Strategies for Success: Transitioning from Crib to Bed
Has your kiddo been showing interest in a big bed or maybe even starting to climb out of the crib? It might be time to introduce the big bed!
Whether you are ready for the change or dreading the switch, the transition from crib to bed is just that: a transition. There may be bumps along the way, and new territory to navigate, but if they are ready for the move, this can be such a fun time for you and your kiddo!
Know the Signs
Here are the signs to look out for that might signal your babe is ready for a big bed:
My child is…
expressing interest:
This can be a direct or indirect interest. Maybe they have an older sibling and they are beginning to talk about wanting a “big bed” like their sister or brother. Maybe you are noticing less direct interest such as gravitating toward books that talk about a “big bed,” or you might just see them watching thoughtfully as their older sibling climbs into their bed to read a book. Follow their lead! If they are expressing interest, you might consider offering books about moving into a “big bed.”
climbing out of the crib:
Not only is it frustrating when your child begins to try climbing out of the crib, it is also a safety concern. Talk to your kiddo. Remind them that their sleep space is safe and where they need to be at night time until it is time to be up for the morning. If they continue to test this boundary, the safest option might be to make the transition to a big bed.
around 3 feet tall:
This is around the height that your toddler will be more physically able to climb out of the crib. Is it totally necessary to transition as soon as they hit the 3 foot mark? Absolutely not! This is just something to look out for.
around 18 months-3-years-old:
Some toddlers are ready to transition at 12 months, some stay in the crib until closer to 4 years! I tend to recommend waiting until as close to 2.5 years as possible to make the switch, but of course, this doesn’t always work for everyone. Maybe you’re expecting and will need the crib for the new baby even though your child is only 12 months, or maybe your toddler hasn’t fully developed their sense of “non-physical boundaries,” so making the switch even if they are closer to 3-years-old isn’t practical. Every family dynamic is different! Again, follow the child’s lead and try to wait until around 2.5 years if you can.
starting understand “non-physical boundaries:”
When your child is sleeping soundly in their crib, the crib railing acts as a physical boundary that they can visualize. When you transition to the big bed, they will no longer have this visual sign of a physical boundary that tells them that they need to stay in the bed until morning. Waiting until your child is able to comprehend non-physical boundaries will be important for a successful transition.
If your child is showing all or a combination of these signs, it might be time to consider making the switch!
When NOT to Transition
As you are looking out for the signs of readiness in your child, it is also important to recognize if your child is not quite ready for the shift. Making the change before your child is ready can backfire and you will probably end up going back to the crib anyway, so do be sure that you are following your child’s lead.
My child may need some more time because they are…
not expressing interest in a toddler bed
comfortable in their crib without “protesting” or trying to “escape”
experiencing another big change (going to a new school, moving houses, introducing a new sibling, making another big sleep change etc.)
under 18-months-old
Tips for Success
Follow your child’s lead
Allow them to be an active participant
In addition to following your child’s lead, allowing them to be a part of the transition is my top tip for fostering a smooth transition! Take your toddler to the store with you to pick out their own special sheets and blanket, a new pillow, a special lovey etc. Allowing them to be an active part of this switch will help them to be more accepting of and even excited for this transition.
Read books together
Visit your local library or bookstore and pick up some fun new books together about a “big bed.” Read them during neutral times before you make the transition, as introducing this new idea right before they go to sleep might be too much for them to think about and could lead to a rough night of sleep. I recommend starting with one or 2 books about moving to a “big bed,” interspersed with some of your child’s other favorites. Focussing too much attention on the shift could become stressful or overstimulating for your child and even avert them from the idea entirely. Start slow, give them time, and bring them along to choose the books!
A few of my favorite bedtime books include:
Written by Liz Fletcher
Pictures by Greg Bishop
By Leslie Patricelli
Written by Rita M. Bergstein
Pictures by Kathleen Hartung
By Mij Kelly & Mary McQuillan
By Apple Jordan & John E. Barrett
Double-check your childproofing
When you make the transition from crib to bed, your child will have access to their entire room. While the goal is for your child to stay in bed until it is time to get up in the morning, we need to prepare ourselves for the chance that they might explore this newfound freedom of having full access to their room after bedtime. Make sure that any necessary outlet covers, drawer locks, and doorknob or door handle covers are installed on closets, curtain/blind cords are out of reach, shelves are bolted to the wall, and heavy items that can be pulled from shelves are removed. Every family dynamic is different! Above all else, just make sure your kiddos space is safe and inline with your parenting style. I personally recommend a Montessori approach when designing your child’s bedroom space, more information on this can be found in one of my favorite parenting books: The Montessori Toddler, by Simone Davies.
Skip the “toddler” bed
The specially designed toddler bed has become increasingly popular over the past decade, with many companies offering a “3-in-one” sleep space that converts from bassinet, to crib, to toddler bed. While these options may be aesthetically pleasing and sound like a great gadget complete with the “but wait, there’s more!” factor, the toddler bed, in my opinion, is unnecessary. Here’s the thing: when your child is sleeping comfortably in their crib, they have the railing as their physical boundary. When we take that physical boundary away (i.e. one side of the crib), this can be enticing for your child to explore the no longer present boundary that they have grown so used to. However, when parents introduce an entirely new bed (like a twin or a full mattress), I have found that many children experience less of this desire to climb out of their new. This is also a beneficial option from a practicality side of things because 1) your child will outgrow the toddler bed rather quickly and you will need to invest in another bed anyway, and 2) it will be more comfortable for you as the parent, if/when you read books or go in for a resettle in the early morning hours and find yourself laying side by side (much less comfortable trying to cram into the toddler bed or on the floor next to it).
Introduce the bed during the day
Introducing the new bed at bedtime can be stressful for your toddler. Even if you have prepped by reading all the books together, talking it out, and letting them choose their special bedding, bedtime can be an emotional time and too much change can become stressful for your little one. Follow your child’s lead and pay special attention to their unique temperament and personality so that we don’t overwhelm them. I recommend introducing the bed during a neutral time during the day. Ask your child to help tuck in their lovey’s for their “bedtime” in the new bed, read some books together, or just have a cuddle! If your child is still taking naps during the day, introduce the bed before nap time and offer their first rest in the new bed during their regular nap.
Set up the bed in the same spot
Put the bed in the same spot that you had the crib. Sticking with as much of your child’s regular set up and routine will help ease them into this change.
Set up their favorite lovey and/or blanket
Your child likely enjoys cuddling with a lovey or special blanket at this age. Set up their favorite cuddle toy(s) in the bed just before you introduce the bed to them. Seeing their favorite bedtime friends will help them feel safe and comfortable!
Stick with your usual nap and bedtime routines
I may sound like a broken record at this point, but as little additional change as possible will help this transition go more smoothly! Stick with your usual nap and bedtime routines to minimize the risk of overstimulating your child before it is time rest.
Follow their lead
If your child begins “protesting” bedtime, is wandering about their room at night, or facing any other bedtime struggles after switching to the toddler bed, take a breath. Remind your child that you are here for them, and go through your routines as you normally would. It is likely that they may need extra comforts from you during this transition and that is so valid! As your child continues to grow, you may need to adjust bedtime a bit earlier or later (depending on age, unique sleep needs, and whether or not they are taking day time naps), so watch for their cues and follow their lead to find the ideal bedtime.
This Might Take Time… and Patience!
Like any transition and learned skill, this will take time! While some kiddos seem to have a hiccup-less transition, it can be more difficult for others. Remember, every child is different, and it is hard to know how they will respond to this shift.
It is normal for them to protest a bit during this transition and even wander into their parents' room every so often. However... If your child is protesting excessively, throwing tantrums at bedtime regularly, isn't being safe while unsupervised, or is struggling with sleep, they might need more time to adjust. It is okay to go back to the crib if that is what is best for your child!
My Number One Piece of Advice?
Follow Your Child’s Lead!
If they are uninterested from the beginning, it will only make the transition more challenging and you might end up having to go back to the crib anyway. But do remember, going back to the crib is absolutely okay! Making sure our babes are feeling safe and loved is our #1 priority.
Ready to read more? Be sure to download my FREE Bedtime Guide!
Sweet Dreams,
♡Rhaine
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