Skip to main content

When to switch from a crib to a bed

It’s a rite of passage — the moment when your baby makes the transition from the crib to a big kid bed. Just like first steps and first words, this is an exciting time for parents and children alike. It can be challenging to know when to move your child from a crib, however.

The short answer is that every child is different, and the right move will depend on your child and your family’s needs. Let’s take a look at a few things you might consider when you want to know if it’s the right time to make the switch.

Toddler standing in his crib
wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock.com

What do the experts say?

There’s no specific recommended time to transition children from cribs to beds, but most parents choose to move their kids somewhere between 18 months to 3 years. The most significant recommendation from experts is to move the crib mattress to the lowest position to prevent falls.

Experts do recommend that you take precautions to keep your child from falling while trying to climb out of the crib. If your child is getting limbs stuck between the crib slats or attempting to escape during nap or bedtimes, this could be a hazard.

When your child begins to stand up in the crib, it’s essential to watch for signs of fall hazards. Children may attempt to crawl out of their crib around the time they’re practicing walking, but not all children will try to escape.

Choosing a crib or bed on your own

If safety isn’t part of the reason you transition, knowing the right time to get a bed is murkier. There are a few things you might ask yourself.

How old is my child?

If your child is coming out of the toddler phase, this might be an excellent time to consider a bed. Your child is gaining a little more independence, and a bed is part of that package.

Toddler or regular beds with safety rails and that are low to the floor can give your toddler more room to move around and gain some independence. Older children may also be eager to leave behind the trappings of “babyhood” and start asking for regular beds.

Do I need the crib for another child?

If you have another child on the way, it may be time to begin training your older child to leave the crib. Even if your older child isn’t showing signs of wanting to transition to a bigger bed, it could be developmentally appropriate.

If this is the case, you can transition over a period of time, or make the change all at once. A lot will depend on your child’s personality. Make sure the bed you choose has a low clearance if at all possible and invest in railings to keep your child from rolling out.

Is my child at risk?

If your child is on the younger side and showing attempts to get out of the crib, this could be dangerous. It’s time to transition to a bed to prevent falling. Also, if children play with crib rails, they could get limbs stuck, causing injury as they try to escape.

It’s not worth the risk, even if you’d prefer to use the crib for a little longer. If your child’s crib can transition to a toddler bed, now is the time to make that change. Otherwise, source a quality toddler bed or invest in a twin bed with rails.

How to make the transition step by step

There are two methods to transitioning your child — gradual and all at once. Take your child’s personality into account to decide which one is right.

Gradual method:

  • Get a toddler or twin bed and allow your child to be part of the process of choosing which one, if possible.
  • Allow your toddler to explore the bed. Talk about how fun the new bed is and provide plenty of one-on-one time.
  • Try out nap time in the new bed to allow your toddler to adjust to the new sleeping arrangement.
  • Talk about removing the crib because your child is a “big kid.”
  • If your child is unwilling to move from the crib, set up a sticker chart or other reward system, much like potty training or other big milestone training to help move things along.
  • Remove the crib.

The gradual method can take as much or as little time as you want, but you must remove the crib at some point. Allow it to build toward that moment.

The all-at-once method:

  • Talk to your child first about moving to a big bed. Set a date on the calendar and count down (not too far!).
  • Allow your child to take part in choosing the new bed, if at all possible.
  • Take down the crib and put up the new bed. Stick with your regular routines, but help your toddler into the new bed instead of the crib.
  • Stick it out. If your toddler is unsettled, go in the same way you would with the crib to help soothe but remain consistent.
  • Do not go back to the crib! Consistency and firm support is key.
  • With the all-at-once method, the most important thing is to remove the crib and stick to that. Some children will take right to a new bed, but others will need consistency. Don’t give them a choice to go back.
Mother laughing with toddler so in his bed
FamVeld/Shutterstock.com

Crib or bed? It’s up to your family

Knowing when to make the transition is part of your family’s needs and lifestyle. Watch for signs that the time is right to make the change and then be consistent. Your toddler will get the hang of the new bed when the time is right, and you’ll be able to achieve this milestone together.

Editors' Recommendations

NewFolks
The most popular baby girl nicknames that are so cute and unique they might surprise you
Baby girl nicknames that just might stick around for years
Surprised baby girl

You probably spent a lot of time choosing the perfect name for your baby girl. After all, it's an important decision. Using nicknames is a popular thing to do. So, you may not end up calling your daughter by her given name. If a sweet nickname evolves and sticks as she grows up, her given name may only come up when you're trying hard to get her attention. We all know that as a precious little baby, you're bound to try out some of the many cute nicknames parents use on their new bundles of joy. These baby girl nicknames are sweet, funny, and unique, and could be fun to use if you haven't caught yourself using them already.
Not sure what nickname is perfect for your little one? We've compiled over 150 nicknames perfect for baby girls, and while some you might expect something like Sweetie Pie or Honey Bun, some are unexpected and may make you giggle, like Doodlebug and Banana Muffin. Some baby girl nicknames are based on personality. Others are based on appearances, and some are based on ... well, nothing at all. This list may inspire you with what precious nickname to call your own little girl.

Nicknames based on names
The term nickname actually has a pretty long history. Its origins date back to the 14th century. The first baby girl nicknames were ones based on the name people chose for their daughter. For example, Maggie, Midge, and Peggy are nicknames for Margaret. The name Elizabeth has quite a few nicknames attached to it, such as Lizzie, Beth, Liza, Betty, Betsy, and even Libby. So, if you're looking for a cute nickname for your daughter, you may want to start with her name. Here are some baby girl nicknames derived from given names.

Read more
When do babies start talking? Should you be concerned if yours isn’t?
Learn why baby babbling is music to a parent's ears
Father talking to his infant child

Baby's first year is such an exciting time. As new parents, we are amazed at all those milestones, like rolling over and baby's first smile. One milestone many parents anxiously await is baby's first words. Will it be "mama" or "dada?" The more important question, though, may be, "When do babies start talking?"

A baby' speech development actually begins at birth. The sounds they hear, including their parents, talking is a vital step in speech development. So, when should your baby be saying those exciting first words, and should you be worried if yours isn't talking yet?
When do babies start talking?
As with all of those memorable milestones, when a baby begins to talk falls within a range. Most babies will say that treasured first word somewhere between 12 and 18 months. Once that first word comes out, it won't be long before baby is putting small words together like "up ma."

Read more
Are you a helicopter mom? Here’s how to tell and what to do about it
Is being a helicopter parent so bad? Here's how to tell if you're too overbearing
Mom encouraging baby to crawl

It's hard out there for parents these days. It seems that no matter how you parent, someone on the internet will have something to say about it, especially if you're a mom. For some reason, dads don't face nearly as much judgment about how they raise their kids as mothers do. After all, terms like silky mom, tiger mom, and crunchy mom, are now common terms used to describe different parenting methods, but the helicopter mom is the OG of these parenting styles.

What is helicopter parenting?
Helicopter parenting became a widely used term in the 1990s, and describes overprotective parents who hover over their children, hence the term "helicopter." Authors Foster Cline and Jim Fay popularized the term in their book Parenting with Love and Logic, writing that helicopter parents, "hover over and then rescue their children whenever trouble arises." They added that "they're forever running lunches, permission slips, band instruments, and homework assignments to school."
You may also recognize the helicopter parent on the playground as they hover over their child, constantly monitoring how they play and who they play with. Helicopter parents try to shield their children from any potential conflict or struggle, which can be understandable but also detrimental to a child's personal development.

Read more