"I want out!" That'south the bulletin your toddler will ship (in one manner or some other) when he's fix to bid bye-bye to the crib and say hi to a big-child bed. Your kid might actually verbalize displeasure or, more likely, simply beginning climbing out of the crib.

While in that location'south no hard-and-fast age when a toddler is set to move on from the crib, little ones more often than not make the switch any time betwixt xviii months and iii ane/2 years old, ideally equally shut to age 3 as possible. The timing is different for every child, but if he's hit 3 feet in tiptop, makes a jailbreak on a daily ground or repeatedly asks for a large-kid bed, it'south probably time to ditch the crib.

Choosing a toddler bed

Y'all take two toddler bed options: a toddler bed, which looks like a mini version of a twin bed (and can come up disguised as a race car, burn truck or princess castle), or an actual twin bed outfitted with safety rails. Both are safe options, and then let your wallet, space constraints, child's temperament and design sensibility guide your determination. (Of grade, if you purchased a crib that converts to a toddler bed, no demand to shop.) Whatever model y'all choose, if you lot're in the marketplace for a new bed for your toddler, make sure it is:

  • Sturdy. There'll exist plenty of rolling, wiggling, jumping and billowy on that bed, so brand sure information technology tin stand to tough toddler handling.
  • Low to the ground. Keeping the bed on the down-depression limits injuries from falls and makes it easier for your child to get in and out all by himself.
  • Equipped with rails. The bed should come with side rails (some toddlers are wild sleepers) or allow you lot to add together them.
  • Simply designed. Choose a headboard and footboard without ornamentation, cutouts or protrusions to preclude rambunctious or curious toddlers from bumping heads or jamming fingers. Check to run across that the finish is smooth (no splinters!) and all edges are rounded.
  • Matched with a mattress. Your best bet is to purchase the bed and mattress together so you tin can be sure of a snug fit (or purchase a toddler bed that's designed to be used with a standard-sized crib mattress).
  • Certified. Cheque for a sticker from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) on the bed and whatsoever portable runway you purchase. (Note: The JPMA doesn't certify twin-sized beds — only toddler sizes.)

Where Should Baby Sleep?

Toddler-bed safe

Done shopping? Fourth dimension to ready his sleeping infinite with safety in mind.

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  • Find the correct spot in the room — that means abroad from windows, blind cords, draperies, radiators, heat registers and wall or floor lamps.
  • Place the headboard flush against the wall and get out ample infinite on both sides of the bed (or install rails on both sides) to limit the hazard that your kid could go trapped between the bed and the wall.
  • Put a soft rug, sleeping bag or pillows on the floor around the bed to cushion falls.
  • Check joints, screws or other hardware regularly to ensure they're not loose.

Tips to transition from a crib to a bed

Hither are 10 things you can do to make this transition a smooth and safety one:

  1. Fourth dimension it right. If your toddler's life is already chock-full of change — new baby brother or sister, new school, weaning, potty training — look earlier introducing the big-kid bed. This should be an exciting transition for everyone, non one that's overwhelming or scary.
  2. Consider a convertible. A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed with the removal of the forepart panel can brand the change seem less drastic to a toddler.
  3. Read all about information technology. Find a few books well-nigh the big move, and share them with your toddler. Point out that the characters in the book are "but similar you lot," and just equally bravely moving on to their new bed.
  4. Let your child arrive on the activity. To mark the occasion and help your kid feel excited about the change, let him choose new sheets and kid-friendly bedding, and encourage him to personalize the new bed with a few favorite stuffed animals. If yous decide on a toddler or twin bed, enlist your child's help in picking it out.
  5. Re-evaluate your childproofing. Y'all've likely already taken measures to toddler-proof your dwelling, merely this is a practiced time to re-evaluate. Are at that place any other prophylactic precautions you should take in example your toddler does go adventuring during the night? Yous may want to consider blocking whatsoever stairwells with safety gates, locking windows and any doors that pb exterior (or to the basement) and double-checking to ensure your child can't get into whatever areas where cleaning products, medications or other hazardous materials are kept.
  6. Ease into information technology. If your toddler is giving up a crib for a new baby, the switch calls for an extra dose of TLC. You don't desire your kid to feel similar he's being displaced. If y'all can, try to get the new bed ready earlier the baby arrives. Let your tot "do" napping in it to feel more comfortable with the new digs.
  7. Don't change the bedtime routine. Put the bed in the same space where the crib was, if possible. And if the bath-books-bed formula for transitioning to sleep worked before, stick with information technology. Mixing upward the bedtime routine will just mix your child up.
  8. Go along exploration to a minimum. For most kids, the newfound freedom to roam volition be irresistible. It's up to y'all to reinforce bedtime rules. Asking last-calls for h2o, stuffed toys and trips to the potty before the final constrict-in, and brand sure your little one understands it's final.
  9. Exercise patience. That said, be prepared for your child to constantly popular out of bed for a potable of water, a snuggle with Mom or some other escape-from-my-room excuse. Calmly and silently return your toddler to bed as many times every bit it takes. Go on it every bit slow equally possible and he'll get the idea. For kids who don't, some parents put gates at the sleeping accommodation door. If your little one has already proved he can climb out of the crib, chances are a gate won't be much of an obstacle.
  10. Praise your tot for practicing good bedtime habits. A helpful solution for controlling your kid's roaming habits might be a sticker nautical chart. Give one sticker for each night he stays in bed. By the end of the week, reward him with a special care for, similar an extra story at bedtime or a favorite family outing. Call up, toddlers love pleasing you and doing things for themselves. Helping yours learn to dearest a big-kid bed should be a win-win situation.