Not all toddlers easily transition out of a crib and into a toddler bed. Some kids will happily ditch the crib in favor of a more grown-up bed. However, others crave the security and aren’t thrilled with the major change in scenery.
“My son loved his crib,” said Olivia Anderson, a nurse and blogger. “It seemed he would be happy to sleep in it until his feet were poking out of the railing, so transitioning him to a toddler bed terrified me. The first night of the transition, we explained that he would be sleeping in a big-boy bed. We then implemented the same bedtime routine we always do, but when we stepped out of the room, he started to cry.” (It took Anderson’s child about a week before he finally adjusted to his new bed.)
For parents who have never done this before, a screaming child who refuses to sleep in his new bed yet doesn’t fit in his old crib anymore can seem overwhelming and intimidating. Where do you draw the line? How do you get your child to accept their new bed? Here’s what the experts have to say about the milestone of transitioning your child from their crib to a toddler bed.
When should my toddler move from a crib to a bed?
What if my toddler resists the toddler bed?
Even after picking out sheets, some toddlers just won’t want to leave their crib. Robinson-Celeste suggests setting up a baby cam if you haven’t already done so, in order to keep an eye on your toddler. They’ll also know that you’re nearby watching them and that can add a little more security to the change.
If your toddler cries or leaves their bed at night, it’s important to quietly walk them back without engaging, Kesatie said. “Being consistent from the start can really help pave the way for success.”
