A Helpful Guide on When to Transition to A Toddler Bed

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Published by 
Jess Miller
Last updated: 
March 18, 2023
Toddler Siiting on floor

As a parent, the milestones you reach with your child are exciting. You know the date they said their first word, took their first step, and started eating solid food. And the next milestone is just as exciting: moving from their crib into a toddler bed. But how do you know when to transition to a toddler bed?

Let’s take a look at that now.

Reasons to Transition to a Toddler Bed

You can never be too safe

Toddlers are little bundles of energy and curiosity, and unless their parents are there to guide them, they will get into all kinds of trouble. And some toddlers see their chance of freedom at night when parents are sleeping the night away in their own bed.

Once your child is big enough to crawl out their crib, you have your answer to the question when to transition to a toddler bed. Toddlers who attempt to crawl over the rails can injure themselves in the process. When to transition to a toddler bed? The first answer is as soon as your child begins crawling over the crib railing.

Experts say that time comes for most kids when they are 35 inches tall or between the ages of 18 and 24 months.

Toddler in Bed
Image source: pexels

Well, that’s not comfortable

Another way to know when to transition to a toddler bed is when the crib becomes too small for your child. Your child needs proper sleep to be healthy and happy, and if their crib is too small, their sleep may become disrupted.

In other words, if you have to move out the stuffed animals or their favorite blankey to make room for them to sleep, you’ve reached a milestone for when to transition to a toddler bed.

Hello brother or sister!

And finally, the last way to know when to transition to a toddler bed is when you have another baby on the way. When you’re expecting another child, it only makes sense to use your toddler’s crib for the new baby. And you can make the transition fun for your toddler by getting them excited about the new baby.

Types of Toddler Beds

Toddler in Bed
Image source: pexels

Here are six types of toddler beds you can choose.

Kind of like a transformer

Dream On Me Emma 3 in 1 Convertible Toddler Bed, Espresso

If you have boys, you know how transformers work. By adjusting a few pieces, you can turn the toy into something else. That’s the way it works with convertible beds. Designed to transform from a crib to a toddler bed, this option allows you to purchase only one bed for your child.

You will have to remove a few pieces of the crib and add some others, but in the end, your child will remain in the same bed — with a few modifications. This type of bed may make it easier for your child to make the transition.

Here is a funny video showing one dad’s struggle with this seemingly easy task:

Isn’t that for grownups?

Many people use futons as sofas or spare beds for adult guests, but did you know that you can also use them as toddler beds? When asking, when to transition to a toddler bed, think about this affordable solution. The toddler futon makes a great sitting area for your toddler in the daytime but easily transforms into a toddler bed at night.

Almost grown-up

If you want a bed that looks like a grown-up bed but is adjustable to fit your toddler, a platform bed might be the right choice. These beds look like adult beds, but you can adjust their height by leaving out the box springs. You’ll also gain plenty of storage room underneath the bed for the things that don’t fit in the closet.

Way up there

If your toddler is older, you may consider bunk beds — also called loft beds. These toddler beds come in many styles. For example, some have desks attached with play areas underneath the bed. Others are nothing more than two beds arranged vertically for an extra sleeping space.

When asking when to transition to a toddler bed, you should ensure that your child sleeps on the bottom bunk. Do this until they are old enough to climb to the top one safely.

How cool is this?

Another great choice is the storage toddler bed. This type of bed comes with all sorts of storage compartments for storing your child’s belongings. For instance, it may have a toy chest at the foot of the bed or shelves alongside it to display their favorite things. Some storage toddler beds also have drawers underneath the bed for additional storage.

Just like mommy and daddy

Finally, when asking when to transition to a toddler bed, you should consider using a toddler twin bed. These beds will make your toddler feel like a grown-up because it looks similar to your bed. Toddler twin beds come in many styles so choosing one that’s right for your child is easy.

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

As you can see, the time to transition to a toddler bed is unique for each child. While there is no exact recommended time, you should pay attention to the factors outlined above. When your child begins crawling out of their crib, grows too big to fit in the crib comfortably, or you have another little one on the way, you’ve hit the milestones for when to transition to a toddler bed.

How to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Now that you understand when to transition to a toddler bed, you probably need some tips to help make the transition easier. After all, your child may be attached to their crib, so you will have to show them why moving to the big-kid bed is a good idea.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for when to transition to a toddler bed.

Safety first

The first thing you’ll want to do is to make your child’s room safe by child-proofing it. Until now, you’ve been at ease because your child was tucked away safely in their crib. But once they’re in a toddler bed, they may begin to roam at night.

Here’s how it is

Your next step is to talk to your toddler about the transition. One way to know when to transition to a toddler bed is when your child starts asking about a big kid bed. But even if they’re not asking, you can still get them excited about the prospect by talking to them about it.

Isn’t this cool?

If you sense some resistance from your child, think about getting a toddler bed they can’t resist. For instance, you can find toddler beds shaped like race cars or princess beds. The cooler it looks, the more excited your toddler will be about sleeping in it.

It’s right here

Baby on Bed
Image source: pexels

Some kids may not be ready to give up their crib entirely. If your child is sad about saying goodbye to their crib, think about leaving it in place for a while. Doing this will give your child time to get used to the new bed while still having the comfort of their old one in the room.

I thought we were past that

Remember when your child was a newborn, and you spent all those sleepless nights? You thought you were past that, didn’t you? The thing is, once your child realizes that they are free from the confines of the crib, they may begin to wander at night.

And that means they will likely come to wake you up. And even if they don’t, you may lie awake listening for them to ensure they stay safe. When asking when to transition to a toddler bed, be sure you’re ready for a few more sleepless nights!

You can’t jump snap your fingers

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could transition your child to a toddler bed without any problems? Unfortunately, that’s not likely going to be how it goes. Your child has slept in their crib their entire life, and the transition is going to make them uncomfortable.

They may wander at night, cry before bedtime because they miss their crib. Or they may begin clinging to you as bedtime nears because they don’t want to sleep in their new bed. But all of this will eventually pass — just like the nighttime feedings did.

Answered: When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Toddler on Bed reading book
Image source: pexels

Do you have any suggestions for other parents going through the process? If so, please leave them in the comment below!

Featured image source: pexels

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