When and How to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Transitioning to a toddler bed is a big deal. Trust me, all my boys let me know. This change feels huge after relying on the crib setup for so long. I’ve been through it thrice, and each experience has been different. 

If you’re unsure when or how to switch, this guide covers you. Pin, save, or share the image below if you find it helpful!

Q: When should I transition my toddler to a bed?

A: There’s no definite answer here. However, most toddlers switch between 18 months and 3 years old.¹ The main thing is to look for signs your toddler is ready (or not). 

My first son, for example, was climbing out of his crib at 20 months. That was my clear sign. On the other hand, my second stayed happy in his crib until closer to 2.5 years.

Q: How do I transition my toddler from crib to bed?

A: Slow and steady wins the race. Start by making the bed a fun, exciting place. Let your toddler help pick out new bedding or choose a favorite stuffed animal to sleep with. I found that turning it into a “big boy” or “big girl” moment made a difference with my youngest. 

I’d say things like, “Wow, look at your cool new bed!” You know, jazz it up. For my youngest, we even had a little ceremony of sorts where we said goodbye to the crib.

Q: What transitioning tools help?

A: When I transitioned my boys, these things made everything smoother:

• Toddler alarm clock: My second son loved watching the clock change colors to tell him when it was time to get up.
• Fun bedding: We let each boy pick their own bedding set. The excitement of their new bed made them more willing to stay in it.

• Safety rails: For peace of mind, we used guard rails or bed bumpers on the toddler and twin beds to keep them secure while they slept.

Q: What are the signs your toddler is ready for a bed?

A: If your toddler starts climbing out of the crib like my firstborn did, that’s a major sign. Others might be if they’re showing interest in your bed or if they’re getting too tall for the crib. 

My oldest wasn’t a climber, but he started getting super frustrated when he couldn’t stretch out fully. If they wake up more often because they’re uncomfortable, that’s also a hint.

Q: What are the signs your toddler is not ready for a bed?

A: It might be too soon to transition if they’re still waking up multiple times a night or are generally unsettled. Some toddlers are content in their cribs and don’t need to be rushed into a bed. My youngest was a total crib lover, so we didn’t push it until he seemed emotionally ready.

Q: What’s the difference between a floor bed and a toddler bed?

A: This one’s a bit of a parenting preference. A floor bed is exactly that—a mattress on the floor. It lets your toddler get in and out of bed easily. 

I tried this with my youngest, and he loved the independence it gave him. On the other hand, a toddler bed is like a mini version of a regular bed. It often has guard rails to keep your little one from rolling out.

For us, the floor bed worked great for one child. However, my other two preferred the cozy and confined feeling of a toddler bed. It really depends on your child’s personality and how much freedom you’re comfortable with.

Q: How do I keep my toddler from getting out of bed constantly?

A: This is the tricky part. It’s normal for toddlers to want to explore once they realize they can get in and out of bed on their own. My first son was notorious for popping out of bed to grab one more toy, ask for water, or tell me a random fact about dinosaurs at 9 p.m. 

What worked for us was:

• Setting up a consistent bedtime routine
• Using a calm and firm voice
• Occasionally putting up a gate at the door to gently remind him it was time to stay put

Another trick that helped with my second was using a toddler clock that changes colors to indicate when it’s time to get out of bed. It was like magic, so he took to it immediately.

Q: What are some tips to make the transition easier?

A: Try these ideas:

1. Stick to a routine: Keeping the bedtime routine the same can help make the transition smoother. Bath, story, and snuggles all worked for all three of my boys.
2. Be patience: Expect some setbacks. It’s normal for your toddler to test the waters or the limits of bedtime rules. Take it in stride!
3. Offer comfort: If they miss the crib, offer a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. With my first, we even kept the crib in the room for a week just in case he wasn’t quite ready to fully switch over.

Q: Should I go straight to a twin bed instead of a toddler bed?

A: Some parents skip the toddler bed and go straight for a twin bed with safety rails. This might be a good option if your toddler is tall or seems ready for more space. 

I transitioned my oldest to a twin bed because he had already outgrown his toddler bed by 3. It worked well because we used guard rails and ensured the room was completely toddler-proofed.

Final Thoughts

Transitioning to a toddler bed is definitely a milestone. Fortunately, you can do and try many things to keep the transition smooth. Whether you opt for a toddler bed or even skip straight to a twin, the key is to follow your child’s cues. Happy transitioning!

How’s your child taking the transition to toddler bed? Share your experience below!

1. Pacheco et al. “When to Transition From Crib to A Toddler Bed.” Sleep Foundation, 2024. ↩︎