Wondering when is the best time to move your toddler to a big kid bed? And how to make the change with as little disruption to their sleep as possible?
Moving your toddler from a crib to a bed is an exciting milestone. But just like any other milestone, there’s the potential that it might cause a bit of a sleep regression. It’s a fairly significant change to your child’s sleeping conditions. But with the right approach, you can avoid some of the more common issues that come with the change.
Here are 7 tips for moving your toddler to a bed:
1. Don’t Rush It
Wait as long as possible before moving your toddler to a big kid bed; ideally somewhere between 2.5 to 3 years old. Oftentimes, children younger than 2.5 years have a difficult time understanding the boundaries and expectations around staying in a bed when they can so easily get out on their own.
This may not always be possible, especially if your toddler is climbing or jumping out of the crib in a dangerous way. If you’ve exhausted all options for keeping your child in the crib safely (see my crib-climbing tips here), then it’s a good idea to move them to a bed.
If your child is happy and safe in their crib, keeping them there until closer to age three will help make for a much smoother transition to a bed.
2. Create a Positive Experience
Sit down with your child and explain the situation to them in a very fun and positive way. Let them know that they’re getting a new bed and give them some choices around it. You can let them pick out their bed, choose their bedding, and maybe even help assemble their new bed. Then have a small celebration on the first night.
(Just be cautious that you’re not putting extra pressure on your child by making too big of a deal about it.)
Putting the change into a really enjoyable and celebratory light can work wonders in having your child embrace the change.
3. Communicate Your Expectations
It’s also a good idea to talk with your child and remind them that even though they’ll be sleeping in a bed, the rules are the same. Here’s how that might sound:
“Tonight at bedtime, just like always, we’ll put your pajamas on, brush your teeth, read two stories, and then instead of mom or dad laying you in the crib, you get to climb into your big kid bed and go to sleep there. And once you’re in your bed, that’s where you stay and sleep all night long, just like you always do.”
4. Expect Some Pushback
Your child may have a bit of a “honeymoon phase”, where the first few weeks in their bed go really well…almost too well. And then about 3-4 weeks after the move, the novelty wears off and things start to change. Your toddler might start getting out of bed to play in their room or maybe even leaving their room altogether to go visit mom and dad.
Offering some incentive to stay in their bed can help prevent this behaviour. Make a picture chart with each step of the bedtime routine and end it with “Stayed in Bed Until Morning!” Then offer a small reward every morning they get through the night without leaving their room.
5. Don’t Go Back to the Crib
If your toddler asks to go back to their crib, don’t give in! You don’t want to give the impression that the change is optional.
Whatever their reason is for wanting to go back to their crib, listen to them, address the concern in a thoughtful manner, offer some reassurance, and offer to make some small changes (new sheets, different pillow, move the bed to a different spot in the room, etc.).
But don’t offer to put them back in the crib as it will likely lead to the same thing the next time you try to move them into a regular bed.
6. Get them a Clock
Get your little one a clock to help them understand when to stay in their bed and when they can leave their room.
If your child knows their numbers, just use a digital alarm clock and put some tape over the minutes, so that all they can see is the hour. Then let them know what number they need to see before it’s ok to get out of bed; typically 6 or 7, whatever time you’re comfortable with them getting up at. This helps to minimize the negotiating since they can’t argue with the clock.
If your child doesn’t yet know their numbers, there are several child-themed clocks, like the OK To Wake, that parents can program to glow a certain colour when it’s time to get up. Just make sure to choose one that doesn’t emit any blue or green light during the night.
7. Use Consequences if Necessary
Even in situations where toddlers respond well to a regular bed, they’re almost certainly going to leave their room after the lights go out at least a few times, just to see what happens. The most effective way to solve this problem is through consequences.
I usually suggest they get one warning and if they leave their room again, that’s when the consequence gets implemented.
Remember that a consequence is only effective if the child doesn’t like it. No parent likes upsetting their child (myself included), but with consistency in the early stages, your little one will likely respond quickly and there shouldn’t be a need for consequences down the road.
What should the consequence be?
Well, it depends. Every child is different, every family is different, and what works well with one may not work as well for the next.
I’ve worked with enough families to know that what does work is a customized plan, tailored specifically to your child and your family, plus the ongoing personalized support to reach your family’s sleep goals.
Need some extra support and guidance through your toddler’s sleep challenges? Schedule a Free Sleep Evaluation Call to learn how I can help.