Transitioning to a Big Kid Bed
Transitioning your kid from a crib to a bed is a big change for both them and you! The physical boundaries of the crib are gone… let freedom ring!
Reasons to transition from a crib to a bed
It’s a safety concern
If your child is climbing out of the crib, it’s become a safety issue. There are a few things you can try before transitioning to a bed
Use a sleep sack. If they can take it off themselves, put it on inside-out and backward.
If they have a crib with a higher back, flip the crib so that the back is facing the outside and the front is against the wall.
Little Grounders are PJs made for climbers, but you can DIY by sewing a piece of cloth between the legs of their PJs.
Transition them to a Pack n Play. Sometimes it's more difficult for them to climb out of that (bonus if you have a SlumberPod- use that because it will deter them even more)
If developmentally they need to be in a bed for potty independence in the middle of the night
This is why I transitioned my son a little after 3 years old!
If you’re expecting a new baby and you need the crib
This may not always be a good reason, more on this next!
Reasons not to transition from a crib to a bed
If they are younger than 2.5 years
Younger than this, they don’t have the cognitive ability/self-control to stay in bed all night. I prefer waiting until closer than 3
You are expecting a new sibling and they’re younger than 2.5 years
I know, I just said you could transition if they are expecting a new sibling, but you are just creating new problems if they are younger than 2.5 years and aren’t developmentally ready. When I had my 2nd, my oldest was just over 2 years old. Even though he would have been 2.5 by the time she was ready to move out of my room, I didn’t want to mess with a good thing. I found a hand-me-down crib that he used until he was ready to move to his big kid bed (which we transitioned to around 3.5 years). You could also use a pack-n-play as a temporary sleep space for your youngest.
They are content in their crib
Don’t mess with success! I dreaded moving my son to a big kid bed when he was around 3.5, and he was still happy in there! He needed to be moved because he was ready to be independent on the potty at night
Signs your child is ready to transition to a big kid bed
They can be safely unsupervised in the middle of the night
Even so, make sure your home is safe for nighttime antics.
They have asked to be in a big kid bed
As long as they developmentally understand the invisible boundaries!
They are climbing out of the crib
Make sure you have tried all of my above strategies before you transition!
They are starting to show resistance to their crib
They understand non-physical boundaries in other contexts
Such as staying near you in a parking lot or staying seated while eating dinner without a buckle or highchair
Time to make the transition!
Step 1: Ensure their environment is safe
Pick a bed that is lower to the ground (a Montessori-style floor bed also works)
Add safety railing or bumpers to their bed (this one is what I use for my oldest). Keep in mind, in order to prevent entrapment, you should have a rail/bumper on each side of the bed, even if the bed is pushed against a wall.
Their room should be free of clutter
All furniture should be attached to the wall to prevent a tipping injury
Windows should have safety locks
Ideally, use cordless blinds, you can keep cords out of their reach with this
Gates up in the stairway
If you’re a deep sleeper, a door alarm can be useful
Step 2: Do the prep work
Set up their new bed in the same location as the crib
Keep their environment as familiar as possible, and use the same blanket and stuffies.
Get them excited! Let them choose their own bed if you’re buying new. Let them pick new sheets.
If you’re using a hand-me-down bed, talk it up! Draw a parallel to who used it before them (your cousin so-and-so used this bed before you! Your cousin is such a big girl!).
Talk it up! When speaking to others, mention how your child has a “big kid bed” that they will be transitioning to soon
Have a big kid bed party on the evening you plan to make the transition. Serve their favorite meal, have some big kid cake, and gift them something new for their bed (such as a new stuffed animal)
Step 3: Get them to stay in bed
Don’t make climbing out an option. Seriously, don’t even mention it! You don’t want to give them the idea that it’s even a possibility to climb out.
Turn the lights off and close the door. The less they can see, the less temptation!
Use a pink light if they are scared of the dark, pink/red is less intrusive to sleep than other colors
Use a toddler clock to keep them in bed
Keep the room free of toys and other distractions
I realize that keeping toys and books out of your child’s room isn’t always an option. My son’s room has some toys in it since he does his Quiet TIme in his room. His toys are put away after Quiet TIme in a place he can’t see them.
Special Consideration: Making the transition because of a new sibling
Transition at least 2 months prior to baby, or when the baby is 3-4 months old
Otherwise, you risk regression!
Give the crib as a “gift” to the new baby
Have the baby also give a “gift” for their sibling, ideally something for their new big kid bed.
Praise them for their generosity.
You can make this an opportunity to talk about empathy and doing things for others.
If you need help making the transition to a big kid bed, or you’re having trouble keeping your kid in bed all night long, book a free evaluation call and find out how I can help!
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