Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

We are going to get a bed for DS who just hit 2.5. Originally I was going to get one of those small toddler beds - a thomas the train one. But, now I am thinking why have to go through two transitions and just go right for the full size bed with rails. But, I am wondering is there any reason to go with the toddler bed over the full size one? Is it safer? Do they transition better? TIA!

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

I would go with the regular bed with the side rails !

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

We had the Thomas bed. Honestly it was a waste. He never slept in it, it was too small and uncomfortable. We had it a year then sold it and bought regular furniture with a regular mattress which was MUCH better.

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

DS is the same age and honestly, if his crib did not convert into a toddler bed, we would have put him right into a big bed...like you said, no need to transition twice. Good luck!

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

regular bed.

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

I went straight to the regular bed. We got the side rails and put pillows and blankets all around the floor. I figured why bother with two transitions?

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

My experience with the toddler bed is the opposite side of what everyone is saying.

I got the Cars one ($50) hoping DS would be excited to go to sleep and not miss the crib at all. It worked! Plus you get to use the crib mattress and the crib sheets, so no extra expense there. Also, the toddler bed came with side rails, saving money again.

DS used to be all over his crib when he slept so the first 2 weeks he still fell out of the toddler bed but it was only like 4" off the floor so he didnt even barely wake up and he wasnt hurt one bit.

For us, the toddler bed was the way to go! By time we switch to a twin bed, he will be older and I wont have to really worry about a transition or falling out of bed.

Message edited 2/20/2010 2:13:26 PM.

Re: Toddler bed vs. real bed for 2.5 year old?

I feel like the toddler bed is kind of a waste. However, my crib converted (side came off), so that is my reason why. DD is almost 27 months and she's going into a full size tomorrow night. We have bed rails for both sides. She is REALLY excited about it.