Do you feel your baby is getting a bit too big for their crib? Has your little one been showing interest in having a big kid bed like yours? It may be time to make the transition to a toddler bed!
Continue reading to learn more about the signs that your child is ready for a toddler bed, how to make the transition smoother and what you should look for in a high-quality toddler bed.
When to Transition to a Toddler Bed
If you have a little one who is outgrowing their baby crib, you may be wondering when and how to transition them to a toddler bed. There is no exact age for when your child can start using a big kid bed. Some parents do it as early as 18 months old, while others wait until their child is 3 years old.
The best time to make the transition to a new toddler bed depends on your child’s readiness and your family’s situation. Some signs that your kid may be ready for a bed transition are:
They express a desire for a bigger sleeping space.
They are potty training and need easier access to the bathroom.
You should also consider other factors, such as:
Your kiddo’s sleeping habits: If they are restless or prone to wandering in the middle of the night, they might have trouble staying in bed, which might make the transition to a toddler bed harder.
Your family’s sleeping arrangements: If you share a room with your child, have a new baby on the way or plan on moving houses soon, you may want to delay or expedite the transition accordingly.
Your child’s safety: Make sure you childproof the room by covering all the electrical outlets, covering all the sharp edges, and adding night lights they can reach to prevent any accidents that may happen when your child climbs out of their new bed. Remember to always make sure that your child’s room is compliant with the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Ultimately, you know your child best and can decide when they are ready for a toddler bed. There’s no need to rush or force the transition if they aren’t. Remember that the quality of your toddler’s sleep should be a top priority.
What Is a Toddler Bed?
A toddler bed is a small bed designed for young children who are ready to move on from their cribs, but aren’t quite ready for a full-size bed. You can find the following features in these types of beds:
They are low to the ground, allowing your child to easily get in and out of bed on their own.
They have guardrails or safety rails on the side of the bed to prevent your child from rolling out of bed.
They are compatible with crib mattresses, allowing you to save money on that end.
They usually come with bed frames that have colorful designs to appeal to your child’s taste and personality.
The best toddler bed is the one that helps your child feel comfortable and independent while giving you peace of mind in knowing they’re safe while they sleep.
At Nurture&, we offer convertible cribs that allow you to turn your baby’s crib into a toddler bed by just adding side rails and adjusting its height!
How to Choose the Perfect Toddler Bed
Once you decide your child is ready for this big milestone, you need to find a toddler bed that suits their needs and preferences. Some of the factors you need to consider when choosing your child’s next bed are:
Safety
Toddler beds should meet the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They should have guardrails on both sides to prevent falls, sturdy frames that can support your child’s weight, and smooth edges and corners that won’t cause injuries.
Materials
A good children’s bed should be made of durable, non-toxic, high-quality materials, that are able to stand the test of time and have proven to be safe for your child.
All of Nurture&’s beds are made of non-toxic materials that meet and exceed international standards.
Design
You should choose a bed that not only matches the style of your baby’s room, but also their interests. You can either go for a bed that depicts your child’s favorite characters, animals or color, or you can buy a modern toddler bed that allows you to customize it as you see fit.
Comfort
How comfortable the bed is can affect your child’s sleep quality, mood and health. You want to choose a toddler bed that can feel spacious and cozy at the same time.
Functionality
It’s always great to have a bed that not only serves one function. Depending on the space and layout of your child’s bedroom, you may want to get a toddler bed that can turn into different pieces of furniture when not in use, such as a daybed or a small couch, or one that has extra storage space.
Price
The quality of the toddler bed you choose is going to affect its price. You should always look for the best balance between price and quality, while staying within your budget.
How to Prepare Your Child for the Change
Changes can be hard for a young child, especially when they involve something they use every day. These are some tips and strategies you can implement to help make this transition easier:
Choose the Right Moment
Once you’re sure that your child is ready to take this step, you should avoid making this transition when there are other big changes going on in their lives, such as changing schools or moving houses, since this can be overwhelming and it can negatively impact the quality of their sleep.
Talk to Them About It
This transition shouldn’t come as a surprise to your child. You should tell them about it, explain the benefits of a toddler bed, and address any concerns that they may have.
Tell Them a Story
Reading books or telling stories about children that go from their crib to a toddler bed can help your child understand better what is about to happen. You should highlight how fun and adventurous it is to sleep in a big bed.
Let Them Try It First
Before your child starts sleeping in their new bed at night, you can let them try it out for naptime for a few days. This may be difficult to do, since you are going to need some extra space to place the bed if you don’t have a convertible crib, but it can make the transition much faster and smoother.
Don’t Change their Bedtime Routine
Keeping things consistent around bedtime can help your toddler feel secure and calm in their new sleeping space. Over time, you can add some new elements to their bedtime routine that are specific to their new bed, such as arranging the pillows or picking out new sheets.
What’s the Difference Between a Toddler Bed and a Twin Bed?
A twin-size bed is a standard bed that can fit both children and adults, while toddler beds are transitional beds that tend to be smaller and have safety rails. Toddler beds are cheaper than twin beds, but twin beds tend to be more durable as they can be used by your child until their teen years and beyond.
Some parents may opt to transition their child directly from a crib to a twin bed. However, making the transition from a crib to a toddler bed, and then to a twin bed is going to feel more natural to your child.
When to Transition from a Toddler Bed to a Twin Bed?
If your child is already using a toddler bed and you’re wondering when to make the transition to a twin bed, there are some things that you need to be on the lookout for to know when it’s time to make the switch:
If your child is taller than 35 inches or weighs more than 50 pounds, they may have outgrown their toddler bed.
When a child moves around a lot in their sleep, that might be a sign that they need a more spacious bed.
Last but not least, if your child tells you that they want a bigger bed, that’s a clear sign that they are ready for a change.
Going from a crib to a toddler can be a big, and sometimes scary, milestone for both children and parents. However, involving your child in every step of the process and changing their routine as little as possible should make it a seamless transition.