It can be a big moment for many parents when a child transitions from a crib to a toddler’s bed. Your child needs to be ready for this change before you make it. We’ll go through some signs your child is ready for a toddler bed in this blog article.
What Is The Best Age To Transition My Baby From Cribs To Toddler Beds?
By the time a child is 18 months old, she or he will spend about 80% of the time in a toddler’s crib. By 2 years and three-quarters, this drops to around 80%, and by 3 years it decreases to around 40%. It’s usually better to wait until your kid reaches age 3 since many toddlers may not be ready just yet.
They can vocalize what they want and don’t want at the age of three, and you’ll be better equipped to understand why. It’s also a good idea to wait until your child is emotionally and physically prepared to sleep in their bed because they’ll be climbing in and out of it on their own, as well as sleeping alone.
How Do I Get My Toddler Ready to Move from a Crib to a Toddler Bed?
There are several signs your child is ready for a toddler bed. One of the most common signs is when your child starts climbing out of the crib. This usually happens around 18 months old. Other signs include when your child can sleep through the night without waking up and when they are potty trained.
Once you’ve decided that it’s time, there are a few things you can do to make the transition smoother –
- Locate the bed in the same location as the crib.
- Stick to a nightly bedtime routine, but be patient.
- Get your kid involved; they’ll choose the new bed, a new toy, and some bedding.
- Let your baby get comfortable in their favorite sleep attire.
Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed
Getting Out of the Crib
Don’t rush out to buy a new toddler bed on the first day of the crib escape. Keep in mind that you may also reduce the crib mattress as low as feasible to make climbing over more difficult for them.
Your child Has Outgrown The Crib
It’s time to make the switch from a “little girl” or “little-boy” bed to a “big-girl” or “big-boy” bed if your toddler’s head and feet come within touching or are approaching the extremities of the crib.
They Are Potty Trained
When nature calls at night, it’s difficult and dangerous for a toddler to get out of bed. As a result, if you’re teaching your kid to go to the toilet on their own, it’s a good idea to start with a toddler bed.
They’re Fine Left Alone
Potty training is a process through which your child learns to be more self-reliant. Consider transitioning them to a toddler bed once they are comfortable with the concept of them waking up and going to the toilet on their own.
They Can Perceive Imaginative Boundaries
Cribs have rails, which are extremely clear boundaries. Examine whether your youngster can sense and comprehend imagined barriers. You may play a game with them to determine if they are aware of their surroundings and limits. To test how much they move about in their sleep put them in the bed next to you with some pillows surrounding it.
They Want Their Own Bed
Your toddler may ask for his own bed from their older or younger sibling. This is one of the most obvious signs your child is ready for a toddler bed. They could even despise their crib and cry uncontrollably until they get a new bed. If your child is capable of expressing a complex concept, such as wanting a larger bed, they are likely ready to make the transition and have an understanding of perceived limitations. However, don’t forget to do some preventive measures while you’re at it.
Arrival Of A New Baby
If you’re going to have a kid any time soon, you’ll need the crib ready. If possible, try to exchange your toddler bed and crib at least 6 weeks before the new baby arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it too early for a toddler bed to be introduced at 18 months?
Ans: If possible, try to exchange your toddler bed and crib at least 6 weeks before the new baby arrives.
Q2: Is it better to transition to a toddler bed or potty train first?
Ans: It may be tempting to try to implement too many changes at once, especially since toddlers are creatures of habit. It might be preferable to start working on potty training and then move on to the toddler bed once you’ve completed it to avoid overwhelming your kid.
Q3: Is it safe to put my 16-month-old in a toddler bed?
Ans: Toddlers with this developmental milestone are ready to go from a crib to a bed at 18 months, while others may not be able to do so until they are 3 or 3 1/2 years old. This age range is considered typical.
Q4: How do you get your toddler to stay in bed while transitioning from crib?
Ans: One way to help your toddler stay in bed is to create clear boundaries for them. This means making sure the bed is only for sleeping and not for playing. Finally, make sure to praise them when they stay in bed and be consistent with your expectations.
Q5: Can a 1-year-old sleep in the bed?
Ans: It is not recommended to allow a baby under 12 months old to sleep in your bed. Many parents decide to co-sleep as a result of the increased risk of SIDS. It is preferable to use a bassinet or crib that permanently connects to your bed if you want to co-sleep with your child.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it depends on your child’s individual development and readiness. However, there are some broad principles that you may adhere to. If your youngster constantly climbs out of their crib or asks to sleep in your bed, it’s time to move them. On the other hand, if they are struggling to adjust and seem overwhelmed by the change, it may be best to wait a bit longer.
