Transitioning From A Crib To A Toddler Bed

Well, here we are. Your little baby is not so little anymore. Maybe they’re climbing out of their crib by themselves, or you have another little one on the way and need the crib, or you think they’re just ready for a big kid bed. Whatever your reason may be, transitioning your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed can be daunting. It’s a big step for not just your child, but for you, too! I’ve done plenty of research on my own and asked other parents their own advice on how to tackle this milestone when it was time for my daughter to move out of her crib. So here’s how we started transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed.

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When To Transition From A Crib To A Toddler Bed

Typically, kids could be ready to move into a toddler bed between a year and a half to about 3 years old. A tell-tale sign they are ready is if they are constantly breaking out of their crib or the rails come up to mid-chest when they’re standing in it. They could also be ready if they are asking for a big kid bed. Otherwise, it’s still okay to stick to their crib. If they aren’t showing any of these signs and you still feel like it could be time to make the big move, small steps are usually the best way to go.

I knew I wanted to give it a shot when I found out I was pregnant for my second. My daughter was just about 2 years old when my son was born. I really wanted to avoid buying a second crib, so I started planning pretty much as soon as I got that positive pregnancy test.

If this is the reason you want to start the transition, just remember having a baby is going to be a huge change for your toddler, so this transition should be planned so that they are not happening at the same time. Give your child time to adjust to one big change before introducing another. You do not want them to feel like the new sibling is taking their stuff, or that they are being displaced. If they aren’t taking to the new bed, then it just isn’t time for them to make the big move.

Types Of Toddler Beds

If the crib you have can convert into a toddler bed, then that’s the best place to start. Your child is already familiar with the sleep area which will help make the change a little smoother.

There are also toddler beds, which are low to the ground and can fit a standard crib mattress. These are great so when your child gets up there’s less of a chance of them hurting themselves when they get out of bed. The fact that they are the same size as their crib is also a plus because it will feel familiar to them.

You can also opt to go straight to a twin sized bed. There are rails designed to fit to the sides in order to keep your child from falling out while they’re sleeping. Some kids just take well to going right into a big kid bed. Just make sure they know how to safely climb in and out of bed for when they undoubtedly climb out on their own.

Making A Safe Sleep Space

You’ve picked out a bed, now it’s time to make their room toddler proof. When they roam their room, you want to make sure they can’t get themselves into any dangerous situations.

Make sure the furniture such as their dresser or bookcase are all anchored to the wall. If they are a climber, you do not want to risk them climbing up on something and the furniture falling on top of them. Try not to have anything enticing on top of them either, to try sway their temptation to climb.

Avoid keeping toys in their room. These will just give your child a reason to keep getting out of bed. If anything, keep books in their room so if they do get up, at least it’s a calm and quiet activity for them to do.

If their bedroom is on the second floor, or they just have a knack for opening doors by themselves, put a baby gate in their bedroom door. This way they are still confined to the safety of their room if they get up in the middle of the night and there’s no risk of them roaming the house or falling down any stairs.

Making The Transition

Making big changes too fast can be too much for little kids. Be sure to take baby steps and do not push them! This can cause not only setbacks, but sleep issues as well. When making this move, make sure this is the only big change occurring at the moment. For example, changing beds while trying to tackle potty training may not be the best thing to do right now.

Start Slow

If you have the space to do so, set up their new bed in their room for a couple months before moving them into it. If they are showing interest in it right away and they are open to the change, then give it a shot! If they aren’t, this will give them time to warm up to the new bed while also keeping their normal sleeping arrangements. When they start showing interest you can start out by taking naps in their big kid bed and sleeping in the crib at night. Once they have this down after a while, make the change completely into their toddler bed. Slow and steady wins the race!

Let Them Help Decorate

Have them pick out their bedding. Keeping your child involved in the decision-making process makes them feel like they are in control. Many times this makes them want to move into the big kid bed that much faster. Maybe they want something with a character from their favorite movie, or they like rainbows or animals, or they have a favorite color. Whatever they pick, this will make the change so much more exciting for them!

Keep The Same Routine

When you make the switch, try keeping their bed in the same spot their crib was. Keep the same exact bedtime routine you’ve been doing, so the only real change is the bed.

Be Patient

With this new-found freedom, your toddler will most likely climb out of bed….a lot. While this is completely normal, they also need to learn bedtime means staying in bed. Patience and persistence is key. When they get out of bed, calmly tuck them back in and explain that they need to stay in bed, as many times as it takes. Whatever you do, keep your cool while standing your ground.

Transitioning into a toddler bed is usually not easy. Some kids make the change over night, some kids it takes a while to fall into their new routine. If you are finding that after giving it a shot they are simply not taking to it, then it may not be time to make the switch. And that’s okay! Give them a few more months and try again later.