How & When To Transition To a Toddler Bed

Are you starting to sense that your baby might be ready for her next-sized bed? Maybe the little one is getting tall enough to climb out. Or she’s been asking for a big kid’s bed. As a parent, you know babies are constantly growing out of things, and it’s an exciting next step when they’re ready to transition out of their crib. But it’s hard to know when babies transition to toddler beds. We’ve researched for you to make this a more accessible switch.

The best part about transitions to a larger bed is that it’s another opportunity to connect with your child and help them learn that change can be good. Positivity and excitement are essential in transition. The more you support and encourage them, the more likely it will be a fun new experience.

A toddler bed is low to the ground with a similar size mattress to a crib, but it doesn’t have the four crib walls. Many of them come with guard railings on both sides to prevent tumbles during sleepy time.

It’s hard to know the “right time” when to transition to a toddler bed, as there is no set rule. However, the Sleep Foundation gives a range of 18 months to 3 years for when to switch to a toddler bed. There’s no rush if she’s still comfortable in her bed and doesn’t appear to be attempting to get out. On the other hand, sure signs indicate she might be ready.

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

If she can climb out of the crib, it’s a good call to switch to a toddler bed, so you don’t have to worry about injury. Or, if the crib is at chest height, you may want to change to the toddler bed because she will be able to get out.

Your child’s safety is a top priority, and we have plenty of secure and comfortable bedding options for you. Many of our toddler beds offer guide rails for those who might want a little extra support during the transition to a toddler bed. With our assortment of styles and colorful graphics available, you’ll be able to find the perfect bed, whether your little one likes racecars or unicorns.

How to Transition to a Toddler Bed

You might wonder how to transition a baby to a toddler bed. Like any change, it will require love and a lot of patience. Many toddlers don’t have an issue with the switch, as it can be stimulating. Try to emphasize the positives for your baby.

One of the most critical aspects of this change is trying to make it the only one, if possible. Of course, switching the baby to the toddler bed may result from a new sibling’s arrival, in which case it will be part of a more significant transition. There is a lot you can do to make a new baby positive for your child. There is an abundance of children’s books you can read with the baby that will get her used to the idea of a new sibling in the house. If you’re preparing to welcome a little one, make sure your child knows her new sibling is an addition to the family, not her replacement.

Keep Her Routine the Same

Place baby’s new bed where her old one was, and make sure she will have any comfort items she would usually have in bed. Additionally, be sure to take a second look around her room to make sure everything is baby-proof. With the new bed, she can get up and walk around her room at night, so be sure the space is safe for her to explore.

Keeping the rest of the baby’s routine the same will be a good start. If there are other changes, do your best. Try to keep the time that baby goes to bed on a regular regimen, whether it be a book, quiet play time, or bath. While change is exciting, too much is overwhelming.

Consistency will be necessary. Your baby will be free to get out of bed whenever she wants, so switching from a crib to a toddler bed will also be a transition for you. Make expectations clear that she needs to stay in her bed all night. Or, if she can’t sleep, outline quiet activities to help her fall asleep.

Before bed, be sure to take last calls for water and the potty, as these are common excuses for why your toddler might get up at night. If she gets up a lot, be as calm and quiet as possible and place her back in bed. The less excitement and commotion this elicits, the more likely she will get the hint that you’re not happy about being woken, and the less likely she will continue the behavior.

When she practices good bedtime habits like staying in her bed all night, reward her so that she will be more likely to repeat the good behavior the next night. Like any new experience, it’s an excellent opportunity to build her confidence with positive praise.

What Is a Convertible Crib?

A crib starts as a crib with the option to remove the rails. They typically come with optional side rails to add that keep the baby safe. The mattress is the same size on a convertible crib as on a toddler bed. Convertible cribs will function as a toddler bed as long as the baby fits in it. It can be worth buying a convertible crib if you want an effortless transition from the crib to her toddler bed. You won’t have to buy another bed when she’s ready to move out of the crib, and it’s a less complicated switch when she’s ready for the next step.

Transitioning to a toddler bed will be smooth with some prep work and much love. The decision of when to move to the toddler bed is personal. But it can be an exciting next step for the baby because it can boost her confidence and your bond.