Is there a right time to move your toddler from crib to bed? The short answer is – no. But both you and I know you are not here for the short answer… So, let me elaborate on that:
In order to make the transition from crib to a toddler bed a successful one, both you and your little one have to be ready for this. As with any other transition, this one is also accompanied by extra stress (as if we need any more of that as parents). But don’t think it will be only you who is stressed out – your child will also feel the stressful pressure of the new change.
Here are some signals it’s time to replace your baby’s crib with a toddler bed (or a regular bed, for that matter):
{ More: Tips for Picking out the Perfect Crib – Buyer’s Guide }
The crib simply doesn’t do the trick anymore
The most obvious reason it’s time for the crib-to-bed transition is that the crib you have used so far just doesn’t work the way it’s supposed to. For example, your little one is quickly outgrowing it and he doesn’t feel comfortable in his crib anymore. Or, he may be too active in his sleep and you may decide to transition him to a toddler bed for safety reasons. The same applies to when your toddler is regularly climbing out of the crib (especially after the 2nd birthday milestone).
There is a new baby on the horizon
Sometimes, it’s time for your older baby to make the transition from a crib to a bed for entirely practical reasons. The most obvious one is when you are expecting another baby and simple math tells you there is no way for two babies to sleep in one crib. This is, in fact, one of the most common reasons for transitioning from a crib to a bed.
Unfortunately, the arrival of the new baby very rarely coincides with the older child’s readiness to move to a toddler bed. That’s why you should give your older child enough time to make the transition or, especially if he is below 2, you should consider borrowing/buying another crib for the newborn.
For those of you who are still not sure whether your baby is ready for the transition from a crib to a “big boy” bed, here are 3 of the WORST periods to choose for moving your baby from a crib to a bed:
- Potty training – there are few as frustrating periods in the life of a toddler as potty training. If you are at the beginning of the process or are already head-over-heels in… potty training, consider delaying the crib-to-bed transition for more peaceful times.
- Starting pre-school – another tense period in the toddler’s life is starting pre-school. Allow enough time for him to get used to the new situation before introducing the toddler bed.
- Moving to a new house – I bet you already got the principle: one change at a time is what you should be aiming at if you have a toddler. Moving to a new house is as stressful for you as it is for your toddler so it’s best to keep him in his old crib as a familiar place to sleep until both he and the whole family start feeling at home in the new house.