Transitioning your little one from a crib to a toddler bed is an exciting but bittersweet milestone. It’s a sign that your tot is growing up! Your little one is probably excited, you’re probably a bit sad, and you’ll both have to get used to this change.

You probably have lots of questions about moving your little one to a bed. Just like any toddlerhood transition, there’s a lot to think about. When’s the right time? How can you do it safely? Will your toddler’s sleep routine be affected?

In this guide, we’ll go through every step of the process, from finding the right time to safety precautions. Let’s dive in!

When is My Child Ready for a Toddler Bed?

Every child is different, so you should look for multiple signs of your little one being ready. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends transitioning between 18 months and 3 ½ years old, with a preference to make the transition as close to 3 years old as possible. Within this timeframe, you may notice signs that your little one is ready for a bed:

1. Your toddler climbs out of their crib 

Consistent crib climbing is a big safety concern. You don’t want your little one to fall, get stuck, or access areas you haven’t yet child-proofed. If you’ve got a little monkey on your hands, this could be your sign to consider a toddler bed!

This shouldn’t always be the only reason you transition to a bed. Young toddlers, particularly around 2 years old, struggle to understand that they should stay in bed.

If you’re not quite ready to make the transition, you can try these tips to keep your climber safely in their crib:

1. Make sure the crib mattress is in the lowest position.
2. Move the crib to the corner to eliminate two climbing sides.
3. Turn the crib around. If your crib has a taller “back” and shorter “front,” then simply rotating the crib could discourage climbing.
4. Put your toddler in a sleep sack or wearable blanket. If your little one hasn’t figured out how to shimmy out of these, they can comfortably restrict leg movement.
5. Remove all extras like blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows that your toddler can stack up and stand on.
6. Be non-reactive. Your child will respond to emotion or attention by continuing to climb out of the crib. When your little one climbs out, simply return them to bed and make the process as boring as possible.
7. Be consistent. Establish a routine and clear boundaries with your toddler. If they know they can push the boundaries of their bedtime while sleeping in a crib, they’ll continue to do so in a bed.

2. Your toddler has outgrown the crib.

It’s time to upgrade if your toddler has outgrown their crib. This happens when the top railing is lower than their chest, or they’re 35 inches tall.

This can also be a concern if it’s difficult to get your toddler in and out of the crib. They may be getting too big for you to comfortably place them in and remove them from the crib. 

3. Your Toddler Wants Big Boy/Girl Bed

Maybe your toddler saw a friend or sibling with a grown-up bed and has decided they want one, too. This can be a great indicator that your little one is ready. The transition will be easier if your child leads!

4. When NOT to start the transition

Generally, you don’t want to start the crib-to-bed journey when there are other big changes in your toddler’s life. This can include potty training, moving, or the arrival of a new sibling. Let your little one adapt one step at a time.

Tips and Tricks for Transitioning to a Toddler Bed

Once you’ve decided to introduce your little one to a toddler bed, the next step is the transition! We’ve got some helpful tips to make the experience easier for everyone. 

1. Prepare the room

Your first step should be to prepare the room. Your toddler’s room might already have safety precautions if your little one’s a crib-climber. If not, here are some things to look out for:

• Anchor all tall furniture like shelves and dressers to the wall.
  Safety latch dresser drawers.
• Remove breakable or hazardous decorations that may be in your toddler’s reach.
• Cover all electrical outlets.
• Secure any loose wires or dangling curtain cords.
• Consider a baby monitor or door alarm to hear if your toddler leaves their room.
• Install baby gates near the stairs outside of your toddler’s bedroom.

2. Choose the bed

Next up, the toddler bed! Some parents start by simply putting their toddler’s crib mattress on the floor. If you choose a convertible crib, then you can easily change it into a toddler bed.

You can also spring for an all-new toddler bed that fits a crib mattress. Or, you can choose a twin bed and install guard rails. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s right for your family and comes with robust safety features.

3. Involve your toddler

The transition will probably go smoother if your little one feels like they have autonomy. Involve them by letting them pick out small things like bedsheets, pillows, or stuffies. You can present them with a few options of toddler beds to choose from, too.

You can even start this before the transition. Talk to your little one about the change, read them books about it, and most importantly, get them excited! Tell them how proud you are of them for becoming a big kid.

4. Establish  bedtime routine

You’ll need to establish and stick to a firm bedtime routine. Toddlers are learning and growing, so they love to test boundaries. If your toddler already has a bedtime routine, stick to it as best you can with minor adjustments for the new bed.

Consistency will help your little one feel secure during the change. You should be prepared to stick with the routine even if your toddler leaves their bed. They’re looking for attention and emotion, so be as boring as you can when returning them to bed, and they’ll get it soon!

5. Reward your toddler for good bedtime behavior

Praise is a great reward for little ones settling into a new bedtime routine. Don’t react much when your little one breaks their routine, but do react when they follow their routine! 

You can try verbal praise, a sticker chart, or another fun treat. It’ll encourage your toddler to adjust to their new bed, and the change will be a fun adventure for them!

Good Luck, and Don’t Give Up!

The transition from crib to bed is a significant milestone in your toddler's development, and it's natural to feel both excitement and apprehension. Remember to time the transition correctly and be patient and persistent.

Every child is unique, so trust your instincts as a parent and celebrate this exciting milestone together. Here's to many restful nights and sweet dreams in the big kid bed!