Sheryl Grassie
Sheryl is a writer with a long-time passion for holistic health and good sleep hygiene. She writes on topics related to nutrition, diet and lifestyle, and of course good sleep.
Sheryl is a writer with a long-time passion for holistic health and good sleep hygiene. She writes on topics related to nutrition, diet and lifestyle, and of course good sleep.
At Mattress Advisor, you’ll find comprehensive, unbiased reviews on the best mattresses and bedding products and thoroughly researched tips for getting your best sleep.
Sometime after your child’s first birthday, you may begin to think about how long they will sleep in a crib or in bed with you. The move to an independent bed can happen anytime within the toddler years or later. To give you an idea, 90% of children 18 months old are still sleeping in a crib; at 24 months, 80% are still in a crib; and at 36 months 40%. So, at three years, nearly 50% of children are still using a crib.
There is no exact science regarding the right time to move your child, and in fact, some children move themselves, but generally the change will take place between 18 and 36 months of age: sometimes a little sooner; sometimes a little later. Some experts think later is better and recommend waiting until your child is three or older. What determines the right time for a transition from the crib or family bed depends on a number of variables related to emotional readiness and safety.
Some parents are more comfortable waiting for their child to express an interest in moving to a big bed, others need to move their child, ready or not, for a variety of reasons. The most common consideration for deciding when the move should take place includes the following.
When your child is physically adroit enough to start climbing out of the crib, it is time to think about moving them. This can happen early with a bigger child, but for sure by the time they get close to the 3 foot tall mark they are able to get themselves out of the crib.
My youngest son was tall enough by a year to hang his head over the crib rail and flip himself out. If this starts happening, move the crib mattress to its lowest level; this might buy you some time. But, when your little climber or flipper is catapulting themselves out, it is time to ditch the crib.
Many precocious two year olds are aware enough of their surroundings to question why other children (siblings, cousins, friends) sleep in big beds while they are still in a crib. They may express their readiness by showing displeasure with the crib or asking when they are getting a big kid bed. Your child may present this natural opening, so you can think about and discuss the move to a big bed.
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Just because they express interest, however, does not mean it is time to move. In conjunction with that interest, assess your child’s ability to handle non-physical boundaries. Can they stay in bed without the confines of the crib railings? Will they feel safe? Their interest signifies it is a great time to start working on the transition to a big kid bed, but you don’t have to rush it or do it all at once. Talk to your child, and wait to see if their interest continues over an extended period like several weeks, then move forward.
Some parents and experts like to support potty training with the ease of getting in and out of a big bed. No need for lifting over the rails; children can get up and go on their own. This expedites the time it takes to get to the bathroom and makes for less accidents. If your child is expressing an interest in using the potty, or you think they are ready to be trained, you might want to consider a move to a big bed first.
If you are pregnant or adopting, and will need the crib for a new brother or sister, it might be time to move your toddler to that big bed. There are a couple of schools of thought about this. First, that it is best to move your toddler and get them used to a big bed well in advance of a younger sibling joining the mix. Recommendations vary, but at least 6 weeks and preferably two months before the new arrival.
Some experts think that after a baby comes can work as well. Most newborns sleep in a bassinet for the first few months, during which time your child will have the opportunity to bond with their younger sibling, and you can work on the idea of the big bed. This later scenario is especially preferable if children are spaced close together, and your toddler is on the younger side.
You’ve decided the time is right, now what? If only it was as easy as buying a twin bed and telling your little one, “Sweetie, you are now going to sleep in this big bed.” That, however, can have disastrous consequences and most children need some help with the transition. Here are things you can do to prepare your child and ensure a smooth move to the big bed:
When should a toddler sleep in a big bed? The transition to a big bed can happen at any point during the toddler years. It may be predicated on your child’s maturity or your need for the crib for another child. Assess when is the right time for your family, figure out the new bed and bedding, put in safety rails and additional childproofing, and start getting your child used to the idea. Keep a positive attitude, reinforce what a good job your child is doing, and the transition will be easier than you think.
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