For many parents, the thought of switching from a crib to a toddler bed comes when they notice their little one growing more curious, independent, and mobile. Maybe your toddler has started climbing out of the crib, asking for a “big kid bed,” or seems ready for a little more freedom at bedtime. This transition can feel exciting and a bit emotional as it’s another sign your toddler is growing up. While every child reaches this stage at their own pace, making the switch to a toddler bed often becomes a natural next step as your toddler grows.
When to Switch to a Toddler Bed
Sleeping in a big-kid bed is a new level of independence that requires more self-control than sleeping in a crib. Gauge whether your child is ready for the responsibility of their new sleeping arrangements before getting rid of their crib. There’s no one age when all kids are ready for a toddler bed; pay attention to your toddler to know when it’s the right time for them.
Most kids make the switch between their second and third birthdays, but there’s no reason to rush. If your child is content in their crib and hasn’t outgrown it, there’s no reason to push them out. You can also delay if your child doesn’t sleep through the night or has trouble following rules. On the flip side, you don’t want to wait too long, or your toddler may become attached to their crib, and the transition to a big kid bed will become more difficult.
Is your child asking for a big kid bed? If so, that’s a good indication they’re ready. You can use this as an opportunity to talk to them about what a toddler bed means and what will be expected of them. If your child has outgrown their crib or keeps climbing out at night, that’s also a good sign they’re ready for a new bed. That usually happens when your child is more than 35 inches tall, or the railing is at the middle of their chest when standing.
Can your child self-soothe? Do they sleep through the night? Are they generally good at following rules during the day? If so, it might be time for your toddler to change their sleeping arrangements.
Toddler Bed or Twin Bed: Which is Better?
When it’s time for your toddler to leave the crib, you’ve got a big decision to make about what sort of bed they’ll be sleeping in for the next stage of their life.
One economical solution is to simply move their existing mattress from the crib to the floor. You can also get a toddler bed frame, which is low to the ground and compatible with your existing crib mattress. Some cribs are convertible and transition from a crib to a toddler bed, easing the transition.
Some parents opt to skip a toddler bed and jump straight to a twin mattress. The upside is that it will last for years to come, but it also has a greater risk of nighttime injuries if your child rolls off the bed. If you’re going for a twin mattress instead of a toddler bed, take steps to protect your child from rolling or falling off the bed at night. Adding bed rails or a guardrail can help create a safer sleeping space while your child gets used to the extra room. You can also lower the mattress to the ground or place a pool noodle or rolled towel under the fitted sheet to create a gentle barrier along the edge.
There’s no one right answer when it comes to the type of bed your toddler sleeps in. Consider your home environment, your child’s level of maturity, your resources, and other factors when figuring out the bed that makes the most sense for you and your family.
How to Transition from Crib to Bed
Some kids may make the transition from crib to toddler bed without any trouble, while others will resist the change. If your child is struggling, you could transition more slowly by putting the toddler bed or twin bed in the same room as the crib. Let your child take daytime naps in their new bed and sleep at night in the more familiar crib.
Communicate: Talk to your child about the change in advance so they have time to get used to the idea and aren’t caught off guard.
Involve them: Get them engaged in the process. Let your child choose their own sheets, blanket, and pillow cases. Do they need a nightlight, a stuffed animal, or another comfort item? This helps kids take ownership of their new bed and feel comfortable in their new sleep situation.
Keep up the routine: Switching from a crib to a bed is a big change all on its own. Don’t complicate things by changing your child’s bedtime or introducing new nighttime activities.
Wind down: Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime, then go through a consistent bedtime routine. This could include taking a bath, brushing their teeth, or reading a story. Doing the same things in the lead-up to bedtime lets your child know it’s time to wind down.
Do what’s right for your child: If you’re moving your child out of the crib because there’s another baby on the way, consider your child’s feelings before making any changes. Forcing them out of the crib before they’re ready may make them feel displaced by a new baby who is taking attention away from their parents and now taking their bed. Start transitioning to a big-kid bed a few months before the new baby comes home, or wait a few months after to separate the two events.
Common Challenges When Switching to a Toddler Bed
Transitioning from a crib to a “big kid” bed is one of the first big milestones of your toddler’s life, but it doesn’t always go smoothly. Kids may struggle with the transition, they may want their crib back, and it may take a little time for everyone to adjust to the new normal. Parents and caregivers should be prepared for some backsliding and pushback while your child gets used to their new sleeping environment. Some common challenges include:
Explorers: Without the confines of a crib, a big-kid bed encourages many children to get out of bed and roam at night. They may come into your room to ask questions or go exploring the rest of the house unsupervised. If your child is an explorer, gently guide them back to bed, tuck them in, and leave the room.
Regression: Sleep regression is normal during transitions, including the change from a crib to a big-kid bed. Stay consistent in your behavior and expectations, and kids will usually settle into the new normal within a couple of weeks.
Jumping the gun: Moving to a big kid bed is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to do it at the right time. If our child isn’t developmentally ready, there’s nothing wrong with temporarily going back to the crib until they are.
The wrong reasons: Some parents switch from a crib to a toddler bed in hopes of fixing sleep problems. But if your toddler is having a hard time sleeping in their crib, moving them to a different bed is unlikely to fix the problem.
Part of growing up is pushing boundaries, and kids are good at it. Clearly communicate your rules and expectations, and have a plan for when, not if, your child gets out of bed.
Safety Tips When Moving from Crib to Bed
You likely childproofed your house before bringing your baby home, but switching from a crib to a big kid bed means your child will have easier access to their environment at night. It’s a good opportunity to double-check your babyproofing and shore up your defenses.
- Put safety locks on windows.
- Secure curtains and blind cords.
- Cover electrical outlets.
- Anchor heavy furniture to the walls.
- Install safety gates at the tops and bottoms of stairs, and anywhere else you want to block off
- Add guardrails to the sides of the bed, making sure they are snug against the frame, so there aren’t any gaps.
- Wait to add pillows until your baby is at least two years old.
- Keep medicines, makeup, cleaning supplies, and other potentially dangerous compounds out of reach.
- Use a baby monitor or a bell on the door to alert you when your toddler gets out of their room,
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic, When and How To Transition to a Toddler Bed
Parents, 6 Signs Your Toddler is Ready to Transition From Their Crib—And How To Do It
St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Tackling the Toddler Crib-to-Bed Transition
What to Expect, How and When to Transition From Crib to Toddler Bed
Raising Children Network, Moving your child from cot to bed: when, why, and how
Today’s Parent, How To Transition Your Kid From A Crib T A Toddler Bed
Bella Luna Family, Avoid These Crib to Bed Transition Mistakes
Take Cara Babies, Ultimate Guide to Toddler Bed Transition
University of Rochester Medicine, Moving Your Toddler From Crib to Bed
Johns Hopkins Health Plans, Moving Your Toddler From Crib to Bed
Parents, Junna Bush Hager Says Her 4-Year-Old Son Still Sleeps in a Crib
