Many signs indicate your toddler is ready to switch from their crib to a toddler bed. Signs It’s Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed Too many changes at once might overwhelm your toddler and make the process harder on you both. If your toddler is in the middle of potty training, or another big transition like starting daycare or a family move, consider delaying the transition to a bed for a little while longer. Switching from a crib to a bed is a big change for toddlers, and toddlers do not always adjust to changes easily. Is Your Child Experiencing Any Other Big Changes? This gives your toddler time to adjust to their new bed without feeling jealous or displaced by their new younger sibling. If possible, start transitioning your toddler to the new bed at least a few months before the baby arrives. If you are expecting another child, you may need to move your toddler to a bed so your newborn can use the crib. Some studies suggest it is better to delay the transition to when your child is closer to 3 years old to avoid your toddler regularly getting out of bed and coming to your room at night, which could disrupt sleep for both of you. Self-control is a learned behavior, and the freedom of a bed can be too much for some. On the other hand, if your toddler is having trouble learning self-control, they may not be ready to switch to a bed. They may also start expressing to you that they want a big bed like you or an older sibling. Typically, a child should switch to a bed when they are about 3 feet tall.
For example, if you can see their chest above the rail of the crib when they are standing up, they may have outgrown their crib. There are other signs your child is ready to switch to a larger bed, even if they have not managed to climb out of their crib just yet.
Cribs can pose an injury risk if your child frequently climbs out. If your child is able to climb out of their crib, that is a sign they are ready for a toddler bed. This wide age range means there are a few factors to consider before making the change. In general, most toddlers make the move from a crib to a bed between the age of 18 months and 3 years old. When Is the Right Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed?Īpproximately one-third of toddlers transition to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 2 years old, and another third transition between ages 2 and 2.5. The right time for your family can depend on a number of factors. Some kids are ready to make the switch as early as 18 months, while others feel more comfortable once they are 2 or 3 years old. Most toddlers naturally mature to a place where they are ready for, and may even welcome, the change. However, moving from a crib to a bed is a normal part of childhood. Transitioning a child too early can lead to sleep troubles and bedtime resistance. Many parents feel nervous about changing their child’s sleep routine, especially if their child sleeps well in a crib.
Good sleep is essential to a child’s emotional and social functioning, ability to learn and focus, and overall development. Switching from a crib to a toddler bed can feel like a big change, and timing the switch properly is important.