Your little one is growing up. Maybe they’ve started climbing out of their crib, or perhaps they’re just ready for more room to stretch. Either way, moving from a crib to a bed is a big milestone that can bring both excitement and a few challenges. But with the right timing, some strategic planning, and a lot of patience, this transition can be a positive step forward for your whole family.
There’s no magic age for moving to a big-kid bed. The average age varies widely, from 18 months to 3 years old. What matters most is your child’s stage in their development, not their age.
Here are the main signs your child might be ready for a big-kid bed:
They’re climbing out of their crib. If your child can climb over the side even when the mattress is at its lowest setting, it’s time to make the switch for safety reasons. At this point, the crib becomes more dangerous than helpful.
They’re tall enough. When your child reaches about three feet tall, or when the crib rail is lower than their chest, they’re physically ready for a bed.
They can follow simple directions. Your child should be able to understand and follow basic rules like “stay in your bed.”
They express interest. If your toddler is asking for a big-kid bed or showing excitement about beds they see, they might be mentally ready for the change.
They understand boundaries. It takes time for toddlers to understand the idea of “invisible” walls. They need to be at a stage where they can understand that even though there are no crib rails, they still need to stay in one spot.
On the other hand, there are also some signs that suggest your child isn’t quite ready yet. If they still wake up multiple times each night, can’t stay in one spot during naptime, show fear or anxiety about the idea of a new bed, or are going through other big changes like potty training, it might be better to wait.
Once you’ve decided it’s the right time to transition, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some ways to set your family up for success.
Talk about it ahead of time. Several weeks or months before the transition, start talking to your child about what’s going to happen. Show them the new bed and talk about how everyone in the family, even pets, sleeps in a bed rather than a crib. You can even read bedtime stories about sleeping in a big-kid bed to help build excitement.
Let them help choose. If you’re buying a new bed, have your toddler help you pick it out. If you’re using a hand-me-down bed, tell your child about its previous owner: “This was your cousin’s bed, and now it’s yours! You’re almost as big as them now!” If you’re buying new bedsheets, let your child shop with you and look for ones with their favorite characters. This involvement creates excitement and gives them a sense of ownership.
Choose the right bed. You have several options. One, you can start with the crib mattress on the floor as your child learns not to roll out of it. Another good choice is a toddler bed that uses a crib mattress with built-in safety rails. Or you can go straight to a twin bed with guard rails installed. Half-size rails that cover only half the bed are also helpful because they provide safety while still letting your child get in and out on their own.
Keep it familiar. If you can, put the new bed in the same place the crib used to be. If you’re using the same room, try not to rearrange the whole room at once. Your child may also find comfort in keeping the same blankets, even if they’re too small, along with any special stuffed animals or comfort items.
Time it right. Make sure this transition doesn’t happen at the same time as other big changes like potty training, moving to a new house, or bringing home a new baby. If you’re expecting another child, try to move your toddler to their bed a few months before the baby arrives, or wait until the new baby is 3 or 4 months old and your toddler has adjusted to their new sibling.
When your child moves to a bed, they suddenly have more freedom to move around their room and potentially the house. This means childproofing becomes even more important. Keep in mind to:
Secure the room. Use childproof latches on drawers and cabinets. Cover electrical outlets. Remove or secure anything that could tip over.
Position the bed carefully. Try to keep the bed away from windows to prevent drafts, and lock the windows when not in use. Where possible, steer clear of electrical outlets or have child-protected plugs.
Consider gates. Install safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs if your child’s room is on a second floor. You might also want a gate in their doorway or a child safety knob on their door to prevent nighttime wandering into unsafe areas.
Keep the bed low. Don’t use elevated mattresses or bunk beds for children under age 6, as they can more easily fall out.
Clear the floor. Remove toys, furniture, and objects they could trip over or use for climbing in the dark.
The trick to a successful transition is balancing your child’s excitement about being a “big kid” with clear rules about staying in bed:
Create positive anticipation. Talk about the bed during the day using excited, positive language. Let your child show off their new bed to friends and family. Read books together about big-kid beds. Make this feel like a special achievement, not a scary change.
Set clear expectations. Tell your child what the new rules are before the first night. Explain that once the lights go out, they need to stay in bed.
Maintain your routine. The bed may change, but the bedtime routine should ideally stay the same. Keep your nighttime routine the same as it was with the crib. This consistency helps your child know when it’s time to settle in for sleep.
Use comfort tools. A night-light can help if your child is afraid of the dark. A favorite stuffed animal or comfort object can also help provide them security. Tell them that if they wake up in the middle of the night, they can cuddle their special toy to help them fall back asleep.
Stay confident. Your toddler picks up on your emotions, so maintain a calm, confident attitude throughout the bedtime routine. If you seem anxious or unsure, they will be too. But if you’re calm, they’ll know everything is going to be just fine.
Most toddlers will test the boundaries of their new freedom. Your child may be thrilled about their bed during the day, but once the lights go out, they might decide to come find you. This is completely normal behavior. Here are some tips to guide you through it:
Have a plan before the first night. Decide ahead of time how you’ll respond when your child gets out of bed—will you walk them back silently, give them one brief reminder, or use a specific phrase each time? Knowing your strategy can help you stay calm and consistent during these tricky bedtime moments. One thing you could do is take their hand and calmly lead them back. You can tell them they need to stay in bed, give them a quick kiss, and then leave. Singing songs, telling stories, rubbing their backs, or lying down with them might confuse the bedtime routine.
Keep it quiet and low-energy. Stay calm and don’t make the process exciting or upsetting, as this can encourage them to repeat the behavior. The less fun you make it, the less appealing it becomes for them to get up.
Be consistent. You might need to walk your child back to bed several times in one night. Breathe and stick with it. They’ll eventually learn the new rules but only if you’re consistent every single time.
Reward good behavior. If your child stays in bed all night, give them praise in the morning. Tell them how proud you are. You can also use small rewards like stickers or a trip to the park to reward good listening.
Give it time. The first few nights or weeks can be tough. Be patient and give your toddler plenty of time to adjust. Some children experience a “honeymoon phase” at first where they’re so excited they don’t test boundaries at all. But after a few days, they might start to test their boundaries.
If bedtime resistance becomes a big problem, make sure you’re addressing any fears your child might have. Some children develop separation anxiety or a fear of the dark after moving to a bed. Talk with them about their feelings during the day, and consider adding extra comfort measures during their bedtime routine.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a child just isn’t ready. If your toddler is extremely upset, has tantrums, or seems very fearful after several days in the new bed, it’s okay to bring the crib back. Don’t treat it as a punishment or a step backward. Simply say, “We'll try the big bed again in a few months when you’re a little older.”
Sometimes hitting the pause button and trying again later is the right move. Keeping your child safely in the crib a bit longer might actually make the eventual transition much easier.
Moving to a big-kid bed is a major milestone in your child’s life. It marks a shift from being a little baby in a crib to a toddler with more independence. It’s both exciting and a little bittersweet for parents.
Remember that every child adjusts differently. Some make the switch easily, while others need more support and time. Both are part of the learning process. Stay patient and consistent, and maintain your routines. With clear boundaries set, lots of encouragement, and safety measures in place, your toddler will soon feel comfortable and proud in their big-kid bed.
