There is a great debate among parents about whether it is necessary to purchase a toddler bed after your baby outgrows their crib or whether you should transition directly to a twin bed, which can be used for a longer period of time and, by many, is considered a better investment. However, there are some drawbacks to skipping the toddler bed. Many parents are concerned about safety, space, and the toddler's comfort. Some parents also say that it is more difficult to change sheets on a twin bed in the middle of the night after a potty training accident and their toddlers cannot easily get up and down from a twin bed. This quick guide will show you some of the ways you can get around these concerns when transitioning directly from a crib to a twin bed. 

Safety 

The main safety concern with a twin bed is that a toddler may roll out of it while they are sleeping. Toddler beds often come with railings that make both the parents and toddlers feel more secure about the bed. However, there are many ways that you can increase the safety of a twin bed. You can put a removable railing along the edge of the bed or make your own railing by putting a foam pool noodle between your toddler's mattress and their fitted sheet. 

Another way to make a twin bed safe is to simply put the mattress on the floor until your toddler is ready to transition to a higher bed frame. 

Space

Toddler beds tend to be narrower and shorter than twin beds. This makes them easier to fit in small nurseries and leave more floor space for playing. However, you can still keep your space while having a twin bed. You can purchase a trundle bed frame that slides beneath your bed if your toddler is sharing a room with you. Alternatively, you can construct a wooden platform to slide the twin bed beneath while it is not in use. On the platform, you can create a play space or put other bedroom items such as a dresser. 

Comfort

Sometimes the feeling of space in a big bed is overwhelming for toddlers who have been in a small, cozy crib their entire life. However, it is easy to make a small space in a twin bed. You can push the bed against a wall to create a familiar feeling of being enclosed. You can also place a large stuffed animal or pillow at the foot of the bed to make it seem shorter. 

Changing Sheets 

Some parents think it is easier to navigate around a smaller toddler bed to change the sheets in the middle of the night if their child has an accident. If you feel this way, then you might consider layering sheets on a twin bed. You place a waterproof mat (either disposable or reusable) directly on the mattress and cover it with a fitted sheet. You then place another waterproof mat and a second fitted sheet. If your child has an accident, you can quickly remove one of the layers and your child can get back to sleep. 

Height 

Twin bed frames come in many heights. If you have your heart set on a slightly taller frame, you can simply keep the mattress on the floor until your toddler is big enough and skilled enough to navigate their twin bed frame. 

A twin mattress is a long-term sleep solution whereas a toddler bed can only be used for a few years. Use these tips to help your toddler transition quickly and easily to a twin bed. For more information on mattresses, contact a company like Merlins TV.