Many parents wonder when is the right time to move their toddler out of her crib and into a toddler bed. Like most things relating to small children, there is no specific age when this should happen. Every child is different and every parent faces unique situations in their homes. There are some signs that it is time to make the move, however.
When a child stops rolling all around her crib, chances are she is ready for a bigger bed. Another sign that indicates that your toddler is ready for a bed is when she starts climbing out of her crib. This can be very dangerous and you will find it much safer to put the little monkey into her own bed. Also, once the child is around three feet tall, the time is usually right for a toddler bed.
Many parents are surprised when they find that their little one is afraid or anxious about the transition. These parents assume that their child will be as excited about the milestone as they are and are disappointed at the fits and tantrums that ensue when the new bed is assembled.
Parents in this situation need to stop and think about how many hours of their child's life have been spent in the safety of the crib. Most children spend the majority of their first year sleeping in their cribs. The child feels safe in her crib and thus moving to a new bed is scary.
One way to ease the transition is to set up the bed in the child's room for a few days before making the move. This allows your toddler to get used to the sight of the new bed, and even try it out on her own a few times. As the bed becomes a familiar object, it becomes less scary.
Another way to ease your child into her new bed is to let her keep her crib bedding. This brings something familiar into the new situation. This is an easy thing to do, since many toddler beds use crib-sized mattresses. Just continue using the same sheet and blanket until your child feels comfortable.
One thing you should avoid is making the transition too quickly or during a time when you are facing a lot of stress. If, for example, you are expecting a new baby, take the time to make the transition well before the baby arrives. This will keep your toddler from feeling as if her new sibling has displaced her from her crib. A move would be another stressful time when you would not want to make the transition from a crib to a toddler bed.
Finally, keep the child's bedtime routine in place when you introduce the new bed. This helps your child to feel secure even with the change. She will know that mommy and daddy are still there to care for her, even if the security of her crib is gone. Give her any extra attention that she seems to need during this time, and keep in mind that the stress she experiences is completely normal. With time, you can successfully transition her into a toddler bed!
