Top 5 Signs Your Toddler Is Ready to Move to a “Big Kid” Bed
Posted by Urban Infant Team on
A big milestone of early childhood is the transition from the crib to the toddler bed. It’s a time of growing independence for your little one, and it’s normal for parents to have concerns about when exactly to make such a big change. How do you know when your child is ready to leave the crib behind?
The good news is that there’s not really a right or wrong way to transition from the crib to a bed. Like most parenting choices, it’s going to come down to your child, your goals, and your instincts.
Most toddlers move from a crib to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. About one-third of children will make the switch between 18 months and 2 years old, while another third of little ones will be ready between 2-2.5 years.
Sign 1: Consistent Jumping and Climbing
Frequent climbing is a good reason to consider making the jump to a bed instead. Falls from cribs can be a safety hazard for little climbers. Enthusiastic jumpers can also put themselves at risk for injury in a crib. A low bed with a guard rail might be a better choice for these kids.
Sign 2: Beginning Potty Training
Potty training is an opportunity to foster independence and confidence in your little one. That includes nighttime potty trips! If your child is learning to take themselves to the potty at night, it is important that they be able to get in and out of bed without help.
Sign 3: Growing Out of the Crib
Current recommendations state that once a child is 35 inches (89 centimeters) tall, they should be moved to a bed. This is due to the fact that once they are nearing three feet tall, they will be able to consistently escape most cribs.
Sign 4: Asking to Have a Bed
For some kids, moving to a “big kid” bed is something they start to show interest in on their own. Making the switch when your child is excited about the idea might make for a smoother transition, even if you hadn’t been considering it quite yet.
Sign 5: Having a Sibling on the Way
Sometimes, moving your child to a bed is less of a choice and more of an eviction notice! Make sure you give yourself and your little one ample time to adjust to any new sleeping arrangements before a new sibling arrives.
Determine beforehand what kind of space and budget you are working with so that you can make the most of your purchase. Toddler beds are smaller and lower to the ground, often with built-in guard rails. Some parents might opt for a twin mattress that can grow with their child. In that case, choose a low frame and add a bed rail for safety.
Stick to the Routine
If you have an established bedtime routine, try not to switch it up too much. Your little one might be extra excited or have trouble staying in their bed for a little while with the change. A consistent bedtime routine will help them learn that the bed is a place for rest and sleep, just like their crib was.
Add Some Excitement
Some children have a difficult time with changes. Talking about the transition ahead of time with lots of excitement can help frame the change as a positive one. There may still be some tough feelings to handle, especially for more anxious kids. Stay sympathetic of course, but try to help them move through their feelings while focusing on what they can be excited about.
Pick Out New Bedding and a New Pillow
Letting your little help pick out new bedding can be a fun way to involve them in the process. A new pillow, sheets with their favorite animated characters, and a soft blanket to cuddle can make a big difference. It can also help provide a sense of ownership for your child so that the new bed isn’t quite so intimidating.
Plan for Extra Chaos
No matter how much you prepare, there is always the chance that switching to a new sleep environment will cause a little chaos. If possible, try planning the transition for a time when you’re not quite so busy. Extra naps and quiet time might be needed to get everyone through the initial change.
Transitions Can Be Tough. Give Yourself a Break!
Milestones and transitions can be tough for parents and kids alike. If possible, make a plan to have a few slower days together during the transition period. Give yourself and your little one as much patience as you can.
Some families will have specific medical or developmental factors to consider when it comes to sleep. Always prioritize your child’s safety and individual needs. Talking to your pediatrician is a great place to start if you have any concerns regarding your child’s sleep environment.
When you’re ready to make the big switch, make sure to check out our popular Toddler Bed Pillow sold on Amazon. It's 100% breathable cotton, a perfect bite-size 13"x17" size with a supportive gusset. It can be a fun idea to wrap it up and place on the new bed - a "Big Kids Bed" present!
And don’t forget to give yourself some grace! You and your new “big kid” are doing great.
The good news is that there’s not really a right or wrong way to transition from the crib to a bed. Like most parenting choices, it’s going to come down to your child, your goals, and your instincts.
Most toddlers move from a crib to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years. About one-third of children will make the switch between 18 months and 2 years old, while another third of little ones will be ready between 2-2.5 years.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Toddler Bed
Below are just a few signs to consider when deciding on the right time for your child to start sleeping in a “big kid” bed. Take into consideration the things that make sense for your family but try not to stress too much about the “perfect” time to transition.Sign 1: Consistent Jumping and Climbing
Frequent climbing is a good reason to consider making the jump to a bed instead. Falls from cribs can be a safety hazard for little climbers. Enthusiastic jumpers can also put themselves at risk for injury in a crib. A low bed with a guard rail might be a better choice for these kids.
Sign 2: Beginning Potty Training
Potty training is an opportunity to foster independence and confidence in your little one. That includes nighttime potty trips! If your child is learning to take themselves to the potty at night, it is important that they be able to get in and out of bed without help.
Sign 3: Growing Out of the Crib
Current recommendations state that once a child is 35 inches (89 centimeters) tall, they should be moved to a bed. This is due to the fact that once they are nearing three feet tall, they will be able to consistently escape most cribs.
Sign 4: Asking to Have a Bed
For some kids, moving to a “big kid” bed is something they start to show interest in on their own. Making the switch when your child is excited about the idea might make for a smoother transition, even if you hadn’t been considering it quite yet.
Sign 5: Having a Sibling on the Way
Sometimes, moving your child to a bed is less of a choice and more of an eviction notice! Make sure you give yourself and your little one ample time to adjust to any new sleeping arrangements before a new sibling arrives.
Tips For Moving Out of the Crib
Choose the Bed CarefullyDetermine beforehand what kind of space and budget you are working with so that you can make the most of your purchase. Toddler beds are smaller and lower to the ground, often with built-in guard rails. Some parents might opt for a twin mattress that can grow with their child. In that case, choose a low frame and add a bed rail for safety.
Stick to the Routine
If you have an established bedtime routine, try not to switch it up too much. Your little one might be extra excited or have trouble staying in their bed for a little while with the change. A consistent bedtime routine will help them learn that the bed is a place for rest and sleep, just like their crib was.
Add Some Excitement
Some children have a difficult time with changes. Talking about the transition ahead of time with lots of excitement can help frame the change as a positive one. There may still be some tough feelings to handle, especially for more anxious kids. Stay sympathetic of course, but try to help them move through their feelings while focusing on what they can be excited about.
Pick Out New Bedding and a New Pillow
Letting your little help pick out new bedding can be a fun way to involve them in the process. A new pillow, sheets with their favorite animated characters, and a soft blanket to cuddle can make a big difference. It can also help provide a sense of ownership for your child so that the new bed isn’t quite so intimidating.
Plan for Extra Chaos
No matter how much you prepare, there is always the chance that switching to a new sleep environment will cause a little chaos. If possible, try planning the transition for a time when you’re not quite so busy. Extra naps and quiet time might be needed to get everyone through the initial change.
Transitions Can Be Tough. Give Yourself a Break!
Milestones and transitions can be tough for parents and kids alike. If possible, make a plan to have a few slower days together during the transition period. Give yourself and your little one as much patience as you can.
Some families will have specific medical or developmental factors to consider when it comes to sleep. Always prioritize your child’s safety and individual needs. Talking to your pediatrician is a great place to start if you have any concerns regarding your child’s sleep environment.
When you’re ready to make the big switch, make sure to check out our popular Toddler Bed Pillow sold on Amazon. It's 100% breathable cotton, a perfect bite-size 13"x17" size with a supportive gusset. It can be a fun idea to wrap it up and place on the new bed - a "Big Kids Bed" present!
And don’t forget to give yourself some grace! You and your new “big kid” are doing great.
- Tags: parenthood toddlers