Transitioning to a Toddler Bed: When and How to Make the Switch

The crib has been your toddler's safe sleep space, but now you're wondering if it's time to move to a "big kid" bed. This transition can go smoothly—or it can unleash months of bedtime battles and night wandering.

Knowing when your toddler is ready and how to set up for success can make all the difference.

When to Transition AAP

There's no rush:

• Most toddlers can stay in cribs until age 3
• Earlier is not better
• Wait until toddler is ready

Signs toddler may be ready:

• Climbing out of crib (safety issue)
• Too tall/heavy for crib (check manufacturer limits)
• Asking for a big kid bed
• Potty training and needs night access to bathroom
• New sibling needs the crib

The right age:

• Not before 18 months (and later is often better)
• Many experts recommend 2.5-3 years
• Toddlers under 2 often struggle with freedom
• Older toddlers understand expectations better

DON'T transition because:

• You think toddler is "too old" for crib
• Someone tells you it's time
• You're preparing for new baby months in advance
• Toddler seems ready for "big kid" things in other areas

Crib Climbing: Safety First AAP

If toddler is climbing out:

Try these first:

• Lower mattress to lowest setting
• Remove bumpers or anything toddler can climb on
• Turn crib around (higher back to room)
• Put toddler in sleep sack (limits leg movement)
• Firmly tell toddler "No climbing. Stay in bed."

If climbing continues:

• Transition is necessary for safety
• Risk of falling/injury is real
• Move to toddler bed or mattress on floor
• Make room completely safe

Preparing for the Transition NSF

Before the switch:

Talk about it:

• Build excitement: "You're getting a big kid bed!"
• Read books about big kid beds
• Let toddler help pick out sheets/bedding
• Don't oversell—keep expectations realistic

Set up the room:

• Make room completely safe (toddler-proof)
• Secure furniture to walls
• Cover outlets
• Remove small objects
• Lock windows
• Consider baby gate at doorway

Keep familiar elements:

• Same location in room as crib
• Same bedding/sheets if possible
• Same routine, same comfort objects
• Same white noise, nightlight, etc.

Pick the right time:

• Not during other transitions (new sibling, potty training, moving)
• Not during illness or travel
• When you have energy for potential challenges
• When you can be consistent for 2+ weeks

Making the Switch AAP

Transition options:

Option 1: Toddler bed

• Low to ground
• Familiar size (uses crib mattress often)
• Guardrails for safety
• Feels less overwhelming than big bed

Option 2: Twin bed with rails

• Can use for years
• More room for parent to lie with toddler if desired
• May feel very big to toddler
• Use bed rails on both sides

Option 3: Mattress on floor

• Safest option (can't fall)
• Easy to return to if toddler gets up
• Can transition to bed frame later
• Works well for younger toddlers

The first few nights:

• Keep routine exactly the same
• Put toddler to bed in new bed
• Be matter-of-fact: "This is your new bed!"
• Expect some adjustment period

Common Challenges NSF

Toddler keeps getting out of bed:

*Why it happens:*

• New freedom is exciting
• Testing what they can do
• Doesn't understand expectations yet

*What to do:*

• Silent return: Walk toddler back to bed without talking, engaging
• "It's bedtime. Stay in your bed."
• Repeat as many times as needed
• Be consistent—may need to do this MANY times first few nights
• Praise when toddler stays in bed

Toddler comes to parent's room at night:

*Prevention:*

• Baby gate at doorway
• Door monkey or lock on door
• "Okay to wake" clock

*Response:*

• Silent return to own bed
• Don't allow sleeping in parent's bed (unless you want to)
• Be consistent even if exhausted

Toddler is scared of new bed:

*What helps:*

• Stay in room until toddler falls asleep (temporarily)
• Use comfort object
• Nightlight if darkness is scary
• Keep door open
• Gradually reduce your presence

Toddler won't stay in bed for naps:

*This is common:*

• Naps are harder than nighttime
• May need to be more hands-on
• Consider "quiet time" in room if toddler won't sleep
• Some toddlers drop nap faster with bed freedom

Maintaining Good Sleep Habits

Keep routine the same:

• Same bedtime routine
• Same timing
• Same expectations
• Routine provides security during change

Set clear expectations:

• "After books, you stay in your bed until morning."
• "Mommy/Daddy will come get you when it's morning."
• Keep it simple and repeat nightly

Reward staying in bed:

• Sticker chart for staying in bed
• Praise in the morning
• Small reward for consistent nights
• Don't punish—focus on positive

Use an "okay to wake" clock:

• Clock changes color when it's okay to get up
• Teaches toddler when morning is
• Especially helpful for early risers
• Works for bedtime too (can't come out until green)

When Transition Goes Poorly AAP

If toddler struggles significantly:

Assess the situation:

• Was toddler truly ready?
• Is something else going on (illness, developmental leap)?
• Are you being consistent with responses?

Options:

• Go back to crib (if not climbing out, this is fine)
• Temporarily put mattress in parents' room (some families do this)
• Double down on consistency (it usually takes 1-2 weeks)
• Get help from pediatrician or sleep consultant

It's okay to go back to the crib:

• If toddler wasn't climbing, crib is still safe
• Wait a few months and try again
• Not a failure—just not ready yet

Special Situations

Transitioning for new baby:

• Do it well before baby arrives (2+ months)
• OR wait until after baby is settled
• Don't transition right before or after birth
• Toddler shouldn't feel "kicked out" for baby

Traveling after transition:

• Bring familiar bedding and comfort objects
• Pack 'n play can still be used (toddler may accept for travel)
• Stay consistent with routine
• Expect some regression after travel

Siblings sharing room:

• Older child should be in big bed first
• Consider room layout carefully
• Stagger bedtimes if ages are very different
• Have rules about bothering each other

What Other Parents Ask

Q: My 18-month-old is climbing out of the crib. Is it too early for a toddler bed?
A: 18 months is young, and many toddlers this age struggle with bed freedom. But if climbing creates safety risk, you need to transition. Make room very safe, use consistent silent return technique, and consider baby gate on doorway. AAP

Q: Should I stay in the room until my toddler falls asleep?
A: During the initial transition, this can help. But don't let it become a permanent habit unless you're okay with it long-term. Gradually move toward leaving before toddler is fully asleep. NSF

Q: My toddler transitioned fine but now is coming to our room every night. What happened?
A: Novelty often wears off and testing begins. Return to consistent silent return technique. Don't let toddler in your bed if you don't want this long-term. It usually improves within a week of consistency.

Q: What if my toddler trashes the room when I put up a baby gate?
A: This may happen initially. Remove anything dangerous or valuable. Keep returning toddler to bed when they get up. Don't engage with the mess at night. In the morning, have toddler help clean up. Stay consistent.

Q: Is a toddler bed or twin bed better?
A: Either works. Toddler beds are lower and smaller, which may feel less overwhelming. Twin beds can be used for years. Mattress on floor is also an option. Choose based on your child, room size, and preference.

The Bottom Line

Transitioning to a toddler bed is a significant milestone. There's no rush—many toddlers do well in cribs until age 3. If you do transition (because of climbing, size, or readiness), prepare the room for safety and the toddler for change.

Key points:

• Don't rush—later is often easier
• Transition for climbing (safety) or size, not just age
• Make room completely safe
• Keep routine the same
• Use consistent silent return for getting out of bed
• "Okay to wake" clocks help with boundaries
• It's okay to go back to crib if transition isn't working

Clara is here to help you navigate the big kid bed transition.