How to Convert Baby Crib to Toddler Bed

janeiro 13, 2022 Enviar um comentário

10 Tricks to Ease the Transition From Crib to Toddler Bed

Reviewed on March 9, 2019

Is your toddler ready for a big-kid bed? Here's how to know — plus tips to make the transition from crib to bed easier on both of you.

"I want out!" That's the message your toddler will send (in one way or another) when he's ready to bid bye-bye to the crib and say hello to a big-kid bed. Your child might actually verbalize displeasure or, more likely, simply start climbing out of the crib.

While there's no hard-and-fast age when a toddler is ready to move on from the crib, little ones generally make the switch any time between 18 months and 3 1/2 years old, ideally as close to age 3 as possible. The timing is different for every child, but if he's hit 3 feet in height, makes a jailbreak on a daily basis or repeatedly asks for a big-kid bed, it's probably time to ditch the crib.

Choosing a toddler bed

You have two toddler bed options: a toddler bed, which looks like a mini version of a twin bed (and can come disguised as a race car, fire truck or princess castle), or an actual twin bed outfitted with safety rails. Both are safe options, so let your wallet, space constraints, child's temperament and design sensibility guide your decision. (Of course, if you purchased a crib that converts to a toddler bed, no need to shop.) Whatever model you choose, if you're in the market for a new bed for your toddler, make sure it is:

Sturdy. There'll be plenty of rolling, wiggling, jumping and bouncing on that bed, so make sure it can stand up to tough toddler treatment.
Low to the ground. Keeping the bed on the down-low limits injuries from falls and makes it easier for your child to get in and out all by himself.
Equipped with rails. The bed should come with side rails (some toddlers are wild sleepers) or allow you to add them.
Simply designed. Choose a headboard and footboard without ornamentation, cutouts or protrusions to prevent rambunctious or curious toddlers from bumping heads or jamming fingers. Check to see that the finish is smooth (no splinters!) and all edges are rounded.
Matched with a mattress. Your best bet is to buy the bed and mattress together so you can be certain of a snug fit (or buy a toddler bed that's designed to be used with a standard-sized crib mattress).
Certified. Check for a sticker from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) on the bed and any portable rails you purchase. (Note: The JPMA doesn't certify twin-sized beds — just toddler sizes.)

Where Should Baby Sleep?

Toddler-bed safety

Done shopping? Time to set up his sleeping space with safety in mind.

Continue Reading Below

Find the right spot in the room — that means away from windows, blind cords, draperies, radiators, heat registers and wall or floor lamps.
Place the headboard flush against the wall and leave ample space on both sides of the bed (or install rails on both sides) to limit the risk that your child could get trapped between the bed and the wall.
Put a soft rug, sleeping bag or pillows on the floor around the bed to cushion falls.
Check joints, screws or other hardware regularly to ensure they're not loose.

Tips to transition from a crib to a bed

Here are 10 things you can do to make this transition a smooth and safe one:

Time it right. If your toddler's life is already chock-full of change — new baby brother or sister, new school, weaning, potty training — wait before introducing the big-kid bed. This should be an exciting transition for everyone, not one that's overwhelming or scary.
Consider a convertible. A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed with the removal of the front panel can make the change seem less drastic to a toddler.
Read all about it. Find a few books about the big move, and share them with your toddler. Point out that the characters in the book are "just like you," and just as bravely moving on to their new bed.
Let your child get in on the action. To mark the occasion and help your child feel excited about the change, let him choose new sheets and kid-friendly bedding, and encourage him to personalize the new bed with a few favorite stuffed animals. If you decide on a toddler or twin bed, enlist your child's help in picking it out.
Re-evaluate your childproofing. You've likely already taken measures to toddler-proof your home, but this is a good time to re-evaluate. Are there any other safety precautions you should take in case your toddler does go adventuring during the night? You may want to consider blocking any stairwells with safety gates, locking windows and any doors that lead outside (or to the basement) and double-checking to ensure your child can't get into any areas where cleaning products, medications or other hazardous materials are kept.
Ease into it. If your toddler is giving up a crib for a new baby, the switch calls for an extra dose of TLC. You don't want your child to feel like he's being displaced. If you can, try to get the new bed set up before the baby arrives. Let your tot "practice" napping in it to feel more comfortable with the new digs.
Don't change the bedtime routine. Put the bed in the same space where the crib was, if possible. And if the bath-books-bed formula for transitioning to sleep worked before, stick with it. Mixing up the bedtime routine will just mix your child up.
Keep exploration to a minimum. For most kids, the newfound freedom to roam will be irresistible. It's up to you to reinforce bedtime rules. Request last-calls for water, stuffed toys and trips to the potty before the final tuck-in, and make sure your little one understands it's final.
Practice patience. That said, be prepared for your child to constantly pop out of bed for a drink of water, a snuggle with Mom or some other escape-from-my-room excuse. Calmly and silently return your toddler to bed as many times as it takes. Keep it as boring as possible and he'll get the idea. For kids who don't, some parents put gates at the bedroom door. If your little one has already proved he can climb out of the crib, chances are a gate won't be much of an obstacle.
Praise your tot for practicing good bedtime habits. A helpful solution for controlling your child's roaming habits might be a sticker chart. Give one sticker for each night he stays in bed. By the end of the week, reward him with a special treat, like an extra story at bedtime or a favorite family outing. Remember, toddlers love pleasing you and doing things for themselves. Helping yours learn to love a big-kid bed should be a win-win situation.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

What to Expect the Second Year, Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel.

WhatToExpect.com, Buying a Toddler or Twin Bed: What to Look for, September 2014.

American Academy of Pediatrics, Big Kid Beds: When to Make the Switch, September 2013.

American Academy of Pediatrics, How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained, December 2015.

American Academy of Pediatrics,Sleep Tips for Children and Infants, 2011.

Trending On What to Expect

⚠️ You can't see this cool content because you have ad block enabled.

Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners.