Your toddler is showing signs that he may be ready to make the transition from the crib to the "big boy bed," but you're scared to make the shift. How do you do it? Is he really ready? And will he be safe? Today, Parents Ask expert Elizabeth Pantley, author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers & Preschoolers.



Q:  Our toddler is almost two. How do we know when it’s time to move her from the crib to a bed?



The time might be right, since most children move out of a crib between their first and third birthday, but the perfect time is different for every child. The key to success is to be patient and supportive.



What are the reasons to move a child from crib to bed?

There are lots of reasons that signal it’s time to move. The most common are these:



•    Your child learns how to climb.

This creates the risk that she could climb out of the crib and hurt herself by falling out. Many experts recommend moving a child out of the crib when she becomes 34 to 36 inches tall, or the height of the side rail is up to the level of her nipples. No matter what, if you look at your growing child and find yourself wondering if she could climb out, it’s safe to say she can.


•    Your child outgrows the crib.
 Don’t jump too soon on this one. Your perception may be that she’d like more space, but lots of crib-babies are content in their nests. You may want to experiment a bit by putting a toddler bed in the room along with the crib and make a gradual change.


•    Your child asks for a bed. 
If your child actually asks for a bed, and you feel she’s old enough to handle it, then go ahead and take the leap!



•    A new sibling is on the way.

If your little one loves her crib, then ousting her to make room for the newcomer may add stress. In this case, it’s better to buy a cradle for the new baby, and let your older child handle one big change at a time. If, however, you feel that the time is right, try to make the change two months before the newborn arrives. You may even want to take down the crib and store it out of sight for a few weeks, or purchase new bedding to give the crib a whole new look, so that your older child doesn’t feel that “her” crib is being taken over.



How do we make the change?

There are many ways to make the transition from crib to bed. Which is best for you will depend on your reasons for moving, your child’s personality, and the size of his bedroom.



No matter which path you choose, maintain the important parts of your nightly routine and help your child develop a positive, happy association with his new bed, since he’ll be sleeping there for many years to come.

 

Some kids love being involved in choosing a new bed and linens and helping to set up their new bed. Some children like to gradually work up to the idea, and test it out a little bit at a time. For these kids, set up the new bed in the same room along with the crib. Start off by allowing your child to play on the bed. See if she’s interested in napping there. Perhaps do your bedtime reading in the new bed. All of this will help your child get used to the new bed over time.



Making it permanent

No matter how well the adjustment goes, there are bound to be new sleep issues that crop up. Some may be in conjunction with the change, others may appear at this time just as a coincidence. Take each sleep issue individually, and apply solutions to any that arise. It’s all part of the journey of being a parent.



When you are patient and supportive, and allow your child to make a change to a big-kid bed on her own timetable, you’ll find this to be a wonderful milestone in your child’s exciting and ever changing growth and development.