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Switching Your Toddler from a Crib to a Big Kid Bed? Here's What You Need to Know

Updated: Feb 6


Crib-to-bed transition
When to switch from crib to bed?

A lot of the babies we worked with a year ago are now approaching their 2nd or 2.5-year milestones, which means we’re getting tons of questions about how to handle some of those new sleep challenges that come with the toddler years. The big question on everyone’s mind? When to switch from a crib to a toddler bed? It’s a big step, and we know it can feel overwhelming.


As sleep consultants, we’d love to keep babies in their cribs until they're ready for school! (Kidding... but not.)


But we know that’s not always realistic. Whether it’s because a new sibling is arriving and the crib needs to be freed up, or your toddler is planning their nightly "great escape," there are plenty of reasons why the crib-to-bed transition might happen sooner than expected.


There are many things to consider when making the switch, such as your child's safety and how to ensure they stay in their bed or room. It’s important to remember that, in most cases, making the switch from a crib to a toddler bed will likely require some re-sleep training. Which method to use depends on your child's age and development. One great way to make the transition smoother is using a Sticker Chart (Like this free one) to help motivate your child. Each night they stay in bed or successfully make it through the night, they earn a sticker.


So, when should you make the switch? Let’s dive in.


Safety First: When to Consider the Crib Switch


Most kids are cognitively ready to transition to a big bed around 3 years old. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have some early escape artists on your hands!


The first thing to keep in mind is safety. If your toddler starts attempting to climb out of the crib, it’s time to consider making the switch. A child who escapes from their crib can easily get hurt, and we want to avoid that at all costs.


You can delay your child’s impulse to climb out of the crib by keeping them in a sleep sack for as long as possible. The sleep sack helps limit their movement and can prevent those early escape attempts. Also, make sure to remove any items that your child could stack together to create a makeshift stool to help them climb.


Also, don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for your crib. Every crib has its own height and weight limits, so it’s important to know those before you make the decision to switch.


Setting Up for the Big Switch


Let’s say the time has come to transition your toddler to a toddler bed or big kid bed. What now? First, consider your child’s room—make sure it’s as safe as possible. This means anchoring heavy furniture (like dressers and bookshelves) to the walls to prevent any accidents. You’ll also want to remove any choking hazards, including curtain cords and any small items they could potentially put in their mouths.

We recommend keeping the room as bare as possible—less is more when it comes to toddler bedrooms. Too many toys can be distracting when your toddler is trying to sleep, so aim for a minimalist approach.


For toddlers who tend to leave their room at undesirable times, it's important to establish clear sleep boundaries to ensure both their safety and the success of the crib-to-bed transition. One of the best ways to do this is by preventing your toddler from leaving their bedroom at night. Installing a baby gate at the door is an effective and simple solution to keep your toddler safely in their room while they adjust to their new bed. There are also several childproofing options available, allowing you to choose the best solution for your home and your child’s unique needs.


My Kid is Out of Their Crib—Will We Ever Sleep Again?


YES, you definitely will! Transitioning your toddler out of the crib is a new stage of parenting where boundaries become even more important. The crib was a physical boundary that helped with sleep, but once they’re out, that’s when parenting can start to feel real.

For toddlers 3 and under, our How to Sleep Training Guide works well during this transition. But here’s something to keep in mind: your child will likely protest longer than they have before. You may need to get creative—things like a sticker chart or other incentives can help encourage them to stay in bed.


For older kids, this stage can be even more challenging. But consistency with your sleep boundaries will be key. Stay firm on the rules, and they will eventually get the hang of it.

We’re also working on something special to help parents through this stage, so please stay tuned! If you want to be the first to know when it’s ready, download our sticker/reward chart and be the first to know!



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