How To Transition Your Kid From A Crib To A Toddler Bed

The transition from a crib to a toddler bed can bring up big feelings—for everyone. While this is a big step towards independence, it can also be anxiety-inducing and sad.

"This is one of the milestones that signify the end of the babyhood stage. It's sad,"  says Maria Clara Lopez, a pediatric sleep coach.  "Sometimes children will have grief; I have witnessed children's behaviour regressing with this transition. They will baby-talk, ask for bottles and pacifiers when they are weaned, and verbally state that they are indeed a baby." She says that this can make it difficult for parents to stick with the new boundaries and expectations that come with a toddler bed.

To help you smoothly transition your toddler to a big kid bed, we asked experts for their top crib-to-bed transition tips. Here's how to handle everything from regression to creating the perfect bedroom environment.

When to transition to a toddler bed

Wondering when to switch to a toddler bed?  Lopez says it's important to look out for key developmental milestones that ensure your child is ready for the change.

"She explains, 'They should be willing and able to climb into their crib at bedtime, complete tasks like brushing their teeth and putting on pajamas independently."

And while some parents may want to start at 18 months, Lopez suggests that your child should also be at least 2.5 years old before you make the transition. "When they're too young, they can't understand the expectation to stay in bed," she warns. "They will start waking up in the middle of the night to leave their bed and walk out of their room."

Best types of toddler beds: A comparison

According to Patti Read, a certified pediatric sleep consultant and family sleep coach, there’s no specific type of bed recommended for toddlers.

"Toddler bed mattresses are the same size as crib mattresses but may differ in firmness from infant mattresses," she explains. "The size of the mattress isn’t the main concern, though—what matters is how high the bed is from the floor, as this affects safety."

No matter the type of bed, Read emphasizes that safety should always come first. "A full-size bed can be just as safe as a toddler bed if it’s low to the ground or equipped with securely attached bed rails or bumpers," she says. "Some families use universal bed rails to prevent rolling, while others prefer soft bed bumpers for a more cushioned option."

1. Convertible Cribs

Convertible cribs convert into toddler beds, often with a removable side rail.

Pros: "For toddlers who are very attached to their crib, a convertible crib can provide a smooth transition by offering a familiar environment," suggests Read. "This is also a cost-effective option if you already own the crib."

Cons: They may not last as long as a dedicated toddler bed, and the conversion process can be time-consuming.

2. Toddler Beds with Rails

These low-to-the-ground beds, with built-in guardrails, are specifically designed for toddlers. They are smaller than twin-size beds, making them ideal for young children transitioning from cribs.

Pros: Toddler beds with rails are safe, easy for toddlers to get in and out of, and often are available in fun designs.

Cons: Can be outgrown quickly.

3. Floor Beds

Simply, a mattress placed directly on the floor.

Pros: Floor beds are safe, promote independence, and boast minimalist design. "For particularly active toddlers, a floor bed may be the safest option to prevent falls," says Read. "This setup also encourages independence, as children can easily get in and out of bed without assistance, even when leaving the room."

Cons: These beds can be less comfortable for parents to sit on and may not be ideal for all room setups.

4. Themed Beds

Beds designed to look like cars, trucks, castles, etc.

Pros: Themed beds make the transition more exciting for the child. According to Read, "For those eager to embrace a 'big kid' bed, moving to a different bed—such as a themed bed—can help reinforce that excitement."

Cons: Can be more expensive, may not match all room decor, and can be outgrown quickly.

Creating a cozy and inviting sleep environment

Make the room safe

"One way to do this is to anchor furniture to the wall to prevent it from tipping over if your child climbs on it or pulls out drawers to use as steps," says  Jessica Bryant, a sleep strategist of the Better Sleep Council. "Also, use outlet covers to prevent children from inserting objects into sockets and eliminate dangers such as blind cords and sharp objects."

To create a sleep-friendly environment, Bryant also suggests simplifying the room. "Remove stimulating toys and leave a few books and comfort items like stuffed animals in the room," she suggests. "Installing a night light can provide reassurance without disrupting sleep, making it a good addition to the room."

Choose bedding carefully

"Safety is the most important consideration for bedtime items," explains Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, of Moms on Call, a parenting resource and sleep training program. "We tend to overdo it with plush items, which are more distracting than helpful and can become hazardous if they are too plush. Once a child has moved to a bed, a nice, soft fitted sheet and a light blanket are sufficient for a cozy night's sleep."

Select toddler-friendly pillows

Walker says that toddler pillows can be used after two years of age, but they should be thinner rather than plush.

Establish a bedtime routine

Establishing a routine is also a great part of creating a cozy and inviting sleep environment. One way to do this, according to Walker, is to have bathtime before bed. After the bath, children can be transitioned to a bed, where the warmth and relaxation from the bath help signal to their bodies that it's time for sleep.

"Children learn by association and routine, so when that warm bath begins to relax them in the evening hours right before bed, it helps indicate to their body that the time for sleep is coming," she suggests.

Create some ambiance

"The best sleep environment for a child is one that promotes rest for all the senses," explains Walker. "This includes maintaining a temperature of 68 to 72 degrees, ensuring the room is dark, using a white noise machine to enhance REM sleep, and wearing soft, weather-appropriate pajamas. Everything in the room should send the same message."

Tips for a smooth transition

Implement gradual changes

A gradual transition is crucial when helping your toddler adapt to a larger bed. To do this successfully, Dr. Nechama Sorscher, a neuropsychologist, recommends involving your child in the process from the start.

"Allowing your child to pick the new bed and taking their interests into account helps with the adjustment," she explains. "For example, if your child likes cars, picking a bed in the shape of a car (or with car-related imagery) can get them excited about the transition."

To make the transition even smoother, it's helpful to implement changes gradually. According to Sorscher, "Napping is a good place to start because toddlers are typically used to napping in different places, such as daycare or at grandparents' homes. You can also introduce the bed to the toddler by placing some favorite toys in it and playing with the toddler on the bed."

Use positive reinforcement

Children respond well to praise and positive reinforcement, says Sorscher. However, she advises against using a reward system with a toddler. "You want the activity to be intrinsically motivating, and you want them to have the idea that accomplishing a task for the sake of the accomplishment is enough—you don’t need a reward or an extra toy," she explains. "Using praise, conversation, playfulness and encouragement is more than enough."

Address fears and anxiety

"Children are often afraid of the dark, going to sleep, and bad dreams," explains Sorscher. "Parents can offer comfort to these nighttime fears by providing tools that help reassure and comfort the child. For example, a favorite stuffed animal, a night light, teaching simple breathing techniques and singing a favorite song can be effective."

Be patient

Transitioning your toddler to a big kid bed takes time. Sorscher emphasizes the importance of being patient, avoiding frustration or anger, and celebrating any small victories along the way.

"These developmental victories are not achieved all at once: Children grow in stages and steps, so being aware of and supporting small wins paves the way to success," she explains.

How to overcome common challenges

"When we transitioned our daughter to her big kid bed, bedtime got a lot more…exciting. And by exciting, I mean stressful," says Haley Wilds, a licensed counsellor and mom blogger. "Our big kid was thrilled with her newfound freedom, and it showed. The first couple of nights, she probably popped into our room 15-20 times, her overtired giggles echoing through the halls, testing the very limits of my emotion regulation skills. But we made it through. And now, our even bigger kid loves sleeping in her own bed, and bedtime is (usually) pretty uneventful."

Your child is constantly climbing out of bed

Sorscher suggests, "Gently guiding your child back to bed and providing both physical and verbal reassurance. It's also helpful to remind them of the strategies you've introduced, such as sleeping with a stuffed animal or using a night light."

However, she warns against lying down with your child, as this can create a dependency that makes it difficult for them to sleep independently in the future.

Frequent nighttime wakings

Sarah Bossio, a certified pediatric sleep expert, notes that nighttime wakings are another common challenge when transitioning a toddler to a big kid bed. To address this, she suggests examining how your child falls asleep at night.

"If your child needs you in their room, they will look for this condition to be recreated every time they transition sleep cycles, which happens several times throughout the night," she explains. "If they fall asleep from a fully awake state and still wake frequently at night, I recommend consulting with your pediatrician and scheduling an appointment with a pediatric sleep medicine doctor or an ENT specialist to determine if there's a medical issue disrupting their sleep."

Regression

Regression is normal when transitioning your toddler to a big kid bed. "It will take about one to two weeks for them to adjust to this new freedom, and then things should be back to normal," Bossio says.

To provide extra reassurance during this period, Bossio emphasizes confidence and consistency. "Let them know you are confident that this is the next step for them," she explains. These are the rules you have established, and you intend to be consistent with implementing those rules. This structure will help them feel safe and secure with the new boundaries once the physical boundaries of the crib are no longer there."

However, timing is also important. Lopez notes that transitioning too early can exacerbate regression. "It's advisable to wait until your child is fully adjusted to the toddler bed and sleeping consistently before introducing additional changes, such as potty training," she says. "This ensures that each transition is managed smoothly and reduces the likelihood of regression."

The bottom line

Transitioning to a toddler bed is a significant milestone for parents and children to celebrate together. According to Lopez, "As a parent, you're giving your older child the freedom to roam their room at night for the first time, trusting them to respect the boundaries you've set for bedtime. For the child, a toddler bed is a brand new concept—and a huge one."

Experts

• Maria Clara Lopez is a pediatric sleep coach.
• Sarah Bossio is a certified pediatric sleep expert.
• Dr. Nechama Sorscher, PhD., is a neuropsychologist.
• Jennifer Walker, RN, BSN, is a pediatric nurse and co-founder of Moms on Call, a resource for parents seeking advice on infant and toddler care.
• Patti Read is a certified pediatric sleep consultant, family sleep coach, and owner of Goldilocks Sleep Solutions.
• Jessica Bryant of the Better Sleep Council
• Hayley Wilds is a licensed counselor, mom blogger, and practice owner at the Center for Creative Counseling.