P urchasing a toddler bed may feel like a waste of money, since it will be used for such a relatively short period. But here ...

Most children’s mattresses come in a twin, twin XL (a longer bed) or a full size. I personally love the full size for young kids if you have the space, because it allows for story time together ...

Aly Lopez is a writer on the sleep team at CNET. She tests, researches and reviews everything sleep-related, from mattresses and bedding to sleep trends and hacks to sleep technology and supplements.

Monetary donations are welcome and so are donations of new twin-size bedding for kids. (This story has been updated to fix an inaccuracy.) Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames ...