Transitioning from the crib to a bed can be a big sleep milestone!
This post will talk about when you may want to start transitioning from the crib to a bed, options for different types of beds, and strategies to help make the transition go as smooth as possible.
Delightful Dreamers, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, and some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
When should start transitioning from the crib to a bed?
I honestly recommend holding on to the crib for as long as possible, but there will come a time when transitioning from the crib to a bed is the better option for your toddler. Often around 2.5-3 years is when many families find they make this transition, though of course some families will transition to a bed sooner and some later. Here are some of the signs to look for and things to think about.
Are they able to climb out of the crib?
If your toddler is climbing out of the crib, it may be time to switch to a bed as this can be a safety issue. First, you want to make sure the crib mattress is on the lowest setting possible. Also, if the back side of the crib is higher you can try turning the crib around to see if that makes a difference.
Are they too big for their crib?
This is a pretty clear sign. If your child is too big to sleep comfortably in their crib, then it is time to make the switch.
Where are they at developmentally?
You can consider different aspects of your child’s development to help make the decision to move to a bed. Starting potty training is a milestone that lends itself to transitioning to a bed as it can allow your child to use the potty when needed.
Are they interested in a bed?
Some toddlers will start showing interest and asking for a new bed. If this is the case, it can be a great time to transition to a bed as your child will be interested in it and often excited.
Other situations?
I know sometimes families will need to begin with their toddler transitioning from the crib to a bed so that they have the crib available for a new baby. If this is the situation for your family, I would do the transition ahead of the baby being born. This was the toddler will be comfortable and attached to their new sleep space and it will help reduce any feelings that the new baby arrived and took their crib.
What type of bed should we transition to?
There are a few different options for when your child is ready to move on from their crib.
A toddler bed
These are smaller beds that are lower to the ground and they often have built in safety rails. They even make toddler beds that feature different characters like Mickey Mouse, Frozen, and Paw Patrol. If you got a convertible crib when your baby was born, you may find that it has an option to convert into a toddler bed. The crib we had for our daughter did this and we enjoyed that feature. They no longer make the exact crib we had for her, but this one is by the same company and very similar.
A twin or full size bed
Toddler beds can only be used for a short amount of time since they are smaller. If you want to skip the toddler bed entirely, you can certainly do that and move right into a twin bed or bigger. If you choose to do this, I would recommend having safety rails so that your child doesn’t fall out.
A floor bed
Floor beds seem to have been gaining in popularity, and are often used by families who take a Montessori approach to parenting. These are beds that are right on the floor and they don’t have any rails on them. They don’t need rails as falling out isn’t a safety concern. These beds allow children the ability to fully come and go from their bed with nothing getting in their way.
There are some beautiful ones out there, such as this one that has a frame that looks like a house. It also appears that there are floor beds in a variety of sizes starting with toddler.
How to make the transition from the crib to bed go smoothly?
There are times that transitioning from the crib to a bed can be easier than expected. Some children will go right from their crib to a new bed without any issues, though this isn’t always the case.
Some toddlers will be very attached to their crib, making this transition challenging. Sometimes, if space allows, setting up their new bed while they are still in their crib so that they have the bed in their room before they have transitioned can be helpful. This can give the opportunity for your toddler to explore the new bed.
You can also involve them in getting the new bed ready. They could pick out new sheets for their new bed and help decide where to position the bed. This can give them ownership over the transition and help get them excited.
Something else to take into consideration, is making sure your toddler’s room is safe and has been child proofed. This is especially important since they will now have the freedom to get up and explore their room, and even if you have a monitor you likely aren’t watching it all of the time. You will also want to think about other areas that your toddler may have access to now. Is there a flight of stairs near their room? You’ll want to make sure you have gates in place.
The fact that your toddler is no longer contained by their crib and can now get up and explore can be a challenge.
They may start getting up from their bed at nap and bedtime. When this happens, it is generally helpful to walk your toddler back to their bed and tuck them back in. Using an okay to wake clock can also be helpful for this transition. These clocks change color to give your child a visual cue of when it is time to be in bed and when it is okay to get up. They can be helpful to reference if your child is resisting bedtime or waking up early.
Consistency while transitioning from the crib to a bed can be helpful. If your child is refusing their new bed, it can really become challenging and you may find yourself trying all sorts of things to help everyone get sleep.
Communication is also important. You want to communicate with your child what the expectations are for sleeping in their new bed ahead of time and make sure that they understand. You will likely want to talk about the expectations multiple times ahead of actually making the transition.
Some families find it helpful to start using a bed for nap time so their toddler can practice sleeping in their new bed. This helps the child get used to the bed and it also allows the parent offer any support needed at a time when everyone isn’t already exhausted.
