Once your toddler gets to around age 2-3 years old, you may begin to wonder when you should be moving them from their crib and into a bed. This is a big milestone and one that you will want to be prepared for as you make this transition.
When determining when to make this move, the first and most important reason to explore is safety. If your toddler is trying to climb out of their crib, it may be time to move them into another bed, and/or if your toddler's height has exceeded the recommended height for their crib, it may be time as they would then be at the height when they can more easily climb out of the crib.
Below are a few recommendations to consider:
Be sure to have their mattress lowered to the lowest height setting in the crib
Consider turning their crib around so that the shorter side is facing the wall so they can no longer climb over it
You could push the crib into the corner of the room so that two sides are blocked from being accessible to climbing
Turn their sleep sack around so they are wearing it backwards so they have less space inside the sleep sack to lift a leg up over the crib
If your toddler is sleeping well and safely in the crib, there is no reason you must make any changes, and I recommend that you keep your toddler in the crib for as long as you can. Before the age of about 2 and a half, toddlers are not developmentally ready to conceptualize the fact that they should 'stay' in their bed. If you move them to a bed too early, you may be facing more wakings, and a little one who keeps getting out of bed. However, if safety concerns begin to show up, then a change to a bed could be necessary.
Making the Move
When you do move them into their bed, here are some tips to follow:
Prepare the room safely:
treat the whole room as if it is their bed
keep it minimalist and remove any distractions such as piles of toys/games
tether furniture to the wall
ensure all outlets are covered
check window coverings for any dangling cords or hanging material
remove any and all objects that could be hazardous (decor or other items)
consider putting a Door Monkey on their door so you can avoid them wandering around at night, and if you do not install one, ensure the rest of the house is safe
keep fire safety in mind when planning their new space
Involve them and discuss the change with them:
get their help choosing decor, bedding, and/or colours
talk to them about a 'big kid bed' so that they are positively associating this new transition
make it positive and exciting for them
encourage play time in their bed so they begin to feel secure in it
Boundaries and Communication:
Toddlers and preschoolers need boundaries to know and understand what is expected of them so be sure to have a clear and confident conversation with them about what your expectations are for them with staying in bed through the night
Continue with your bedtime routine as per usual as it is their signal for sleep
Respond to any overnight disruption consistently if they test boundaries by walking them back to bed quietly
All in all, If you can safely wait until your little one is 3 years of age, you will be more likely have a successful transition.
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