Moving Your Baby Out of the Crib and Into a Toddler Bed

Saying good-bye to your child’s cot is a big milestone, but a bittersweet one. There is no specific recommended age for transitioning to a toddler bed. Some parents do it as early as 15 months and others not until after 3 years.

Timing often depends on your child's physical skills—you'll want to make the transition to a bed before your intrepid tot masters the art of cot escape.

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

Over 90% of 18-month-olds sleep in a cot, but that gradually drops to about 80% at 2 years and 40% by 3 years of age.

After the first birthday, it’s wise to put the mattress all the way down and make sure your tot doesn’t have toys or now-banned bumpers to climb on. The top of the cot rail should be above their collarbones. And always have a soft rug or carpeting on the floor of the room (with a nonslip under mat), because falls from that height can result in serious injuries.

Generally speaking, if your toddler seems like she's plotting her first cot escape, or you've caught her vaulting commando-style over the railing, it's probably time for her to move her to a bed.

If you’re pregnant, it’s usually best to move your toddler out of the cot a few months before the new baby arrives (assuming your first child is old enough to be out of the cot). If it is already after the birth, you might keep your tot in the cot a while longer. But beware: if you move your toddler to a bed and the next week move the baby into her old cot, your tot may feel jealous—like you gave her beloved possession to the new intruder!

How to Transition to a Toddler Bed

When you’re ready to make the switch, remember that tired, cranky toddlers are especially rigid and hate change. So, get your child used to the new bed by making it a routine place for quiet play or massage and napping during the day, times when she’ll be more flexible.

Your tot will have an easier time with the transition when you continue other familiar sleep cues (like loveys, white noise, your bedtime routine, lullabies and lavender).

To boost her enthusiasm about the switch:

• Make up little stories or read books about sleeping in bed.