed. Maybe into her own room, but for starters just in her own bed.

We have a crib mattress for her that is practically new, so I just assumed we'd go the toddler bed route for a year or two before getting her a twin. But now I'm second guessing spending the money on a toddler bed and bedding set. We have a spare twin mattress/frame, so if we went directly to twin, we'd only have to get the bedding set. But then the toddler bed is just cute and keeps her lower to the ground in case she falls out.

Which way do you think is best? Straight to twin or toddler bed? What'd you do?

 

[Qarin]

I think I'd probably get a toddler bed off craigslist, buy an inexpensive mattress pad and fitted crib sheet, and a twin-sized comforter. The freedom of being able to get easily in and out of bed is nice, and the cost (since you have a mattress) is low.

Alternatively, I'd put the twin size mattress on the floor for her (assuming you're not in, like, scorpion country... an issue I had never considered until someone mentioned it recently...).

 

[Evolily]

Well, I'd just put the mattress on the ground (less far to fall and cheaper), buy twin pillow/comforter/quilt/etc and crib sized sheets (or use the sheets you already have) and a mattress pad/protector/etc.

 

[Pixels]

Twin on the floor.

 

[KaysKidz]

We converted the cribs into toddler beds at 2. Shortly before their 3rd birthday, we did box spring and mattress directly on the floor. That way I would still use the rail for my one twin who sleeps ALL OVER THE PLACE. Plus it's easier for me to sit on their beds etc. By 4, I will add frames. But for now, this works beautifully!!

 

[Mags462]

Twin on the floor.

THIS! Or really all of the above advice is sound.... we had a toddler bed for my now 4yr old and while he loved it because it was lightening mcqueen he outgrew it really fast! We bought convertible bunk beds (eg you can stack them or use them individually) and moved my 2yr old directly in to a twin w/ a side rail on. He has done very well. Unless space is an issue the toddler beds are just not as good of an investment money wise.... but that's my :twocents:

 

[Anne]

Thank you all for your advice. For now we've put the crib mattress on the floor next to our bed (which is also just a mattress on the floor) and we're using crib sheets and just some spare blankets. I hadn't even thought of using a twin comforter with the crib mattress. I didn't want to invest in a toddler set that wouldn't be used long, but didn't know if I wanted her in a twin just yet.

I think we'll look at getting a twin bedding set so that we can go with either mattress. We'll just see what she likes. We might keep her on the crib mattress while she's in our room just for the space issue but maybe try the twin on the floor if she goes to her own room.