That’s the message your toddler will send (one way or another) when he’s ready to bid bye-bye to the crib and say hello to a big-kid bed. Your child might actually verbalize displeasure or, more likely, simply start climbing out of the crib.While there's no hard-and-fast age when a toddler is ready to move on from the crib, when your child is around 18 months or so you'll probably start thinking about it. The timing is different for every child, but if he’s hit 3 feet in height or makes a jailbreak on a daily basis or asks for a big-kid bed, it’s time to make the switch. Choosing a Toddler BedYou have two toddler bed options: a toddler bed, which looks like a mini version of a twin bed (and can come disguised as a race car, fire truck or princess castle), or an actual twin bed outfitted with safety rails. Both are safe options, so let your wallet, space constraints, child’s temperament and design sensibility guide your decision. (Of course if you purchased a crib that converts to a toddler bed, no need to shop.)
Whatever model you choose, if you’re in the market for a new bed for your toddler, make sure it is:Sturdy. There’ll be plenty of rolling, wiggling, jumping and bouncing on that bed, so make sure it can stand up to tough toddler treatment.Low to the ground. Keeping the bed on the down-low limits injuries from falls and makes it easier for your child to get in and out all by himself.The bed should come with side rails (some toddlers are wild sleepers) or allow you to add them.Choose a headboard and footboard without ornamentation, cutouts or protrusions to prevent rambunctious or curious toddlers from bumping heads or jamming fingers. Check to see that the finish is smooth (no splinters!) and all edges are rounded.Matched with a mattress. Your best bet is to buy the bed and mattress together so you can be certain of a snug fit (or buy a toddler bed that’s designed to be used with a standard-sized crib mattress).Check for a sticker from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association on the bed and any portable rails you purchase.
(Note: The JPMA doesn’t certify twin-sized beds — just toddler sizes.)Time to set up his sleeping space with safety in mind.Find the right spot in the room — that means away from windows, blind cords, draperies, radiators, heat registers and wall or floor lamps.Place the headboard flush against the wall and leave ample space on both sides of the bed (or install rails on both sides) to limit the risk that your child could get trapped between the bed and the wall.Put a soft rug, sleeping bag or pillows on the floor around the bed to cushion falls.Check joints, screws or other hardware regularly to ensure they're not loose.Tips to transition from a crib to a bedHere are 10 things you can do to make this transition a smooth and safe one:Time it right. If your toddler's life is already chock-full of change — new baby brother or sister, new school, weaning, toilet training — wait before introducing the big-kid bed. This should be an exciting transition for everyone, not one that's overwhelming or scary.
A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed with the removal of the front panel can make the change seem less drastic to a toddler.Read all about it. Find a few books about the big move, and share them with your toddler. Point out that the characters in the book are "just like you," and just as bravely moving on to their new bed.Let your child get in on the action. To mark the occasion and help your child feel excited about the change, let him choose new sheets and kid-friendly bedding, and encourage him to personalize the new bed with a few favorite stuffed animals. If you decide on a toddler or twin bed, enlist your child's help in picking it out.You've likely already taken measures to toddler-proof your home, but this is a good time to re-evaluate. Are there any other safety precautions you should take in case your toddler does go adventuring during the night? You may want to consider blocking any stairwells with safety gates, locking windows and any doors that lead outside (or to the basement) and double-checking to ensure your child can't get into any areas where cleaning products, medications or other hazardous materials are kept.
If your toddler is giving up a crib for a new baby, the switch calls for an extra dose of TLC. You don't want your child to feel like he's being displaced. If you can, try to get the new bed set up before the baby arrives. Let your tot "practice" napping in it to feel more comfortable with the new digs.Don't change the bedtime routine. Put the bed in the same space where the crib was, if possible. And if the bath-books-bed formula for transitioning to sleep worked before, stick with it. Mixing up the bedtime routine will just mix your child up.Keep exploration to a minimum. For most kids, the newfound freedom to roam will be irresistible. It's up to you to reinforce bedtime rules. Request last-calls for water, stuffed toys and trips to the potty before the final tuck-in, and make sure your little one understands it's final.That said, be prepared your child to constantly pop out of bed for a drink of water, a snuggle with Mom or some other escape-from-my-room excuse. Calmly and silently return your toddler to bed as many times as it takes.
Keep it as boring as possible and he'll get the idea. For kids who don't, some parents put gates at the bedroom door. If your little one has already proved he can climb out of the crib, chances are a gate won't be much of an obstacle.Praise your tot for practicing good bedtime habits. A helpful solution for controlling your child's roaming habits might be a sticker chart. Give one sticker for each night he stays in bed. By the end of the week, reward him with a special treat, like an extra story at bedtime or a favorite family outing. Remember, toddlers love pleasing you and doing things for themselves. Helping yours learn to love a big-kid bed should be a win-win situation.Updated 10/30/153 things to read next:9 Fast Ways to Stop Toddler TantrumsPrepare Your Toddler for Room-SharingPotty Training Setbacks: When Accidents HappenMost children move from a crib to a toddler bed sometime between a child’s first and third year. It's important not to make the switch too soon. When your little one is too big or active for a crib, consider these options.
Toddler beds are a nice transition. They’re about the size of a crib, so your child will feel snug and cozy. They use a crib mattress, so you won't have to invest in a new twin-sized or larger mattress just yet.Toddler beds have high sides or built-in rails to keep your child from falling or rolling out. And – adding to the kid appeal – they come in cool designs including spaceships, princess castles, or speed-demon cars.If your crib converts to a toddler bed, you can just use the conversion kit from the crib manufacturer (sometimes sold separately), which usually includes hardware and a bed rail. Swap one side of the crib for the rail, and you're done. Your child will enjoy the familiarity of the old crib and sleep safely enclosed, but will be able to get in and out without your help.See a photo gallery of our favorite toddler beds.A standard bed frame and mattress can also work. You'll need to install bed rails or inflatable or pillow-style bolsters on both sides to keep your child safely in bed.
A mattress placed on the floor is another option, although you may still want to use bolsters to keep your child from wiggling off. Once your little one has mastered the art of crib-free sleeping, you can move the mattress onto a frame.Browse dozens of toddler bedding and beds.Sturdy construction: Give the bed a good jostle – it needs to stand up to a few years of bouncing and other toddler wear and tear. The more solidly built the frame, the less likely you'll have to replace it after one too many dance parties. Solid wood costs more, but will endure better than cheaper materials.A snug fit: You want a frame that holds the mattress tightly. If the crib mattress you have doesn't fit snugly into the bed frame, buy one that does. Gaps between the mattress and the frame pose an entrapment hazard.Smooth edges: To avoid injuries, look for a design with an even, smooth finish and rounded edges, as well as hardware that doesn't jut out.Safety standards: Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) certification seal on the packaging of the toddler bed and safety rails you buy.
Side rails: Many kids toss and turn while sleeping, and a rail on each side helps prevent tumbles. Some beds come with high sides or rails attached, while others have slots that let you attach ones purchased separately. Make sure any rails installed fit snugly against the edge of the mattress to avoid entrapment. Note that rails keep a child from falling but not climbing out of bed.Enticing designs: It may not be your personal taste, but a bed crowned with a princess tiara or emblazoned with a favorite cartoon character may be just the lure your toddler needs to transition out of the crib.Weight limit: Check the manufacturer's information, as many toddler beds max out at about 50 pounds. That means you won't be able to sit on it with your child, much less try to snuggle together. (Another reason to go for the sturdiest design you can find.)Prices for toddler beds range from about $60 to $380, depending on the level of design, the bells and whistles, and the quality of the materials. Bed rails cost between $20 and $100, while cribs that convert to toddler beds and then full-size beds range from $150 to $800, depending on materials and style.