dear ms
when my daughter was this age i went right for a twin size bed. i just didnt put the fram on and put the mattress right on the floor, then she didn't have far to fall. she loved her little bed and moved on to the boxsprings and frame at about 3 1/2 years old. it didn't save alot of money, toddler beds aren't that much, but i felt it saved money on sheets and other bedding, and made the transition to a "big" bed smoother. With my other child we got a toddler bed and it seems to be a waste of money, she is already growing out of it, and after one afternoon of jumping on it broke one of the bars that holds the mattres in place. so if i did it again i would move right to a twin or full bed, whatever her room would hold. hope this helps
C. (mother to two wonderful girls ages 3 and 8. they are the light of my life, they make me proud to be their mom every day.)