Is your child ready for a big kid bed?
Transitioning your child from a crib to a big kid bed is an exciting milestone, but can come with nervous feelings, and some new challenges. I believe that if a child is happy and sleeping well in their crib, there is no reason to transition to a larger bed any sooner than necessary. Big kid beds come with a lot of new found freedom that can cause children to get up and come find their parents multiple times a night, often leading to frustrated caregivers and co-sleeping for previously independent sleepers.
However, there are a few signs that it is time to transition your child that shouldn’t be ignored:
If you have any concerns that your child could climb out of their crib, it is important to transition them to a big kid bed as soon as possible.
Furthermore, if your child makes an attempt to climb out of the crib, or successfully climbs out, you should immediately transition to a big kid bed. Many doctors recommend transitioning your child when they are 36 inches tall, or when the top of the crib is nipple-height when standing in the crib. It’s imperative to transition your child immediately if they are physically able to climb out of the crib, even if they haven’t tried or shown interest yet. It only takes one time for a serious injury to occur.
You are toilet training and would like your child to be out of diapers at night.
If your child is in the process of toilet training and making progress towards being fully potty trained, you may want to transition to a big kid bed so they can get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night if necessary.
If your child is showing signs of outgrowing their crib, and sleep is becoming disrupted because they cannot get or stay comfortable.
Now your perception of what’s comfortable might not align with your child’s. If your child is sleeping well through the night and isn’t repeatedly repositioning or having trouble falling asleep, they may like their cozy nest!
Timing
It’s important to keep in mind other life events and disruptions to your child’s routine when transitioning out of the crib. If your child is starting daycare, transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup, struggling with potty training, or if you have any upcoming travel plans, you might consider waiting until all other aspects of your child’s life are relatively stable before this large transition. Of course if safety concerns arise, transitioning out of the crib may have to occur with other transitions - That’s life! It will all be okay!
Making the transition
When you and your child are ready for the transition, involve your child in the process as much as possible. Have your child help pick out new sheets - even if they wouldn’t be what you pick! - and involve them in taking the crib apart & building the new bed. Some sleep consultants recommend a large, magical transition where the “crib fairy” comes and takes away the crib, leaving the big bed in it’s place. I, however, think that this transition is something your child should be involved in. Their crib has been a place of comfort that’s been only theirs for their whole life so far. Involving them in the process allows them to feel like they are part of the decision and gives them more power in the situation, as well as the opportunity to say goodbye to their crib and have closure.
Next Steps
If you’re ready to make the transition, check out my blog post 4 Books to read when transitioning to a big kid bed !
If you would like support through this transition, I’m here to help! Check out my sleep services here, or book a discovery call to chat through your sleep concerns.
