Your once-tiny baby is now standing up in their crib and attempting to escape. Is it already time to transition to a toddler bed?
Every toddler is different in development and size. Most parents dismantle the crib when their child is around 2 to 3 years old. But there’s no rush to this process. If your child doesn’t seem ready, the crib is still the best place for them.
Here’s how to know when it’s the right time for the toddler bed transition and how to make the change as smooth as possible.
How Do You Know Your Child Is Ready to Transition to a Toddler Bed?
There isn’t a magic age that determines crib-to-bed readiness. It typically occurs between ages 2 and 3, with some children ready to move to a bed even earlier.
The best way to know when the time is right is to watch your child. Look for signs that they’re physically and emotionally mature enough for this upgrade.
These guidelines may help you determine the best time for your child to graduate from the crib:
- Emotional maturity — You know your child best. Consider the changes that a toddler bed introduces — mainly, the ability to leave the bed and walk around the house. Typically, by age 3, children understand instructions and boundaries and have developed enough communication skills to successfully navigate this new situation.
- Height — If your child’s crib side railing is at or below chest level, it’s time for a new sleeping arrangement. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleeping guidelines, you should transition your child to a toddler bed once they have reached 35 inches (89 centimeters) in height, since they are now more capable of climbing out. You may also notice them having a harder time finding enough space to get comfortable in their crib.
- Physical abilities — If you’re battling crib escapes weekly, transition your child to a toddler bed sooner. First, check that the crib mattress is at its lowest setting. Falling from crib height is more dangerous than falling out of a toddler bed that is close to the ground.
- Your expanding family — If you’re expecting, transitioning your child to a toddler bed can mean more independence for your older child while reusing baby gear for your younger one. It’s best to give your toddler several weeks to adjust before their new sibling’s arrival.
What Eases the Crib-to-Bed Transition?
This transition is a big milestone for your toddler — and for your family! Treating it with intention and empathy can help both parties adjust smoothly.
Here’s what might be helpful:
Be open and communicative
Talking to your little one about the upcoming change can help ease the process for them. Reading books about sleep transition and sharing personal stories about older siblings or your own experience as a kid can help while being fun and bonding.
Be patient
Your little one might need some consistent encouragement when transitioning into their new sleeping spot. Bedtime and sleep routines can be tough with toddlers, but practice patience. Every child is different, but you can expect at least two weeks of working with your child before this new arrangement feels normal.
Consider bed placement
An easy option is to set up the toddler bed in the same place you had the crib. Place the head of the bed against a wall with enough room on either side that limbs or heads can’t get stuck between the mattress and wall. Or, push it flush up against the wall (such as in a corner).
Be sure to position the bed away from windows, curtains, blinds, radiators, or space heaters. Be mindful of any cords from blinds, lamps, sound machines, or clocks that could pose a strangulation hazard or could cause the items to topple if pulled.
Find the right bed for your family
There are many options for sleeping toddlers:
- Convertible cribs easily change into toddler beds, so your child can continue to sleep in the same familiar bed.
- Some toddler beds come in fun shapes, such as race cars or castles.
- Twin-sized beds with safety rails are another option.
- Placing a crib mattress or twin mattress on the floor is effective and prevents falls.
- For bunk beds, elevated beds, or beds without safety rails, it’s best to wait until your child is a bit older.
Don’t be surprised if your toddler’s bed suddenly becomes an adventurous place for play and is full of stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. This is their first sense of independence and ownership of something that is theirs to use however they want!
(If your child begins sleeping in a toddler bed before age 2, it is best to have minimal items in the bed with them.)
Involve your child
Ask your child how they’re feeling as you make this change. Kids want to feel seen and heard. Allow the opportunity for them to share their thoughts and to feel a part of the decision.
Another way to include your child is by having them pick out new sheets or a bedspread. They will love feeling autonomous and included in the process.
Maintain a sleep routine
A consistent bedtime routine can help the whole family unit thrive. Continue the routine you had when your child was in the crib. That might include a warm bath, bedtime stories, quiet time, snuggles, and tucking in. That way, your child can adapt to one change at a time.
Some people use sleep training clocks to help their toddlers understand when they should be awake and when they should be sleeping. Toddler sleep clocks use colors, songs, and faces to designate morning time and nighttime, and when it is appropriate to leave bed in the morning.
Toddler-proof the house
Now that your toddler has more freedom to roam, it’s critical to consider what areas may need toddler-proofing.
Here are some toddler-proofing tips:
- Cushion the floor around their new bed with a rug or some pillows in case they tumble out.
- Cushion sharp corners or edges of furniture in their room to prevent them from hitting their head, especially if they wander in the dark.
- Place a baby gate at their bedroom door or at the top of the stairs if they sleep on the second floor.
- Place electrical outlet covers in any open sockets.
- Secure large furniture pieces — such as mirrors, dressers, bookshelves, and televisions — to the wall.
How Do You Handle Sleep Regression or Sleep Resistance?
Periods of sleep resistance or sleep regression are normal as your toddler grows, learns, and starts to refuse sleep or exercise their right to say, “No!” If you’re experiencing a battle with your toddler at nighttime, you are not alone.
Try these bedtime routine tips to help return sleep to a fun, relaxing activity for everyone:
- Keep to your sleep routine. Practice winding down with relaxing music, songs, bedtime stories, or conversations.
- If your child wanders out of their room when they should be in bed, gently lead them back. Remind them to stay in bed until morning.
- Be short, boring, and calm when speaking so they’re less likely to continue the behavior for attention.
- Get ready for bed yourself (even if you aren’t going to bed at the same time). Share what you are doing with your toddler, so they repeat your actions.
- Install a night light so your toddler can see if they wake up in the middle of the night.
- Stay calm and stay consistent. You may have to repeat this routine several times (even in one night) until your child understands.
Remaining steady and keeping interactions and instructions brief will help them understand your nighttime expectations. When they succeed in spending a full night in their bed alone, acknowledge their accomplishment adequately the next morning. Soon, the stressful memories of sleep regression and bed transitions will be a distant memory, and everyone will be better-rested.