The first few years of your child’s life go by so quickly, don’t they? Seems like just yesterday you were bringing them home from the hospital, and now here you are wondering how to transition to a toddler bed!
As nervous as you and your little one may feel, changing from a crib to a big kid bed doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful.
In this article, we discuss the best way to transition to a toddler bed and provide 12 tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Let’s get to it!
Key Takeaways
Table of contents
- How do you know it’s time to transition to a toddler bed?
- How to transition to a toddler bed
- Reasons for toddler sleep regression
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12 Tips for a smooth transition to a toddler bed
How do you know it’s time to transition to a toddler bed?
Physical signs
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and crib manufacturer safety limits, your baby is ready for a toddler bed when they reach 35 inches tall (usually between 18-24 months), and the railing of their crib comes to their chest when they stand.
You may also notice that your child can’t comfortably stretch their legs in their crib anymore. Or they look too big for such a small space. All of these signs mean it’s become easier for your child to climb or fall out of their crib.
Note that even though your child might be physically ready to move into a toddler bed starting at 18 months old, most pediatricians recommend waiting until they’re three years old, or as close to that as possible, as long as it’s still safe for them to sleep in a crib.
Emotional signs
Physical signs aren’t the only ways you’ll know if your little one is ready for a toddler bed. If they begin asking about “big girl” or “big boy” beds, they may be telling you they’re ready to make the move. Maybe their friend switched beds, or maybe they just feel like it’s time!
Another emotional sign that your child is ready for a toddler bed is an increased ability to self-soothe. This demonstrates a growing sense of self and knowing how to give themselves what they need.
Cognitive signs
If your child is beginning to understand visual cues, like a clock that indicates when it’s time to get out of bed, you know they’re at least beginning to learn how to self-regulate. This means they’re probably ready to make the switch.
You may also (happily!) notice your child becoming more cooperative about your limit-setting. This might look like them following a specific bedtime routine or respecting your request to stay in their crib until a specific time in the morning.
How to transition to a toddler bed
Discuss the transition with your child.
Springing a major change on a toddler out of the blue can be traumatic and make the transition to a toddler bed much more difficult and stressful. Several weeks before the transition, start discussing it with your child.
Not sure how to broach the subject? Here are some great ways to get the conversation started:
- Show them your “big kid bed.”
- Talk about how everyone in the family (even the dog!) sleeps in a bed rather than a crib.
- Read (or make up!) bedtime stories about sleeping in a toddler bed to drum up excitement for the change.
Look at beds together.
In addition to talking about what’s to come, take your toddler shopping and look at beds together.
Generate excitement for the change by:
- Pointing out the different colors and designs
- Drawing your child’s attention to all the space they’ll have on their new bed
- Showing them how they’ll be able to get in and out of bed by themselves
- Letting them get in and out of a big kid bed (if the store allows it)
Get the right mattress.
As you think about your child transitioning to a toddler bed, don’t forget to consider the mattress. The right mattress can make it much easier for your little one to feel comfortable with their new sleeping arrangements.
Our mattresses are ultra-breathable, washable, and are just the right level of comfort, support, and air circulation for a great night’s sleep.
Purchase toddler bed sheets.
A new bed calls for new sheets. And the softer and more breathable, the better! Our breathable, organic sheets are made from super soft cotton muslin and feature a snug fit for any toddler mattress that’s compatible with a standard crib-size mattress.
They also come in a variety of colors and prints, so you can customize your little one’s sleep area to your (and their) liking.
Toddler sleep regression
Moving your little one from a crib into a toddler bed is an exciting time, but it can disrupt their sleeping routine. This makes perfect sense. Your child is moving from something they have probably known for as long as they can remember to something brand new!
You’ll likely start considering moving your child into their toddler bed when they’re between 18 and 24 months. Toddler sleep regressions often happen around 18 months old and then again around 24 months old. Exactly when you’re making that bed transition!
So, how do you know why your child is, all of a sudden, having a hard time sleeping? Is it because of the transition from their crib to a toddler bed or something else?
It’s fair to guess the regression is due to their new sleeping arrangements. This is a common reason you might notice signs of sleep regression, including trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep, getting up too early, and general fussiness.
It’s not uncommon for the switch to take a few days to a few weeks to normalize. If it doesn’t by then, or if your intuition is telling you that something else is bothering your child, you might want to consider these other reasons for a sleep regression:
- Separation anxiety
- Teething
- Needing to drop a nap
- Potty training
- Illness
- Travel or other big changes
- Nightmares
- Developmental milestones (like becoming more independent)
Once you’ve identified your child’s resistance to sleep, try the following tips to ease their transition into their new bed.
12 Tips for a smooth transition to a toddler bed
1) Stick to one transition at a time.
A good rule of thumb is to separate big transitions from one another. Let’s say your child is getting ready for a toddler bed, and at the same time, you’re about to have another baby. You might want to wait until the baby comes and you’ve got a new routine before switching beds.
Safety comes first, though. If your child is too tall or too active to stay in their crib, you may end up with two life events happening at the same time. That’s OK, too! Just be aware of the emotional reality for your child (and you!), and be gentle with everyone.
2) Don’t rush.
When considering how to transition to a toddler bed (and when to do it), don’t rush. There’s nothing wrong with waiting until your toddler hits the three-year mark if they’re sleeping soundly every night and they still fit in their crib.
Remember, it’s all about getting a good night’s sleep, not just making changes because your little one reaches a certain age.
3) Prepare the room.
The very nature of a toddler bed means that your child is going to have more access to the space in which they sleep.
Make sure the room is prepared for the new sleeping arrangement by:
- Anchoring tall furniture to the wall
- Covering all electrical outlets
- Raising or removing wall decor
- Checking blinds for loose cords
4) Decide on “door open” or “door closed.”
You’ve got a few choices to make when it comes to keeping your child safe when they get out of their new bed at night. Yes, we’re saying “when” intentionally! It’s better to be prepared for your little (mischievous!) one’s exploration.
Door closed
If you want to try keeping the door closed, you could install a door alarm that will notify you if your toddler opens it in the middle of the night.
Door ajar
You might want to leave your child’s bedroom door open so they feel connected to the rest of the family. It’s also a great way to let fresh air circulate. You can purchase devices that fit easily on doors to keep them open in a specific position.
Door open
A gate is going to become your best friend if you decide to keep your child’s door open. You can put one across the doorway to their bedroom, or if you’ve got stairs, you can use a gate there.
5) Consider a convertible crib or a bed with removable rails.
Some toddlers may go easily from a crib to a bed that’s open on all sides. Others may struggle to adjust to the new open concept.
To make things easier for both of you, consider a toddler bed with removable rails (either half-size or full-size).
Half-size rails (those that only cover half the length of the bed) are a good option because they provide a bit of safety and security while still allowing your little one to get in and out of bed themselves.
You could also use a convertible crib for a while, like one from the Newton convertible crib collection, before moving to a toddler or twin bed to make the transition even easier when the time comes.
Note: No matter what type of toddler bed you choose, always follow manufacturer guidelines for assembly and age and weight recommendations to help keep your little one secure.
6) Try a pillow.
According to most pediatricians, a child is ready for a pillow when they have full mobility (meaning the danger of SIDS is gone) and are at least one year old (remember: keep the crib bare until then!).
But they need a smaller version, called a toddler pillow. It’s 13 by 18 inches (a twin is 20 by 26 inches), and it’s flatter to prevent neck strain.
How do you know if your little sleeper would sleep even better with a pillow? Look for these signs. Your child:
- Tosses and turns
- Uses a stuffie as a pillow replacement
- Side sleeps or sleeps on their arm
- Asks for a pillow
- Has just transitioned into a toddler bed
If you decide your child is ready for a pillow, make sure it’s one specially designed for toddlers that’s firm, then, and breathable. You’ll also want to get an organic cotton pillow cover. And make sure it’s easy to wash!
7) Give your child daytime playtime.
One way to help your toddler become more comfortable in their new bed is by allowing them to get used to the new bed when they’re awake. Give them a chance to play on and near the bed. Then it’ll be familiar when they come back each night to go to sleep.
8) Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
Throughout the process of transition to a toddler bed, do your best to maintain a consistent bedtime routine for your child.
Sticking to a predictable set of steps that lead up to bedtime can provide your toddler with a sense of security, making it easier to adapt to the big changes in their life.
9) Praise good effort.
Your child is experiencing a big change! It will take some time for them to feel comfortable. Try to find small steps forward and call them out.
“You only called me once before you went to sleep. Great job!” or “I love how you walked with me back to your room and went back to sleep!”
Praising your little one for engaging in the tough process of transitioning into a new bed will give them confidence to keep trying.
10) Remember the sleep techniques you used before.
When your child was a baby (it seems like so long ago, doesn’t it?), what techniques worked for helping them get to sleep on their own? Putting them down when they were tired but not asleep? Allowing them to cry for a few minutes before going in to soothe them?
Try to remember those moments when you kept your nighttime routine calm and quiet, when you prepared for challenges, and when you made slow and steady progress. You and your child can do the same thing again!
11) Don’t fall for stalling.
Along with a new bed, your child may want a few new things added to their routine. Maybe a glass of water. Maybe a second (or third, fourth, or fifth) book. Maybe a multi-step goodnight ritual.
Deciding on a few new steps in the bedtime routine makes sense: new big-kid bed = new big-kid routine! It’s when your toddler decides to add something different every night or wants 10 new things all at once that you run into trouble. Pick a few things and stick with them.
12) Have a plan for what to do if they get out of bed.
Finally, have a plan for what you’re going to do if your toddler gets out of bed in the middle of the night. It could be something as simple as walking them back to bed, tucking them in, and leaving the room.
You may initially have to do that several times a night. But with consistency, you’ll be able to train your little one to stay in bed through the night.
A good night’s sleep with Newton
Learning how to transition to a toddler bed can be an exciting time for you and your big girl or boy, but it may take some getting used to. You can expect a few speed bumps (and maybe even some tears) along the way, so give your toddler plenty of time to adjust to their big kid bed.
If you stay consistent with their bedtime routine and ensure your toddler’s safety with Newton Kids’ Twin Mattress or Essential Crib Mattress, your little one will get a good night’s sleep in any bed!
Frequently asked questions
What are some signs that my child isn’t ready for a toddler bed?
If your child is not 35 inches tall and they’re not trying to climb out of the crib, you might want to consider waiting to make the transition to a toddler bed. This is especially true if they’re under three years old.
While a toddler who is at least 18 months old can move out of their crib, they are more developmentally ready around three years of age.
Emotional signs that might tell you your child doesn’t need to change beds quite yet include their reluctance to follow rules (meaning they’ll really struggle with staying in bed) or their contentment in the crib. If they love it and haven’t outgrown it, there’s no need to rush!
Why is my child waking up earlier in the morning now that they’re in a toddler bed?
Because your child’s bed is unfamiliar in those first days and weeks, they may struggle to fall back asleep once they wake up in the morning. Try to be patient through those mornings. Your early riser will eventually get used to their new bed.
What if my child has a hard time adjusting to the toddler bed?
If your child has a hard time adjusting to a toddler bed, don’t give up. And, above all, be patient and consistent with your efforts to help them make the switch.
You can also try a gentle sleep training method to teach them how to get the best night’s sleep possible.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to a sleep consultant or pediatrician about any difficulties your child is experiencing.
If the transition isn’t going well, can I go back to a crib?
Yes, you can go back to the crib if your child is having a hard time making the transition to a toddler bed. They may not be ready for such a big change, and that’s OK!
Before you move your toddler back to a crib, reassess your approach and see if there are any things you can do to make the transition go smoother.
If, at any time, you start to feel overwhelmed, talk to a sleep consultant or pediatrician for advice on how to make the switch and how to cope when things aren’t going well.
Should I potty train or transition to a toddler bed first?
Two of the biggest milestones in a toddler’s life are potty training and switching to a big kid bed. But which should you do first?
Consider potty training before making the transition to a toddler bed. They both take quite a bit of time and energy, and you don’t want to wear yourself and your child thin by focusing on two major life events at the same time.
Too many changes all at once can be difficult for young children, so give them time to get comfortable without a diaper. Then, once they’re pretty well potty trained (accidents may still happen), you can focus your and their energy on transitioning to a toddler bed.
