- Nursery Articles -
How to Make a Smooth Transition
from Crib to Toddler Bed
Where does the time go? All of a sudden, that tiny baby you brought into the world is big enough for a toddler bed. This can be an exciting time, but like any big change, can also feel scary for both toddler and parents. Luckily, the transition from crib to toddler bed isn’t a complicated one; it just requires a little patience. Read on for our best tips on making a seamless switch.
When to transition from a crib to toddler bed
Good news: there’s no mandatory age for converting to a toddler bed, so you can do it when your little one is ready. That said, the average toddler makes the change somewhere between 1.5 and 3.5 years of age.
You may want to avoid transitioning when other big life events, like potty training or the introduction of a new sibling, are happening. And if there is a new sibling who will receive your toddler’s crib, transition your toddler several months before the sibling arrives. This way, your toddler is less likely to feel possessive of his old sleeping arrangement.
How to make the transition
Transitioning from crib to bed is the toughest part. Of course, all kids are different, and some will embrace the change. For little ones who are hesitant to switch, try the following tips.
1. Go for familiarity
With such a big change, your toddler will crave something familiar. Try putting their bed in the same location as their former crib. Similarly, include items they know well, like favorite stuffed animals, on their new bed. If space permits, you may also try putting the bed in their nursery before making the switch so they can adjust to it.
2. Use relevant media to increase understanding
This is all new for your little one, so help them understand. Read them a couple of books (or play them a couple of shows) that explain why transferring to a big kid bed is so cool.
3. Let your little one be part of the process
As a toddler parent, you know little ones like to help. If they feel involved in their transition — say, by picking out new sheets for their bed — they’re more likely to get on board with it.
4. Maintain the same bedtime routine
Now is not the time to deviate from your normal schedule, but there is one exception. Your toddler is bound to get up in the middle of the night with all of their newfound freedom. So getting them to sleep a little earlier (if you can) means they’ll get enough rest.
5. Try it first at nap time
If a whole night of sleeping in a new bed is more than your child (or you) can stomach, try testing it during nap time first.
How to choose a toddler bed
You have three options when selecting a bed for your little one. You can purchase a twin bed and make it toddler safe, buy a bed designed for toddlers, or our favorite option: use a toddler bed conversion kit.
If you choose the first option — purchasing and converting a twin bed — you’ll need to buy the appropriate guard rails to make it safe for your child. (Most of the time, steel or wood safety rails will suffice. But if you have a toddler who rolls into them often, you may opt for mesh.) This option is more expensive than using a conventional toddler bed, but because a twin bed is typically more durable and can be used past the toddler years, you’ll get your money’s worth.
For another economical option, we recommend a crib with a conversion kit, which allows you to transform the crib into a toddler bed when the time comes. Whether you prefer this or a conventional toddler bed, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing one:
6. Opt for something sturdy
If you have a toddler, you know they’re acrobatic. They love to climb, cavort, and bounce their way out of their beds. So choose something with solid construction that won’t shift or buckle when they get rambunctious.
7. Keep it low to the ground
Rolling out of bed is most likely a “when” and not an “if” for your toddler. Though that sounds scary, it’s not a big deal if they have the right bed. Choose one that is very low to the ground, so they don’t have far to go.
8. Make sure there are rails
No matter what type of bed you choose for your toddler, make sure it has rails. This is what separates it from a normal “grown-up” bed. Not only will this greatly reduce the frequency of roll-out incidences, but it will discourage middle of the night wandering.
9. Keep it simple
Save dramatic decoration for the teenage years. A toddler bed should be devoid of ornamentation that could pose a risk of injury for your little one. Similarly, everything on the bed should have smooth, rounded edges. You’ll also want to skip anything with a tent or top. And opt out of bunk beds for this age, too.
10. Choose the right mattress
A conventional toddler bed uses a crib mattress. So if you’re using a crib conversion kit, you can keep the same mattress you already have. Regardless of what mattress you choose, ensure that it fits snugly within your selected bed frame. Gaps between the mattress and frame can lead to injuries or stuck body parts.
Tips for keeping your toddler inside their new bed
There are two things to know when transitioning to a toddler bed; your toddler will get out of bed, and it’s okay. It’s simply part of the process. Just make sure any location they have access to when they get up is safe. (More on that in the safety section below.)
When your toddler gets out of bed, you have a couple of options. The first is to wait it out. They may play themselves to sleep or crawl back into bed on their own terms. The second option is to place them back into bed yourself. If you do this, don’t make a big deal of it. The goal is to make leaving bed as non-exciting for them as possible. You can also try implementing a reward system for staying in bed each night. And like we mentioned above, it’s a great idea to make your toddler’s bed a place they want to be, so place some sleep-safe toys on top of it.
Tips for keeping your toddler safe
If you have a toddler, chances are your home was childproofed months ago. But with the introduction of a toddler bed, it’s time to take a critical look at anything you may have missed. Any area your little explorer can access at night should be protected. On that note, you can try a baby gate to keep your toddler inside of their nursery. But chances are if they can get out of bed, they can get over a gate.
At this age, it’s safe for your toddler to have a thin sheet and pillow, along with some small stuffed animals, in their bed. But just like when they were younger, your toddler shouldn’t sleep near anything pullable (like blind cords) or have a grabbable mobile hanging above their bed
And that’s it! Transitioning your toddler into their first bed may seem daunting, but it comes with a reward: a proud and comfortable toddler who feels like a real “big kid.” For some of our favorite toddler beds (and more), we invite you to browse our lovingly-cultivated collection of nursery furniture.