Transitioning a toddler from the crib to a big kid bed often makes parents feel like they are saying goodbye to a final piece of their child’s infancy. Some toddlers learn to climb out of the crib on their own, which can create a safety hazard, while others may be potty training or showing signs that they want more independence. Parents can make the transition from the crib to a big kid bed easier, on themselves and their toddler, with a little bit of advanced preparation.
When to Move a Toddler out of the Crib
Every toddler is different and has his own unique needs. Parents are the best judge of what is best for their toddler and their family situation. Toddlers who have learned to climb out of the crib on their own, but who may not be ready for the added independence that sleeping in a toddler bed or twin bed brings, can benefit from using a crib tent until they are ready to make the transition from the crib.
Many toddlers are moved into a big kid bed when they welcome a new sibling into their family who needs the crib more than they do. Potty training toddlers should be moved into a big kid bed to allow them the freedom to use the potty when they need to.
A Toddler Bed or a Twin Bed
There are many cute toddler beds on the market, but they can be expensive and they are not absolutely necessary. Toddlers can sleep quite comfortably on a twin size mattress on the floor or on a twin sized mattress with a secure bed rail. Toddler beds do use the same size mattress that is used in a crib, so parents who need the crib for another sibling may want to consider whether it is worth it to them to purchase a second crib mattress to be used in a toddler bed when it will only be used for a relatively short period of time.
Safety Precautions for Toddlers
Toddlers are inherently curious, so moving a toddler from the confinement of a crib to a big kid bed brings up new safety concerns for parents. Many parents are concerned that their toddler will wander the house in the middle of the night when there is no one awake to supervise them. A baby safety gate placed in the doorway of the toddler’s bedroom can keep toddlers safe. Some baby gates, such as the KidCo Hands Free gate, are slim enough to remain in the doorway even when the door is closed, so they can be left in place. Parents should be sure that there are no safety hazards in their toddler’s bedroom such as tall furniture that is not anchored to the wall or small objects that could present a choking hazard.
Transitioning to a big kid bed is a big step for a toddler and one that brings a new level of independence. While each stage of childhood brings its own challenges, parents can make the transition easier by remaining confident once they make the decision to take their toddler out of the crib by reassuring him that they have confidence in him.
