How to Transition Your Child from a Crib to a Toddler Bed

Congratulations! Your baby has grown to be a big baby. Now is the time to get rid of the crib and give them a big kid bed. I bet your baby is as excited as you are. And yes, even if your baby has not grown into this change, it is alright to prepare for it.

No exact age is appropriate for switching your baby to a toddler's bed, as every baby is born uniquely. This shift usually happens between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. However, what is important is preparing a safe sleeping environment for your precious one.⁽³⁾

When to Switch Your Baby To a Toddler Bed

Typically, a baby should transition between 18 months to 3 years. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, a baby should transition to a toddler bed as close to age 3. ⁽³⁾

• If your little one is climbing out of the crib, it’s a sign they’re ready for a change, so it’s no longer the safest option.

• When their chest reaches above the crib rail, they’ve likely outgrown it and need more space.⁽⁴⁾

• A new sibling can be a big adjustment, and your toddler might not love the idea of sharing your attention. Take it slow and make the transition easier for them.

• If they’re potty training or already trained, a toddler bed makes those late-night bathroom trips much easier.

• When they start following simple instructions, they may be ready for a little more independence at bedtime.

• If they light up at the sight of a big bed or keep asking for one, that’s a clear sign they’re excited and ready for the move!

How to Choose the Right Toddler Bed

Toddler beds usually come in fun designs and shapes.⁽³⁾ They are small, lower to the ground, and have safety rails. A toddler's bed sits low to the floor so that they can easily get in and out of bed on their own, and in case they fall, it will not be fatal.

Here are the options you can consider when deciding which toddler bed to go for:

• If you have a convertible crib, you can convert it to a toddler's bed. These cribs are made for toddlers, and the familiar environment helps the baby relax during transition.

• You can invest in a toddler's bed. Make sure to purchase the mattress and frame at the same time. Ensure the frame and mattress fit snugly. You can use a two-finger test to be sure. A traditional toddler's bed has safety rails and is lower to the ground.

• If you don’t have a convertible crib and don't want to buy a toddler bed, you can put a mattress on the floor. This is also a safe and comfortable choice, as it prevents falls and allows easy access to the bed.⁽⁴⁾

When deciding on a mattress option, bear in mind that your precious one is now a toddler full of energy and wants to run or jump around, and yes, they will jump on the mattress! So, you need to choose a sturdy mattress that can resist such activities.

If you are putting the mattress on the floor, resist the urge to choose a mattress that is too high off the ground. Choose a mattress that your toddler can get in and out of alone.

Tips to safely transition your toddler to a toddler bed 

Transitioning your toddler to a new bed can be challenging since they are unfamiliar with the new environment. Even adults struggle with change, but when handled well, it often brings rewards. Here are some tips to help you manage your toddler’s reaction during this transition.

Gradual Introduction: Gradually introduce your little one to the toddler bed by using the toddler mattress at nap times, winding down at night, reading bedtime stories, doing back rubs, etc. But when it is time for night sleep, move your baby to the crib. That way, your baby will be familiar with the environment before the final move.

Consistent Bedtime Routine: Do not change anything about your already established bedtime routine.⁽³⁾ Keep up the bedtime routine as you begin the transition. It could be a bedtime story or a back rub, make sure you continue this routine in the order they are used to. Bedtime routines help your baby know it is time to sleep, regardless of where they sleep.

Use Crib Location: Place the toddler's bed in the same location as the crib ⁽⁴⁾. Remove the crib and place the toddler's bed or mattress there. When they see a familiar environment, such as the windows or the light, they relax, making the transition easier.

Use Positive Reinforcement: Since you know them best, you can reward their good behavior when they stay in bed and don’t come to you. You can tell them sweet things to encourage this behavior. If they happen to get out of their bed at night, take them back safely and assure them they can do it.

Time Right: Toddlers may also experience difficulty adjusting to this new change if they are experiencing another big change, such as getting potty trained, starting school, moving with their family, or renovating their house. 

You might want to give them some time before starting this transition. Going through so many changes at a time can be overwhelming, and this can make the process harder on you as a parent.

How to position a toddler's bed to prevent Falls and ensure Sleep Safety

Remember when you set up your baby's Crib? You had to observe different safety instructions. Setting up a toddler's bed is not so different. There are certain standards that you will need to keep to prevent your child from falling and ensure safe sleep.

• A toddler's bed needs rails to avoid falling. Some beds come with rails, while others allow you to add safety rails.

• A safe position for the bed is away from window blind cords, hot objects, and electrical materials that can be pulled over.⁽³⁾

• When placing the bed, ensure it is against the wall or has enough walk-through space between it and the wall to prevent the toddler from being trapped between them.

• If the floor is not carpeted, put a soft rug or floor mat on the floor to cushion falls.

Toddlers move around a lot, and this awareness will help you in preparing their room. Here are some safety tips for you ⁽¹⁾.

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• Keep dressers, furniture, and bookcases closer to the wall to avoid entrapment.

• If you are planning to put them in a separate room, remember to put a baby door in their room and a door knob cover on their bedroom door.

• If your toddler is potty trained, make sure their bathroom is safe. Put away detergent and harsh soap that can be harmful to them.

There are no one-size-fits-all guidelines; just ensure that whatever your toddler can access is safe and not hazardous, such as furniture with sharp edges.

5 Tips to Help Your Toddler Adjust to Their New Bed

When a toddler's night routine or environment is changed, they may experience difficulty sleeping ⁽²⁾. So, during this transition, it is expected that your toddler will have a hard time adjusting to the new environment. Many times, they will wake up and come to your bed or even want to sleep in their crib instead.

Here are some tips that can help navigate this season safely:

• Allow your kid to choose bedding. If they ask for specific designs, you can grant them as long as they are safe. This helps them feel like it’s a reward⁽³⁾

• If your baby does not sleep in the dark, you can give them a night lamp. This will help them navigate the room in case they wake up at midnight.

• You can also provide them with stuffed animals for enhanced reassurance.

• If your baby wakes up at night and wants to come to your bed, gently carry them and return them to their bed. Assure them with sweet words that they can do it and that it shows they are growing. 

• You can also reward them for staying in bed through the night. This is not to be confused with bribery; the reward can be a cheap toy, stickers, or even a cookie.

Toddler transitioning can be a bittersweet experience. Just remember to have a lot of patience with your kid during this period. Do not force them into anything if they do not seem to be ready.

Remember, every kid is unique, and you are the one who knows your kid best. Do what works for you and your child, and take safety precautions so this milestone will be a beautiful memory.