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 give you tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Let’s get to it!
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
How to transition to a toddler bed
1) 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 with your child what’s going to happen.
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
2) 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)
3) Get the right mattress.
When you think about how to transition 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, fully washable, and are just the right level of comfort, support, and air circulation for a great night’s sleep.
4) 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.
Tips for a smooth transition to a toddler bed
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.
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
You may also want to install a door alarm that will notify you if your toddler opens the door to their room.
Consider a convertible crib or a bed with removable rails.
Some toddlers may easily go right from a crib to a bed that’s open on all sides. Others may have a hard time adjusting to the new open concept.
To make things easier for them and 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, like one from the Newton collection of convertible cribs, for a while 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.
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 that can make it easier to get used to the big changes in their life.
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.
At first, you may 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 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 may be having.
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. It’s entirely possible that they’re just not 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.
