When to Transition from Crib to Bed?

Around the time our daughter was 18 months old, we decided it might be time to start getting her use to a toddler bed, since we are also expecting a new little one by the time she was going to be 27 month old. We started the discussion, but dropped it cause we didn't think she was ready yet.

Later we revisited the topic when our daughter was closer to 2 years old. We went out on the hunt for a toddler bed, after discovering that bunk beds weren't right for us yet, although that's what we would ultimately like to have for the children's room, since they will be sharing a room. The next best option would be a toddler bed cause we were sure she wasn't ready to lay in a bed with no rails. We were astounded at the wide range of comfortable beds available. After narrowing down a few different styles to something we both could agree on we went ahead and purchased it. We probably should have had our toddler involved with the decision making process, but we also wanted to unveil it as a surprise.

We got home that evening with this box that said some assembly required. While getting it assembled, our daughter was all over it. Wanted to lay on it before it was finished or even had a mattress on it. After the mattress was on it, she laid on it immediately and we thought that she was completely ready to transition that night. We made up the bed and tucked her in that night.

First night in toddler bed

A few weeks went by and we started to notice that she would be up at the same hour every night, wanting to be held or cuddled. We assumed it was just a phase, but quickly realized that she wasn't sleeping well in her new bed. We transitioned her back into the crib and she has slept great ever since. This could have been brought on by a few changes, she might have realized that she was going to have a little brother or sister soon. We also thought that she might have fallen out of bed or felt as though she was falling due to the limited rails on the bed.

Middle of the night routine a few weeks later

Since she has been sleeping well in her crib sine the transition back, we aren't forcing the move anytime soon since we are expecting the baby any week now. The new baby will be in a bedside bassinet for the first five or so months, at that time we can revisit the toddler bed or before if she seems ready.

There are no hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to transitioning from a crib to bed. Here are a few guidelines that will help you know when it is time.

• When the child is too big for the crib
• Child no longer sleeps well in crib
• Child is between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years old
• Child is too active to sleep in crib
• New brother or sister is on the way
• Child seems ready

Some tips to make the transition from crib to bed smooth:

• Place the new bed in the same place as the crib
• Allow child to help pick out their new big bed
• Pick out new sheet sets with your child
• Pick out a toddler bed before going to a big kids bed 

Do you have any tips to add? When did you transition your toddler to a big kids bed?

*Post may contain sponsored links, by clicking them you help Midnight Mommy continue to bring you amazing content.