Your toddler is growing more independent by the day, and it’s clear that soon their crib will be a thing of the past. This may leave you wondering when to transition to a toddler bed.
In this article, we’ll tell you what a toddler bed is and the best time to transition. We’ll also give you tips to ensure the switch is as smooth as possible.
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Key Takeaways
What is a toddler bed?
The toddler bed is considered the “first real bed” for little ones, which they will typically grow out of before they go to school. The smaller size bed helps your child transition from a crib to a twin bed.
Toddler beds are the same size as a standard crib and still use a crib mattress, making them more space-efficient. The low-to-the-ground beds normally feature guard rails so you don’t have to worry that your child will roll out.
Because your little one can get in and out of the bed on their own, toddler beds also represent a step toward independence.
When to transition to a toddler bed
Although there’s no specific age as to when to transition to a toddler bed, if you catch your child pulling a Houdini and trying to climb out of their crib, it’s time to make the switch. This escape act is not uncommon for toddlers between 18 to 24 months.
Also, if your child is over 35 inches tall and their chest is over the crib rail, it’s best to transition and sidestep any danger of falling.
The developmental milestones of childhood are also a factor in when to transition to a toddler bed, such as potty training or starting solid foods. It’s best to tackle these milestones one at a time, and hold off on your transition until the other milestone is complete.
Although many children transition to a toddler bed by three years old, just because they reach a certain age does not necessarily mean they are ready to transition to a toddler bed. It’s best to follow your child’s lead.
Timing the transition before a new sibling arrives
Sometimes, parents make the switch earlier from a crib to a toddler bed if they are expecting another baby. In this case you’ll want your little one sleeping in their toddler bed a few months before their little sib arrives.
Depending on your toddler's age, you could also delay the switch until the new baby is around three or four months old while your newborn sleeps in a bassinet in your bedroom.
Signs your baby is ready
If you aren’t sure your baby’s ready to make the big switch, some telltale signs can clue you in. Your toddler may be ready if:
- They are successfully climbing out of their crib.
- They express interest in a “big kid” bed.
- Their chest is higher than the crib railing.
- They are potty trained for nighttime.
There are also signs that your baby is not ready. Your child may NOT be ready for a toddler bed if they:
- Suddenly take a long time to fall asleep
- Keep getting out of bed throughout the night
- Start wandering around the house
Safety first
Now that your child has a taste of freedom, you’ll have to up the ante on safety around your home.
1) Install gates.
If you have stairs, install safety gates at the top and bottom if you don’t already have them.
2) Keep their bed away from windows.
Not only do you want to prevent an unwanted draft, but you also do not want your little Curious George pushing on the window screen or trying to climb out.
3) Steer clear of electrical outlets.
Try to keep the bed away from any outlets. If you have to put the bed near one, make sure nothing is plugged into it and the outlets have child-safety covers.
Reasons parents skip the toddler bed
Some parents prefer to skip the toddler bed and move their child straight into a twin bed. This is normally a question of practicality and expense, as the toddler bed is only used for a short time and will be quickly followed by the need for a twin.
If it’s the toddler bed you choose, Newton has you covered with our GREENGUARD Gold Certified mattresses, meaning they exceed the highest industry emissions safety standards.
How to ensure a smooth transition
Transitioning to a toddler bed is quite a milestone for your little one, and not all transitions come easy. Here are some ways you can ensure a smooth transition.
Have your child help.
Letting your child make some of the choices involved in transitioning to a toddler bed will give them a greater sense of control over the change. Ask them to pick out their favorite bedding, so that they can get more excited about their new bed.
Stick to your bedtime routine.
Stick to your bedtime routine as much as you can. The consistent and repetitive set of activities completed before bed every night helps prepare your child for sleep.
A predictable routine can help your child master a new skill, giving them a sense of security, pride, and accomplishment.
Place the toddler bed where the crib used to be.
If you can, place the new bed where your child’s crib used to be. Consistency is key. Also, stick with their old crib blanket to give them comfort, even if it is too small.
A restful night’s sleep
It’s normal to wonder when to transition to a toddler bed. Your child might even cry and insist they want their crib back.
Stay positive and expect it to take a month or two for them to fully adjust to their “big kid” bed. By taking all of the necessary safety precautions and staying consistent with their bedtime routine, you’ll be on your way to success.
When you do make the switch, be sure you have a mattress that’s compatible with the new bed, like the Newton Baby Waterproof Crib Mattress or the Essential Crib Mattress.
It’ll be sweet dreams in no time!
Frequently asked questions
1) How long should the transition to a toddler bed take?
There’s no hard and fast rule as to how long the transition from a crib to a toddler bed should take. Generally, so long as you’re consistent with your approach, it should only be two to three weeks before the transition is done and your little one is comfortable in their new bed.
2) Is transitioning to a floor bed easier than to a regular toddler bed?
There’s no significant difference between transitioning to a floor bed versus a regular toddler bed.
A floor bed makes it easier for your little one to get up and down, fostering independence, while a toddler bed provides extra security with safety rails, which may make your little one more comfortable.
Either way, a successful transition will require communication and a consistent approach.
3) When should I call a sleep consultant for help?
Reach out to a sleep consultant if you’re having difficulty establishing a sleep routine, if your child consistently wakes up in the middle of the night, or if they’re up very early in the morning. A professional can help you create an effective sleep strategy.
