A toddler bed is a stepping stone between a crib and a regular bed. You may find that using a toddler bed helps ease the transition for your toddler, because it won't feel so big and foreign like a twin size bed might. According to Baby Center, most toddlers make the switch between the ages of 18 months and three-and-half years. The move might be hard at first, but most toddlers will enjoy the new freedom that sleeping in a toddler bed allows.
How to Move to a Toddler Bed
Step 1
Assess your toddler's readiness. If your child is very active and tries to climb out of his crib, then he is likely ready to switch to a toddler bed. Another sign of readiness is his size. If your toddler seems too big and uncomfortable sleeping in his crib, he is probably ready to make the move to a bigger bed. Once your toddler is potty-trained, he will need to sleep in a toddler bed so he can go to the bathroom at night if necessary.
Step 2
Get your toddler excited about her new bed. Allow her to come to the furniture store and help you pick out the bed. Then, let her choose the sheets and blankets she wants to adorn her new bed.
Baby Center says you can ease the transition by using the crib bedding at first, even if it is too small. This will be comfortable for her and make her less apprehensive about trying out a bigger bed. If you show your excitement with the change, it is likely to rub off on her.
Step 3
Place the toddler bed in the same place the crib was. Having the same view when he is sleeping in his new bed will make him more comfortable with the switch. Many toddler beds will have to be assembled, however, many furniture stores will do this for you at an extra charge.
Step 4
Make the bed. Put the sheets and blankets you are using on the new bed so your toddler can see what it will look like before she climbs into it. Many toddlers will be more comfortable with a small, flat pillow since a toddler mattress isn't usually as firm as a crib mattress.
Some toddler beds come equipped with guardrails, but if yours doesn't, put them in place so your toddler cannot fall off the bed. After several months, the guardrails can be removed.
Step 5
Stick to your bedtime routine. Toddlers thrive on routines, so a deviation at bedtime can make it more difficult for him to accept the change. Follow your old routine with the only change being that your toddler is tucked into a toddler bed instead of his crib.
Tips and Warnings
- If your toddler is adamant about not wanting to use the toddler bed, let him go back to the crib and try again in a few weeks. If you are switching to a toddler bed because you are expecting a new baby, make the transition several months in advance so your toddler won't feel like the baby is taking her bed.
Things You'll Need
- Toddler bed
- Sheets and blankets
- Guardrails
- Toddler-sized pillow
