The Best Time to Put a Toddler in a “Big Kid’s” Bed

There are several
milestones in a toddler’s life that indicate it is time to transition from the
crib to a bid kid’s bed.  Sometimes the
toddler is more ready for this change than the parents are and other times the
parents are in need of this switch for their own reasons.  There are several indicators that can help
parents decide if it is the right time to transition their toddler into a big
kid’s bed.

There is no
specific time that is set for when a child should move from the crib to a big
bed.  However, usually the transition
happens between the ages of 1 ½ and 3 ½. 
If a toddler is climbing out of the crib, they may be ready for a big
bed.  If the climbing out of the crib is
happening regularly, then a big bed would be a good idea. On the other hand, if
the child is climbing out just from time to time, safety is a concern and the
child may not be ready for the freedom that a big bed will offer.

Another indicator
that a toddler is ready for a big bed is when they are potty training.  A toddler needs to be able to get out of bed
during the night to use the restroom otherwise diapers will have to be
introduced during the night which may be confusing to the potty training child.

Also, if the child has outgrown the small,
crib-sized mattress and they are sleeping fitfully or uncomfortably, a bigger
mattress may be necessary.  Sometimes the
crib mattress is needed for an upcoming member of the family and the parents
need to get their toddler into a big bed to free up the crib.  If this is the case, try to smoothly
transition the child from the crib to the big bed by involving the child in the
move.  Make sure that the child takes
part in the choosing of a big bed and mattress and be sure to add a bed railing
guard to the new big bed.  The railing on
a big bed will ensure that the child feels safe and the parents will not be so
worried about the toddler falling off of the mattress onto the floor.

In the event that
the toddler is nervous or clingy to their crib, slowly lower the crib bed
mattress in increments until they are close to the ground and more prepared for
big bed sleeping.  Or, there is always
the option of buying a toddler bed that can use a crib mattress and is smaller
in size.

Make sure to not move a child into a big bed
without talking to them about it first. 
Moving into a big mattress can be overwhelming to a toddler and care
should be taken to create a safe and relaxing atmosphere about the new big
kid’s bed.  Sleeping in a big bed adds
responsibility and freedom to a developing child’s nighttime habits.  Listen to the child and your instincts, and
the transition from crib sleeping to a big bed will go smoothly.