Kidkraft Toddler Bed - The Good And The Bad

KidKraft is a company based in Dallas, Texas that manufactures toys and furniture items like wooden toy trains, rocking horses, bookshelves, step stools, tables and chairs.  Probably the most popular among its products is the KidKraft toddler bed, which comes in many models.

The variety of styles available makes it easier for parents to choose their toddler's beds according to the child's main interest.  You may think that the selections reinforces gender roles, which you may or may not agree with because of your personal political and social convictions, but you cannot deny that your child will appreciate the traditional styles.

For example, the toddler beds for girls as made by KidKraft are painted in pastel shades like pink while the beds for the boys are in blue.  It's a very traditional assignment of colors, admittedly, but you can always go for the white toddler beds like the Nantucket style.  Or you may also paint over the original paint, if you have the mind, money and skills to do so.

Although the specifications for each type of KidKraft toddler bed will vary, you will observe certain commonalities as culled from numerous consumer reviews.  Most of these consumer reviews are favorable with a few unfavorable ones thrown in for good measure.  So, let's briefly discuss a few of the pros and cons for all KidKraft toddler beds:

• Mattress size - You can either place the crib mattress into the bed or purchase new beddings.  We recommend the first option during the first few days of the transition period just so your child will have something familiar to sleep in.
• Dimensions - Your toddler will be comfortable in his/her new bed simply because it is made according to the average height and weight of, well, toddlers.  His crib is just not sufficiently spacious for his growing body anymore, not to mention that it makes him look like, well, a baby.  However, do check into the maximum weight limit for safety's sake.

Also, the height from the floor to the mattress is a boon for the shorter legs of your toddler but it can also be a bane for your not-so-young legs and knees.  Still, since it is your child's comfort and convenience at stake, you just learn to deal with it.

• Construction - As with all KidKraft products, durability and stability in construction is a given in most instances.  Of course, you should follow the assembly instructions for the bed in order to ensure that, indeed, your toddler's bed is as strong as intended by the manufacturer.

Design elements include decorative bed rails, paneled headboard and footboard, as well as lacquer finishes.  You can even combine other furniture from KidKraft so as to make your child's room truly his haven.

The affordable KidKraft toddler bed is as good as any of the more expensive toddler beds available in the market considering its abovementioned merits.  Plus, this is a wooden bed that can be made into a heirloom piece.  You cannot say that of a molded plastic toddler bed, can you?