How to Make a Smooth Transition from Crib to Toddler Bed

Once your child is old enough, and tall enough, he may start to try to climb out of the crib which can cause unforeseen injuries. It is best to make a transition to a toddler bed as soon as your child starts to show signs of readiness. The appropriate age is normally between 20 months and 3 years.

First, transitioning to a toddler bed is best for most children. Making an immediate switch from crib to a twin size bed or full size bed might cause unnecessary anxiety on your child. A toddler bed still uses a crib size mattress and can be less overwhelming to your toddler. If your crib does not have the option of turning in to a toddler bed, a toddler bed frame can be purchased for very little making it a good investment for your child.

Next, talk to your child about their "big girl" or "big boy" bed. Make this switch in to a big deal for them. Even take them on a special trip to the store to pick out new linens or a new blanket for their new bed. You might even decide to paint the room your child's favorite color or put some new decorations on the walls to make it more inviting and take away from the switch to the new bed.

Without changing the room altogether, move toys, toy boxes or other items out of the room or in to a closet so that your child is less likely to see these things and get up to play rather than sleep.

Keep a small nightlight in the room with no other light. If the room is dark except for a nightlight and/or moonlight your child is less likely to get out of the bed and more likely to fall asleep quickly.

Put a safety gate in the doorway. Even if your house is completely child proof, you might feel more comfortable putting a safety gate up at the door, at least for the first couple of months. This way if your child gets out of the bed, he is not free to roam the entire house while you are asleep.

Make sure the room is childproof. If your child doesn't normally play in his room, it may not be completely childproof with light socket covers, blind cords put up and away and child locks on the closet doors and clothing drawings. Be sure the entire room is childproofed before switching to a toddler bed in order to help ensure there are no middle of the night injuries.