Preparing for the Big Move to a Big Bed

When a child is ready to move into their next bed and out of the crib, the parent is often left scrambling. While some beds are prepared to convert into smaller, toddler beds, they are not always free; the next child may need the crib and the toddler might get ousted to a larger bed. Parents who are ready to make this move typically follow these steps.

Choosing the Right Time

There isn’t a set time to move a child into a larger bed and determining the right time is often dependent on the family circumstance. Most families make the switch after the ages of 18 months and before the age of four. Little ones tend to be more prepared for the transition (and staying in bed) closer to the age of three, but some become too active for the crib before that point. If a child is moving out of the crib because of a new baby, parents need to give several weeks of adjustment time before the new baby takes over so the toddler doesn’t feel tossed aside.

Moving Familiars

Most parents find it helps to remove as many new things as possible when making such a big change. The crib, for example, can be moved into a new bedroom long before the change, easing the oddness of leaving the nursery. The bed can still contain favorite blankets or stuffed animals to feel comfortable. For some children, it even helps to use the same sheet from the crib (not a freshly cleaned one) and keep the smell consistent for the first few days.

Picking Out the Bed
Kids, even at such a young age, are often more excited to see a change if they are part of the process. Taking a toddler to the mattress company to choose their new bed can help boost the excitement for the big change. Some parents choose to move their toddlers to a toddler bed that uses a crib-size mattress and comes with built-in rails, while some choose to move the small child to a twin-size bed with added guard rails.

Staying in the Room

Many small children find their new bed offers a freedom they want to take advantage of: leaving the room. Parents are often hard-pressed to figure out how to keep their small children in bed at first. Some parents go back to the crib for a while if their children aren’t quite ready, while others choose to camp out or quietly place their child back in bed over and over until the message sinks in that leaving the room isn’t okay.