Transition from Crib to Bed - When is the Right Time?

Are you unsure as to whether your toddler is ready to move from their crib into a bed? With some children, this can be a difficult decision to make. With others, they show early signs of readiness. Normally this transition takes place between 18 months and 3 years old. You are probably asking yourself, "so how do I know when the time is right?"

There are a couple sure signs that your child is ready to move to a larger bed. The first is that they may simply have physically outgrown the crib and secondly that they are able to climb out on a regular basis. The latter reason becomes a safety concern. A third reason may be the impending arrival of a new baby. In this case, moving to a toddler bed becomes more of a need. If the reason for the move is because of an addition to the family, it is wise to make the transition at least 2 months before the mother’s due date. This ensures that your child does not feel as if they have been pushed out of their space in order to make room for someone else.

Whenever you feel that the time is right to move your child to their new bed, there are a few steps you can take to ease the transition:

•Remove one crib rail and install a toddler guard rail to the crib mattress. This will enable you to see if your child is ready to sleep in a bed. Be sure to place soft pillows on the floor for the first few nights to ensure that they do not injure themselves should they try to climb out. Be sure not to proceed to the next step until they are very comfortable with this arrangement.

•If possible, have the "big kid bed" set up in the room for your child to get used to before you make the switch.

•Involve your child in choosing their new bedding so that they are excited to sleep in their new bed.

•Allow your child to bring comfort items into their bed that they may have used in their crib. A special blanket or special stuffed animals are good examples of this.

•Be sure to keep up with your normal nighttime routine. This will give your child a sense of security.

After the transition your child may insist on always getting out of bed because they are now able to. If this happens, stay consistent with your plan of action. The first time they come out of their room, take them by the hand and gently say "it’s bedtime now....." The second time they come out and every time thereafter, again take them by the hand leading them back to bed but do not make any verbal connection with them. Continue this until they stay in their bed. For some stronger willed children this may take many trips back and forth but you will succeed. All it takes is for you to outlast them one time, just once. The child eventually learns that they must stay in their bed even though they have the physical ability to get out.