Switching from a crib to a toddler or twin bed is a big milestone that's often exciting for a child as it's one of the first signs that he or she is no longer a little baby, but a "big kid." Any big change, however, can also be unsettling for young children, which is why some take longer to successfully make this adjustment than others. Picking up on signals that the time is right for a new bed can help with this important transition, as can knowing some tricks that some parents have found useful along the way.
Know the Signs
Once your toddler is climbing out of his crib, it usually means it's time to move him to a different bed. You don't want to risk having your toddler fall out of his crib and hurting himself. Even if he's not climbing out of his crib yet, he likely will at some point.
The general rule is that once your child is 36 inches tall, the crib should be retired.
If you want to keep him in the crib a bit longer, remove crib bumper pads and anything else that your toddler may be using to climb out, and make sure there's a fluffy rug or something soft, like pillows, for him to land on if he does go overboard.
Consider Timing
The transition from a crib to a bed may come sooner than you'd like if you have a younger baby who will soon need the crib. Try to make the crib-to-bed switch well in advance of that event so your toddler doesn't feel like she's lost her bed because of the baby. Using the new bed only for naps at first is a good way to familiarize her with it before she uses it at night.
Also, if your toddler is going through other major transitions such as weaning, toilet-training, or starting preschool, it's probably better to hold off on changing her bed for now.
Choose Wisely
There are several options for post-crib sleeping. If your crib is convertible—meaning you can take off one side and turn it into a daybed—this is the easiest and most economical option. Plus, the bed will already feel familiar to your child.
However, if the crib is getting a new occupant, you'll have to get a new bed. Since toddler beds only accommodate crib mattresses, though, you may want to avoid investing in one and move your child directly to a twin bed. One way to make this transition less dramatic is to put the mattress directly on the floor for a while.
Finally, a bed rail can be used with either a toddler bed or a twin bed to prevent falls and add a little extra feeling of security for your child (and you).
Make It Personal
Your toddler will probably be more excited about leaving his crib behind if he has some say in how the new bed looks and feels. If he's old enough, let him choose some new sheets and bedding—and even the bed itself, if that's an option. He will undoubtedly want to, and should, bring his favorite stuffed animals into the new bed, and even that can help him feel more eager to head to bed.
There are also books out there that address children's feelings about moving from a crib to a bed, so consider a trip to the library or bookstore before the big day. Examples include "Big Kid Bed" by Leslie Patricelli and "Your Own Big Bed" by Rita M. Bergstein.
Start Child-Proofing
Since your toddler is no longer confined by the crib, she may be tempted to explore. Make sure that her immediate environment is safe. If you haven't already:
- Ensure that climb-able furniture is anchored to walls.
- Install electrical outlet covers.
- Make sure window-blind cords are out of reach and window guards are installed.
- Consider using a gate in the doorway to keep her in her room if she frequently tries to leave.
- Install a gate at each stairway entrance she can access from her bedroom.
Give It Time
For most kids, the freedom to roam will be irresistible, and you will most likely see your little one appear after he's been tucked in, asking for another drink of water or another bedtime song. Reinforcing bedtime rules will be more important than ever. Keep the nightly routine the same as it was when she was in the crib. Calmly and silently return your toddler to bed as many times as it takes. Praise your child for practicing good bedtime habits.Eventually, she'll adjust to her new sleep spot and the crib will become a distant memory.
A Word From Verywell
It's worth mentioning that while the transition from a crib to a bed can take some time for kids to get used to, the same can be said for some parents. Leaving behind the crib, in a way, symbolizes that your baby is no longer a baby. If you find this difficult, try to see it through a different lens: Your little one is thriving, growing, and on her way to bigger and even better things.
By Vincent Iannelli, MD
Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years.
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FAQs
Most experts recommend making the crib-to-bed transition after your child turns 3. “Before the age of 3, many children do not have the behavioral control or understanding to stay within the imaginary boundaries of a bed, and it's not fair to expect them to stay in a bed when it's beyond their abilities,” said Dr.
When can you switch to big kid bed? ›
Most experts recommend that you switch to a new bed after they turn three. Three-year-olds typically have the behavioral control and communication skills to handle the change. Every child is different, so there's no magic date when you should move them to a big kid bed.
What bed should a 3 year old be in? ›
Toddler bed - toddlers between 2 - 4 years should be upgraded to a toddler bed. These don't have the high safety rails that cot beds do; instead, they simply have raised sides to help reduce the risk of them falling out of bed in the middle of the night.
Is a full size bed too big for a 2 year old? ›
Most experts recommend that around three is the ideal age to transition to a big kid bed. Research shows that waiting until your child is three is associated with healthier sleeping habits –– earlier bedtime, longer time asleep and less resistance to bedtime.
Does a 3 year old need a bed rail? ›
There's no hard and fast rule which determines when your child will no longer need bed rails — some may need them well into adolescence. However, most children generally outgrow them by the time they're 5 years old.
Should you lock toddler in room at night? ›
But it's a terrible idea. Locking a toddler in their room at night after they transition to a toddler bed might be tempting. It's a last resort solution when a child is causing sleepless nights by refusing to stay in bed or simply refusing to be alone.
Is a toddler bed big enough for a 4 year old? ›
Toddler bed age range:
As a general guide, your little one will move into a toddler bed from age 12 months up to about 4 years old. A toddler bed is great to get them ready when they upgrade to a normal childen's bed around 5 years old.
How big is too big for toddler bed? ›
Most toddler beds are designed to hold no more than 50-pounds. If your little boy or girl is going through a growth spurt and is putting on significant weight, it maybe time to purchase a bigger bed before the toddler bed collapses.
What ages are sleep regressions? ›
Like most things regarding babies and toddlers, sleep regressions can vary in when they happen and how long they last. However, many specialists seem to agree the most common regressions happen around 4 months, 6 months, 8 months, 12 months, 18 months, and 2 years of age and last between 2 and 6 weeks.
What type of bed is best for 4 year old? ›
Pre K (Ages 1.5 – 4 years old) Beds
When transitioning your child from crib to bed, a bed size that sits low to the ground is a great option - think standard or classic twin size beds or full size beds or daybeds with a back guardrail.
On average, many kids switch to a twin bed between three- and four-years-old.
Is 3 too old for toddler bed? ›
However, moving from a crib to a bed is a normal part of childhood. Most toddlers naturally mature to a place where they are ready for, and may even welcome, the change. Some kids are ready to make the switch as early as 18 months, while others feel more comfortable once they are 2 or 3 years old.
Can a 3 year old sleep in a queen bed? ›
Starting a child in a full size or a queen size bed will actually give him or her substantially more room to grow into over the years. In fact, it may even be more economical in the long run, when they outgrow a twin size bed and need a new full or queen size mattress.
Is a twin or full bed better for toddler? ›
Full-sized beds are also safer in general as they offer more space to play, sleep, hop and turn around and there is a decreased risk of accidents happening. However, some parents may still prefer twin size beds because they look more age-appropriate and it's easier to take care of them.
What size bed is good for 2 adults? ›
In fact, you might be wondering can two adults sleep on a full mattress? The good news? A full mattress (aka double bed) has been considered the gold standard bed size for couples, and can definitely sleep two. However, some couples may find a larger queen or king size mattress is their perfect fit.
Can I switch my 15 month old to a toddler bed? ›
Best age for this transition
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transitioning your child to a bed once they're 35 inches tall, which typically happens between 18 - 24 months. Most falls from the crib happen when children try to climb out, and that usually happens only after the rail is about chest level.
What bed should I transition my toddler to? ›
Some parents simply put their children's crib mattresses on the floor to ease the transition, says Dr. High. Others spring for a toddler bed, which is generally low to the ground and can accommodate an existing crib mattress.
What bed should a 1 year old be in? ›
Where Should My Toddler Sleep? Your 1- to 2-year-old should still sleep in a safe, secure crib. Before a child's first birthday, blankets are not recommended because of the possible risk of SIDS. But at this age, it's OK to put a light blanket in your child's crib.
