Moving Your Baby Out of the Crib and Into a Toddler Bed

Transitioning your toddler from a crib to a “big-kid bed” can be quite a feat, but it is an important step when helping your child become more confident and independent. Not everyone is ready to move from a crib to a bed at the same time, but normally, once your child is getting close to three years old and could climb out of their crib, it is time to make the switch. This guide will make the process a bit easier as you help your child take the next step of growing up.

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How to Choose a Toddler Bed

Whether you choose a toddler bed or a twin-sized bed with railings, there are many important considerations when choosing which bed is right for your child. These include safety, style, comfort, and certifications.

• The bed should be sturdy so that it does not fall apart. Paying for a more expensive and sturdy bed is often a better deal than finding a cheaper one, as the investment will pay off when you never need to purchase a replacement. Toddlers can be rambunctious, so toddler beds should be sturdy enough to handle this.
• The bed should have a matching mattress. If you do not buy the bed and mattress at the same time, then it might not fit snugly, allowing things to get lost or stuck in open cracks. Your toddler will not be too happy when their teddy bear is lost or their hand seems to be stuck between the mattress and the bed.
• The bed should have rails and be low to the ground. Because toddlers are not used to sleeping in a bed without a barrier surrounding it, their toddler bed must have rails. This will prevent them from falling off the bed. Additionally, the bed should be low to the ground so that in case your child does fall, they will not be far from the floor.
• The bed should reflect your child’s personality.If you have the economic flexibility to purchase a fun bed that you know your child will love, then this may help them transition more easily. Whether it looks like a race car or a princess castle, your child will be sure to see their big-kid bed as more of a fun adventure than a hassle.

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How to Setup the Toddler Bed

Just choosing the right bed is not enough to keep your child safe and comfortable. Setting it up correctly and adding in extra precautions are integral for your child’s well-being. The following tips will outline some of the important considerations when setting up your child’s new toddler bed.

• Make sure the bed is directly against the wall, or even better, in the corner of the room. There should be no holes or gaps between the bed and the wall to prevent your toddler from falling or getting stuck.
• Cover any nails and screws.No hardware should be loose, or else it could poke or scrape your toddler. Especially at this sensitive age, you should do everything you can to keep your child safe.
• Cushion the surrounding area. Whether you use a rug, blankets, or pillows, you should cushion the area around the bed so that in case your child rolls off, they will have something to break their fall.

How to Transition to a Toddler Bed

• Do good research and take advice from other parents. Because getting your child to transition to a toddler bed can be a difficult task, it is a good idea to take advantage of resources, including advice from your family and friends. Guides like this make it easier to enjoy this process rather than struggling through it. You can even use children’s books about this transition to get your child involved in the research and planning process.
• Time the transition right and ease your child into it.If your child is still very young and small, then they are less likely to respond well to having their crib taken away. Additionally, if they are already stressed by other changes, such as being potty-trained or starting school, then you may want to wait until their life calms down a bit before introducing them to a new change.
• Make sure your child is involved.If you decide to purchase a themed toddler bed, then make sure that they are a part of the decision. You can also decorate the bed with fun bedding and their favorite stuffed animals. When your child gets excited about being surrounded by things they love, they will begin to feel more comfortable and be willing to try out their new bed.
• Keep your normal bedtime routine. Just because you make one change does not mean that you should change everything else. In fact, keeping your normal routine will help make this transition feel more natural and manageable. Continue bathing them, reading them a book, and cuddling together before going to bed so that your toddler feels cozier and more at-home.
• Be patient and stay optimistic.Throughout any difficult process, the most important thing is to stay positive. When you are happy, your child will want to be happy too, so if you show them how great their new bed is, then they will be more likely to appreciate it as well. Positive reinforcement may also be helpful. If you're a new father, thentake a look at some tips on becoming a father for the first time. You can reward your child with an extra song or story before bed if they remain compliant and practice great bedtime habits.

Give Baby Monitors a Try

Another tip that many parents find helpful is that though your child may be more independent, you can still watch over them with a baby monitor or video system. Seeing them get relaxed and fall asleep in their new bed will help you remain confident in your child and see if they are having any issues. We offer a variety of Hubble baby monitors that parents of babies and toddlers alike love using.

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Though the process of helping your child transition from a crib to a toddler bed can be difficult, if you follow these tips and tricks, then it should not be too bad after all. Eventually, your child will get used to their big-kid bed, and they may even grow to love it.