Transitioning from the Crib to a Bed

​Transitioning from the crib to a bed can be a difficult process for a child. Boys Town Pediatrics offers advice for a parent transitioning their child from a crib to a bed.

Crib to Bed Transition

A child typically moves out of a crib between the ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years. It is important to remember every child develops at different rates. As a parent, make sure to transition when your child is ready.

• A good transition time is when a toddler is getting too big for the crib. For example, if they are able to climb out of the crib it’s time to go shopping for a big kid bed.
• If you need to transition your youngster in anticipation of a new sibling, try to make the transition a few months before the new baby’s arrival. This will help prevent big brother or big sister from feeling jealous.
• Involve your child and get him or her excited with the process of a new bed by picking out bedding and room decorations together.
• Have a discussion with your child and make sure to stress the importance of not wandering around at night and only getting up to go to the bathroom or to come to your bed first.
• When you move your child out of the crib and into a bed, remember to move surrounding objects that may get in your child’s way during the night.

If you find your child wandering out of bed, gently return them back to their new bed. Being consistent will help your adjust to a new healthy sleeping routine.

• Transcript

  Transitioning from the Crib to a Bed

  Most kids move out of their crib between year and a half and three and a half years. It depends on the kid and when they're ready.

  The crib is something they're attached to a little bit so they'll let you know when they're ready. Otherwise, when they're getting too big for their crib or when they're climbing out of their crib, when the mattress is at the lowest level, then it may be time to move out to that toddler bed or big kid bed.

  It is important when you move your child out of the crib and into the bed to think about what they can get into when they get out of bed.

  They may get out of bed in the middle of the night and get into things you don't want them to. So it's important to talk to them about staying in bed or when they get out of bed to come to your bed first before they go other places.

  It may take a lot of diligence and reminding to get them to stay in bed, and just taking them back to bed and putting them back to bed over and over again, until they get the idea that they should be staying in bed.