How to Transition Your Toddler from a Crib to a Big Kid Bed (Without Losing Your Mind)
So, your toddler is getting bigger, and you’re thinking it might be time to switch from the crib to a big kid bed. There are two big questions to answer: When and How. Let’s break it down in a way that won’t make you pull your hair out (because, honestly, you’re probably already sleep-deprived enough, right?).
When Should You Make the Switch?
If you're reading this, you're likely wondering when to start the crib-to-bed transition. The simple answer is: not yet, if your little one is still sleeping well in the crib.
Here’s why:
No Rush. There's absolutely no need to hurry this change. A lot of toddlers are perfectly happy in their cribs well past age 2 or 3. You won’t hear any parent say, “I wish we’d moved them to a big-kid bed earlier.” Trust me on this.
Sleep Training First. If you're sleep training your toddler, it’s better to keep things familiar. Their crib is their safe space for sleep, and if they’re still learning to fall asleep on their own, you don’t want to add the stress of a new bed into the mix. A familiar environment can make sleep training easier.
One last note: If your toddler is already sleeping through the night and falling asleep independently, transitioning to a big-kid bed will be much smoother. Well-rested kids tend to stay in bed and sleep better.
How to Make the Transition: Step-by-Step
Okay, so your toddler is ready for a big-kid bed (or you just really want to get it done). Here’s how to make it as easy as possible for both of you.
1. Get Them Ready for the Change
Start by talking to your toddler about the transition. Tell them they’re going to be moving to a new bed soon, and let them know when it’s happening. Be positive, but don’t make a huge deal out of it. This is just part of growing up, not a huge milestone that should stress them out.
Tip: Keep it chill. Too much hype can actually make your toddler nervous about the change. You want to avoid turning this into a big production.
2. Let Them Pick Their New Bed (Sort of)
When it’s time to go shopping for the new bed, bring your toddler along. Let them pick out their new sheets, pillows, and maybe even the bed itself. Giving them a say in the process helps them feel more in control and excited about the change.
Pro tip: While you could let them help assemble the bed, I’d recommend a quick DIY session after they’ve gone to bed. Trust me, the toddler + IKEA furniture combo is an adventure best avoided.
3. Keep Everything Else the Same
The bed might be new, but everything else should stay familiar. Keep the bed in the same spot where the crib was, and don’t make other changes to their room. A big change like a new bed is a lot for your toddler to process—too many changes at once might overwhelm them.
4. Stick to the Routine
The night of the big switch, don’t change your toddler’s bedtime routine. Same dinner, same bath, same books. Keeping things predictable will help them feel more secure in their new bed. And when it’s time for lights out, stay low-key—no “You’re such a big kid now!” speeches. Toddlers are sensitive to the whole “growing up” thing, so keep it calm and simple.
What Happens Next?
Okay, now your toddler is in their new bed. Here are the three most common scenarios you might face.
Scenario 1: The Easy Transition
Your toddler adjusts right away. They sleep soundly and don’t leave their room. Celebrate this! You’re in the lucky minority.
Scenario 2: The "Testing the Waters" Phase
Your toddler does fine for a week or two, but then they start getting up and wandering around the room, playing with toys, or calling you back in multiple times.
Scenario 3: The "Full-On Escape Artist"
Your toddler is up and about, leaving their room on the first night. Oh, joy.
What to Do if Your Toddler Gets Out of Bed:
If your toddler starts getting up, it’s time to set clear, consistent boundaries. Here’s what to do:
Warn them: Let your toddler know that leaving the room isn’t okay.
Set Consequences: Tell them what will happen if they get out of bed again.
Follow Through: Stick to those consequences! For example, you might take away their lovey for a short time or close the door for a few minutes. If they get up again, repeat the process, but increase the length of time. Consistency is key.
Final Thoughts
To sum it all up: Preparing your toddler for the transition to a big kid bed is all about setting expectations, keeping things as calm and familiar as possible, and following through with rules if needed. It might take some time, but with patience and consistency, your toddler will adjust.
And if you're still struggling with your toddler’s sleep, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Toddler Sleep Webinar, where Coach Anna dives deep into how to help your toddler sleep through the night. And don’t forget our Taking On Toddler Sleep course. Find out all about it HERE. You’ve got this!
If you need a great bedtime routine for your toddler, check out this video:
Sleep Sweetly,
Anna