Pediatricians on When to Transition from Crib to Bed

Toddlerhood creeps up on you, and before you know it, you worry your baby might climb like a ninja and escape from their crib. Is it time to transition them from their crib to a bed? To learn more, I spoke to pediatricians Dr. Dovico and Dr. Wiersma, who shared when you should break out a toddler bed and tips for a smooth transition.

When to Move from Crib to Bed: Signs Your Child is Ready

"A toddler should transfer from a crib to a bed when they've gained the gross motor skills and height to potentially climb out of their crib and onto the floor. Unfortunately, it's difficult to estimate when this may happen, so often parents realize their child is ready when they find their child on the floor after falling out of the crib," Dr. Dovico of Joyful Pediatrics in Greensboro, North Carolina, said.

To prevent accidents, it's best if your child doesn't climb out of their crib. Here are some signs to look for that show your child may be ready to transition to a toddler bed.

• They are tall enough for the edge of the crib railing to be at the base of their ribs when standing on their tiptoes, or they are 35 inches tall.
• Your child is over 15 months old.
• Your child shows interest in a "big kid" bed.
• They have attempted or succeeded in climbing out of the crib.
  

One other consideration is potty training. If your child is already potty training, moving to a toddler bed may make the process a bit easier. Your child can quickly get out of bed to go to the bathroom instead of waiting for you.

Dr. Wiersma, a board-certified pediatrician in Scottsdale, Arizona, and the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics, says most children are ready for a toddler bed between the ages of 2 and 3. However, she agrees that climbing out of the crib is dangerous. "You can try to keep them in the crib longer by using sleep sacks to prevent climbing," she says. "But for safety, many kids need to make the transition to a crib."

When to Switch from Crib to Toddler Bed: If a New Baby Is Coming

Many families also consider moving their child to a toddler bed when another sibling is coming soon. In this case, it's important to avoid making too many changes at once.

Ideally, only move your child to a toddler bed if they're showing other signs of readiness. If you do decide to move your child, it's best to do so several months before the new baby is born. This gives your child the chance to adjust to their new bed and feel comfortable.

Alternatively, you can make the move several months after the new sibling is born. This way, there aren't too many big changes all at once.

Crib Alternative: Montessori Floor Bed

If you're nervous about putting your child in a traditional bed, one alternative is a floor bed. Often used in the Montessori method, a floor bed helps young children get into and out of bed independently. The low profile also prevents accidents such as falling out of bed or falling while attempting to climb out of the crib.

As a former Montessori teacher, I used floor beds with my own kids. My daughter especially loved the independence of a floor bed that she could get into and out of on her own. We started using floor beds shortly after our kids learned to walk. However, many families start using a floor bed earlier or later, depending on their needs.

In general, floor bed designs are for children ages 15 months and up. Piccalio's floor bed, bedBED™, is a 2-in-1 bed that converts from a floor bed into a big kid bed. Available in twin and toddler bed sizes, you can choose the best option for your child's needs and space.

Learn more about Montessori floor beds.

When to Switch from Crib to Toddler Bed: Tips for a Smooth Transition

Moving your child out of the crib is an exciting new step. For some children, making the switch is easy, while for others, sleeping in a bed may feel strange.

Dr. Dovico says parents can help make the transition appealing. "Toddlers love praise, so make a big deal about their new 'big girl' or 'big boy' bed," she suggests. You might also involve your child in the process of choosing their sheets and bedding. This can help build excitement.

When moving to a toddler bed, it's also important to avoid changing too much at once. "Keep the bedtime routine the same and do not prolong saying goodnight," Dr. Dovico says.

Another common issue is your child getting up to play in their room. Or, your child might even wander around and fall asleep on the floor. Dr. Wiersma says parents shouldn't worry too much. "If they fall asleep on the floor and not their bed, it’s okay! As long as everyone gets sleep and is safe, that’s a win," she explained.

Also, be sure to baby-proof your child's room when you set up their toddler bed. Now, the whole room is open to exploration, so it's essential to take safety precautions.

Discover expert tips on how to baby-proof your toddler's room.

What to Do if Your Toddler Gets Out of Bed?

One common challenge when transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is that your child gets out of bed. Now that there's no crib, they can get up whenever they want.

Dr. Wiersma suggests trying an alarm clock with colored lights. "Some older toddlers can understand the stoplight red-yellow-green alarm clocks to help them stay in bed," she says.

"If your child is too young or can’t follow directions yet, then your goal should be to keep them safely in their room. As long as the room is childproofed, you may need to consider latching the door so they aren’t wandering the house at night," Dr. Wiersma suggests.

If your child comes to get you, Dr. Dovico says the best approach is to "...quickly scoop them up and put them back in the bed without giving them much attention—positive or negative. This means no extra kisses goodnight (after they've climbed out) and no yelling."

If this becomes a constant issue, Dr. Dovico suggests practicing this skill by playing pretend. Go through the steps and pretend to "go to bed." Or, have your child pretend to put their stuffed animals to bed. Practicing this skill when they're awake and happy can help make the nighttime routine easier.

Toddler Bed Age Range

A toddler bed is intended for children between the ages of about 2 and 4 years old. Typically, children outgrow their toddler bed when they are about 5 years old. A toddler bed uses a crib mattress, which is the best choice for children under the age of 2. Note that most toddler beds recommend a minimum age of 15 months for safety reasons.

A toddler bed is a great choice for many families, especially in the case that your child's crib converts to a toddler bed. This option is also ideal for smaller bedrooms or if your child is sharing a room with an older sibling. Additionally, a toddler bed may feel less intimidating if your child is used to sleeping in a crib.

Misconceptions About Toddler Sleep and Transitioning to a Toddler Bed

Wondering what to expect as you transition to a toddler bed? Your child should sleep about the same amount of time as they did in their crib. But toddler sleep needs do vary and change as children grow. 

"One common misconception is that every toddler needs the same sleep schedule," Dr. Dovico says."Toddlers typically sleep between 11-14 hours in a 24-hour period, but this usually includes a nap during midday. Some children drop their nap around 2 years old, and some continue it past 5 years old. Some need more sleep, some need less." 

Also, remember that this transition is an opportunity to reinforce good habits. Dr. Dovico recommends keeping a similar routine to the one you used when your child slept in a crib. If you're looking for a good routine, Dr. Dovico recommends a bath, reading a book (which can help your child sleep better), and then heading to sleep in a dark, cool room. She also says it's best to avoid screens for the 2 hours prior to bed.

However, if you and your child are struggling with sleep, Dr. Dovico says there's hope. "Many parents feel they cannot change a bad habit once it's established, and that's not true at all," she explained. "If your child is not sleeping the way you would like them to, I highly recommend you discuss this with your trusted pediatrician, as a good night's sleep is incredibly important for growth, development, and behavior."

The Bottom Line on When to Move from Crib to Bed

Ultimately, the choice to transition from the crib to a toddler bed depends on your child's size, abilities, development, and needs. Some children may be ready at 18 months, while others may not be ready until they're 3 years old. When in doubt, talk to your child's pediatrician to make the best decision for your child.

Experts and Sources:

• Dr. Wiersma is a board-certified pediatrician in Scottsdale, Arizona, owner of PeaPod Pediatrics, and mom of 3 boys. She's committed to keeping kids safe and empowering families with knowledge. (FB: PeaPod Pediatrics IG: peapodpeds)
• Dr. Dovico, MD, Pediatrician, and owner of Joyful Pediatrics-Greensboro, NC. Mom of 2 boys. (IG: drjaclyndovico FB: Joyful Pediatrics)
• Make Baby's Room Safe: Parent Checklist - HealthyChildren.org