Your child was probably excited about moving from a crib to a big-kid bed. Perhaps your toddler's bed is shaped like a car or has butterfly appliqués. The guard rails on a toddler bed probably help him feel safe and enclosed, similar to his crib but with more freedom. Some children are ready for a larger bed, while others might not be happy about the change. The guidelines are clear for when to move a child from a crib; however, there is no hard and fast rule for when a child should stop sleeping in a toddler bed.
Toddler Beds
Once a child is able to climb out of his crib, it is time to move him to a bed closer to the floor. Many parents choose a toddler bed. Toddler beds are child-sized, sit lower to the floor and use a standard crib mattress. ConsumerReports.org notes that toddler beds have bed rails placed about 2 inches above the top of the mattress. The rails help alert your toddler when she gets too near the edge of the bed.
Safety
Toddler beds provide a measure of safety from falls. While a fall from a twin bed involves a shorter distance than a fall from a crib, the fall is still an issue of concern. ConsumerReports.org recommends using a portable safety rail on a twin bed at least until your child is 5-years-old. ConsumerReports.org also cautions against using a bunk bed if your child is younger than 6-years-old.
Child's Wishes
Your child might not be ready to let go of his toddler bed. Parenting magazine's advice on moving a child from her crib to a toddler bed is useful in deciding if it is time for a larger bed: Don't push her if she is not ready and has not outgrown her bed. Some children feel safer in the smaller bed. Parenting recommends that if you choose a twin bed, you place the bed against a wall to help your child feel safe until she gets used to her new bed. If your child wants to move to a larger bed and you have addressed safety issues, the Parenting website states that a toddler bed or a twin bed is appropriate for a child once she has outgrown her crib.
Child's Size
ConsumerReports.org reports that children outgrow toddler beds around 5-years-old or when they weigh about 50 lbs. Your child's size should help you to determine if he needs a larger bed. If he is too long for the toddler bed or weighs more than 50 lbs., a larger bed with a firmer mattress might be necessary to make sure he is sleeping comfortably. If your child is too heavy for a toddler bed, the bed could collapse. If your child is visible uncomfortable in the toddler bed, it is a good time to move to a larger bed.
Adding Up the Evidence
After considering your child's wishes, her size and state of the toddler bed, you can make an informed decision about how long your child should sleep in a toddler bed. Perhaps she has not outgrown the bed and is not ready for a change. You might be comfortable allowing her more time in the toddler bed. If she has outgrown a toddler bed, or the bed is no longer sturdy, it might be time to think of ways to help her transition to a new bed. The Parenting website suggests letting her pick out new sheets and a comforter and allowing her to keep items from the old bed on her new bed.
Tips
If you choose to use a portable safety rail on a twin bed, ConsumerReports.org recommends using one that is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
Warnings
ConsumerReports.org recommends that you not use a portable safety rail on a bed without a box spring and that you place the safety rail firmly against the mattress so your child cannot become entrapped between the mattress and the safety rail. ConsumerReports.org recommends buying your child's bed and mattress at the same time to ensure a proper fit and make sure there are no gaps between the mattress and the footboard and headboard where your child can become entrapped.
