7 Tips for Moving Your Child From the Crib to a Toddler Bed

7 Tips for Moving From the Crib to a Toddler Bed

Having a toddler is tough… the terms "terrible twos" and "threenager" weren't coined for nothing! Sometimes it can feel like a tiny dictator is ruling your home.

A dictator you love and would do anything for, of course, and yet: Just when it feels like you've got their sleep under control and are getting back to normal, they start climbing out of their crib and waking you up all over again.

If your toddler can climb out of their crib developmentally, it's time to transition to a toddler bed. Many parents dread that transition, but you don't have to. Whether you choose to convert your crib with a toddler guard rail or purchase a new bed for them to sleep in, changing where your child sleeps is an exciting milestone in their childhood.

Read on for everything you need to know about when to transition out of the crib, what beds to buy, and how to prepare your toddler for the big move (that part is easier than you think!).

What Are the Developmental Signs Your Child Has Outgrown a Crib?

Some kids are great sleepers, and if you have one, your fellow toddler parents might just hate you (kidding! Maybe). Like everything else in child development, there's no specific time to transition a child from crib to bed.

You could have a 3-year-old happy to sleep in a crib, or you could have an 18-month-old who constantly does death-defying stunts to climb out. Wherever your family falls on the spectrum, we've gathered some developmental milestones that show your child may be ready for the transition.

1. They Can Climb Out of Their Crib

This is the most significant indicator that your child is ready for a bed. Not necessarily psychologically, but certainly for their safety. If you've lowered your crib to the lowest it can go, and they can still get out, then the crib is now a safety issue.

2. They Bring Toys Into Their Crib With Them

If your child starts bringing toys (other than stuffed animals) into their crib with them, especially for naptime, that indicates two things. First, they may be ready to get rid of that nap and transition to a quiet in-room playtime.

Second, it's likely time for a toddler bed, so you don't have to deal with the screams when one of those toys gets thrown out of the crib, inconveniently out of reach.

3. Your Child Screams to Get Up. Incessantly.

One common parent concern when transitioning to a toddler bed is that their child will wake them up or come into their bed. We'll go into that in more detail later, but it's not necessarily the case.

With a toddler bed (and the right solutions), you could actually cop an extra 20-30 minutes of sleep after your child wakes up if they're able to play quietly in their room. That may not seem like a lot, but it's nicer thank waking up to earsplitting screams begging for escape, right?

When to Move a Child to a Toddler Bed and How to Select the Proper Bed

If your child is showing the signs above or has asked for a big kid bed, then it's probably time to ditch the crib.

If you're worried about cost or don't have the space for an adult/twin size bed - don't worry. There are crib-to-toddler-bed conversion kits available on the market.

They're safe, high quality, and easy to use.

If you bought a convertible crib from Child Craft, then you're in great shape: we made those with easy conversions in mind. Our convertible cribs are high quality, made with solid wood, beautiful, and will last as long as your child needs them.

We don't recommend those little themed plastic toddler beds. You know, the kind that looks like a racecar or a cartoon character? They're made with low-quality plastic that likely has BPA and other toxins, and they don't last as long as high-quality conversion cribs.

7 Tips for the Toddler Bed Transition to Keep Kids and Parents Happy

Now that you've got the lowdown on when and what to buy, let's talk about how. We've collected these tips are from parenting experts and parents:

1. Start Reading Books About the Transition First

Books are a great way to teach your toddler anything. Seeing a character go through something in a story activates their mirror neurons. Some books for this transition include Big Kid Bed by Leslie Patricelli, Big Enough for a Bed, a Sesame Street Book, and Mommy, I Want to Sleep in Your Bed! by Harriet Ziefert. 

2. Get Your Child Involved in the Process

Involve your child in the process by telling them about the toddler bed transition before it happens. If they show interest, let them help in small ways like choosing new sheets for the bed or picking out its color. That way, the process will be less of a surprise for them, and they'll not only feel included in the decision, they're also likely to be excited about it.

3. Invest in Toddler Bed Rails

Are you scared of your child falling out of their big-kid bed and hurting themselves? That's precisely why they make toddler bed rails for crib conversions and toddler floor beds! A proper toddler guard rail also makes it much easier for your child to get in and out of bed on their own. Unsure which toddler guard rail is compatible with your Child Craft crib? Take a look at these conversion accessories.

4. Put the Bed in the Room and Let Them Get Used to the Sight

If you're buying a toddler bed (and not converting your crib), place it in your child's room a couple of weeks before you plan to transition. Tell them you're waiting for something, like the special sheets you let them pick out. This will help them get used to the idea of a new bed.

To keep some familiarity and make them feel comfortable in their new surroundings, try putting some of their things in the new bed, like their favorite stuffed animal or blanket. This will help make the new space less scary and unknown.  

5. Think About Location and Height

Ultimately, try putting the new bed where the crib used to be to keep your child’s routine consistent. When designing your little one’s bedroom, be sure to place the bed away from windows or any other safety concerns, like electrical cords and long curtains. Additionally, make sure your child has plenty of room to safely get out of their bed independently. To make it easier for them to leave their bed at night and prevent them from getting hurt, invest in bedroom and hallway nightlights so they can see where they’re going. 

A toddler bed with a low-to-ground design is the best, safest option for your child’s first “big kid” bed. Your child will have an easy time getting out of bed when it’s easier for their feet to reach the floor. Once they get older, you can always upgrade to a taller bed, but for the time being, starting small is best.  

6. Use Positive Reinforcement (and a Timed Clock)

Show support for your child as they upgrade to their new toddler bed setup. It can be big adjustment for your little one, so assure them that this is the right thing to do and that they’re doing a good job. A parent’s support in a stressful situation can make all the difference.  

One of the biggest changes when it comes to transitioning to a toddler bed is your child's newfound ability to get out of bed on their own. They make these nifty clocks for kids that turn green when it's okay for them to get up in the morning. Whether you make that okay to get out of bed - or okay to come out of their room - is up to you.

7. Remember to Stay Patient (We know it's hard!)

Adjustments can be hard for children to process. At first, they may not want to switch to a new sleeping setup, and that’s okay! If your child is feeling unsure about the switch, be sure to comfort them and give it some time. Rushing the process will only make things more stressful for everyone.  

The Big Move to a Toddler Bed: What to Expect

Hopefully, you've enjoyed this quick guide on when to transition your child out of their crib, how to choose a toddler bed frame, and how to prepare your child mentally. Even if you do everything perfectly and have the most cooperative child in the world, it will still take patience and practice.

But you know that because you're an awesome parent. You have to be, or you wouldn't be reading this article!

Keep being awesome and pick the best toddler bed for your child. Sweet dreams to everyone!