When is your toddler ready for a big bed?

In general, from the age of 1 ½ to as late as 3 ½ is when toddlers make the transition to the big bed. Two years is a huge time span when you are talking about a toddler! When deciding if your toddler is ready it is most important to take cues from your child. Each child is ready at a different time. Some toddlers find an enormous amount of security in their cribs while others are busting out at every opportunity.

The commonly accepted guidelines that indicate your toddler is physically mature enough for a crib are:

• When your child stands more than a few inches taller than the sidebar (with the mattress in the lowest position)

• When your child begins climbing out of the crib (at this point getting them out of the crib is a safety issue)

Timing is also very important in determining your child’s readiness. Make sure the change doesn’t happen at the same time as another big event (a new baby, potty training, a move, etc). Each event can be stressful to your toddler and the transition will be smoother if your child can focus on each event separately.

How do you prepare your toddler for the change?

It is important to prepare your child well in advance. There are no sure-fire rules that are guaranteed to ease the transition but the following tips may help:

• Talk about the new bed regularly. Let your child know that this is an exciting event and not something to be dreaded.
• Take your toddler with you to visit friends and cousins who have their own beds.
• Let your toddler go bed shopping with you. You don’t need to buy a bed that day, just go “window shopping” for beds.
• Let your child pick out sheets with his favorite color or character.

While it can be important, and fun, to include your toddler as you plan for a bigger bed; some parents choose to surprise their children with a new bed. As the parent, you know your child best and know how to support your child through his transition.

Which bed to choose?

Toddler beds:

• Can only be used for a few years
• Cheaper Smaller/take up less space (a thought when siblings are sharing a room)
• You will, ultimately still have to buy a standard size bed

Standard Bed:

• Buy just one bed

• Bigger and higher than a toddler bed (risk of fall during sleep or play)

• More expensive initially

• Sturdier

Making the change.

There are a number of different theories and practices for introducing the “big-kid” bed to your toddler and making the transition. For children who are very attached to their crib and resistant to change, you may consider leaving the crib up for a while (provided you have the space to accommodate a crib and a bed!).

You can also start by introducing the mattress first. With the mattress on the floor, you can snuggle up for naps or reading time as your toddler adjusts to its presence. When your child is used to it, bring in the bed frame and work towards transitioning to sleeping in the bed.

Guardrails are available to keep your toddler from rolling out of bed if that is a concern. They are relatively inexpensive and sold in most department stores. Be sure to use them only as directed as they can also be a safety hazard.

One important thing to remember is that toddlers find comfort in routine. While you may want to add new bedtime rituals like snuggling up in the “big-kid” bed to read, it is still important to keep the bedtime routine consistent.

Buying your toddler’s first bed is an exciting time, for you and your child. Be sure to capture the event on film. Once the bed is set up, grab a good book and cuddle up for your first of many story times to come.

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