Not every child will be ready to make the transition from a crib to a "big kid" bed at the same time. Some larger, stronger children may be ready to make the jump before age 2. Others enjoy the safety and security of their crib, and may not be ready to move out until they're just too tall to stay in, past their third birthday. Besides age, there are many factors to take into consideration when moving your toddler from a crib to a twin or toddler bed.
Age
There is no "ideal" age to move your child from a crib to a toddler bed. However, most children make the transition sometime between the ages of 1 1/2 and 3 1/2.
Safety
Some parents wait until their child is too big or too active to sleep in the crib. When your child reaches 36 inches tall, or gets strong enough and coordinated enough to climb out of the crib on his own, it is time to make the switch to a toddler bed..
Another Baby
Some parents decide to make the switch to a bed because they will need the crib for a new baby. If this is the case, try to make the switch at least six to eight weeks before the new baby is due. Let your toddler get settled in his new bed before he sees the baby taking over "his" crib. If you don't think your older child is quite ready to make the switch, you could delay moving him until the new baby is 3 or 4 months old, since the newborn will probably spend his first several weeks sleeping in a bassinet anyway.
Potty-training
Another consideration in making the switch from the crib to a bed is your child's progress in potty training. He will need to be able to get out of bed on his own during the night in order to use the bathroom. If he has to call for help, he may have an accident, which will be frustrating for you and for him.
Considerations
Other considerations include other big transitions in your child's life. Don't make the switch at the same time a new baby is born, or when your child is first starting school or a new day care provider. Ease the transition by allowing your child to transfer a comfort object, such as a blanket or a stuffed animal, from the crib to the bed.
