When is it Time to Transition to a Toddler Bed?

The early childhood years are full of big changes! It seems like as soon as we’ve accomplished one thing, it’s time to move on to something new!

I don’t know about you, but the transition to a toddler bed is a big deal. It’s so exciting to see your little “baby” grow up. However, I’ll admit it’s a bit scary to think of them having the freedom to get up on their own! And how do you even know it’s time to make the switch?

Keep reading for four major signs that your little one is ready for the transition to a toddler bed, as well as tips for making the move a breeze! 

What are the signs it’s time to Transition to a Toddler Bed?

According to the Baby Sleep Site, “the average age for making the switch from crib to bed is between 3 and 4 years.” However, many parents make the move sooner, as early as 18 months.

The arrival of a new baby might make the decision for you, but otherwise it’s up to the parents’ discretion.

Here are some clues that your child is ready to transition to a toddler bed:

• Your child is able to climb out of their crib and does so on a regular basis
• The crib mattress is set as low as it will go and your child’s chest is above the rail
• They’re either 3 years of age or 36″ in height and likely reaching the physical limits of the crib (Playground Parkbench)
• They break off the rails on the crib and make their own “toddler bed” (Yes, this really can happen! Just ask Menucha at Moms & Crafters!)

Tips to Make a Smooth Transition to a Toddler Bed:

• Talk to them about it — When we make any major changes with our girls, we always make sure to communicate clearly with them so there are no surprises. This is also an opportunity to involve your child and build excitement about the process.
• Take one thing at a time — Stephanie at Parenting Chaos suggests that parents refrain from trying to tackle two major transitions at once. For example, if you’re already working on potty training, wait until you’ve got that down first before starting the move to a “big kid” bed.
• Childproof the room — Susie from Busy Toddler explains, “your toddler is going to get out of bed [and] play in their room.” She shares this excellent childproofing checklist to create a safe nighttime environment.
• Invest in a toddler sleep trainer/nightlight — Suzy Snooze is an all-in-one baby monitor, sleep trainer and nightlight that soothes toddlers to slumber and lets them know when it’s ok to wake up. A special nightlight can be a “gift” to your child for this big moment in their life, as well as a practical tool for parents.

More about Suzy Snooze and how it can ease the transition to a toddler bed:

Susy Snooze is a collaboration between innovative parenting product creator BleepBleeps and Mumsnet, the UK’s largest parenting community. It’s the first 3-in-1 toddler sleep companion…and it’s absolutely adorable!

Here’s how it works: Susy Snooze connects to parents’ smart phones through the BleepBleeps app. Using the phone app, parents can set the wake-up time and listen through an audio monitor to make sure their child is sleeping soundly and safely. The app can even recommend a sleep schedule based on a child’s age!

1. Sleep Sequence – During the first 10 minutes at bedtime calming music and lights play. Award-winning electronic music producer DJ Erol Alkan composed four custom soundscapes specifically designed to help induce sleep. How cool is that?!
2. Nighttime – Following the Sleep Sequence, the music stops and a constant light comes on. This is designed to comfort the child and help them to sleep through the night.
3. Morning Time – Suzy’s lights will count down the last hour to morning. At a time set by the parents, Suzy’s hat gently rises to the child know that it’s ok to get up.

Visit Suzy Snooze’s wildly successful Kickstarter campaign page for more information and how to get Suzy before she hits stores!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Susy Snooze by BleepBleeps; all opinions are 100% mine.

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