My children were so happy to switch from their crib to their big kid’s bed. It was a special but also stressful moment. Here’s how we did the transition.
Do you remember the time when you were switched to a twin bed from a toddler one? How excited did you feel? It’s one of the first signs to an infant that he or she is no longer a baby, but a “big kid.”
But it’s a significant change after all. Sometime it could take longer to make this adjustment than others.
Again as a parent, it’s essential to know when to transition from toddler bed to twin bed. So, how will you understand when to transition from toddler bed tp twin bed?
Understanding the signs
When you see your child climbing on the barricades of the toddler bed, it’s time. No parents would want his child to fall on the ground and get seriously injured.
If you want to keep him in the crib, make sure there’s something soft, like pillows, for him to land on if he does go overboard.
Get a track of time
The transition from a crib to a bed may come sooner than you can even imagine. Using the new bed only for naps at first is an excellent way to familiarize your kid with it before using it at night.
Notice if your toddler is going through other significant changes too. Cause if you change the bed now it can create mental pressure on him. It’s probably better to hold off on changing the bed for now.
Be wise when choosing
There are several options for post-toddler bed sleeping. If your crib is convertible—means you can take off one side and turn it into a daybed—this is the easiest and most economical option. Plus, the bed will already feel familiar to your child.
Also, to make this transition less dramatic is to put the mattress directly on the floor for a while.
Finally, a bed rail can be used with a twin bed to prevent falls and add a little extra feeling of security for your child (and you).
Furthermore, if your toddler is going through other significant transitions such as weaning, toilet-training, or starting preschool, it’s probably better to hold off on changing the bed for now.
Involve your toddler in this change
Your kid will probably be more excited about leaving his old sturdy bed frame behind if he has some say in how the new bed looks and feels.
If he’s old enough, let him choose some new sheets and bedding—and even the bed itself, if that’s an option. He will undoubtedly want to, and should, bring his favorite stuffed animals into the new bed, and even that can help him feel more eager to head to bed.
There are also books out there that address children’s feelings about moving from a crib to a bed. Examples include “Big Kid Bed” by Leslie Patricelli and “Your Own Big Bed” by Rita M. Bergstein.
Think about the costs of a new bed
Since both toddler and twin bed is safe, using either one will require some transition for your little tyke.
A toddler bed costs less than a twin bed. If you feel your choice must be based on cost — then go with it — and don’t let anybody tell you otherwise.
And not only can you buy a toddler bed for less than a twin, but if the crib mattress is in good condition, you won’t have to buy a new mattress.
Make a consistent bedtime routine
For a toddler, moving to a new bed is s enormous deal!
Try to keep this event separate from any other major life event, such as a new baby sister or moving to a new city.
Keep his bedtime routine consistent — if you read to him, rock him or sing to him, continue the same routine once he’s all tucked-in in his new bed.
Give freedom to your toddler
Once your child leaves the confines of the crib, don’t be shocked if he or she becomes a nocturnal traveler. Leaving the crib brings new freedom.
Many parents tell me their toddler will easily fall asleep in a toddler bed, only to magically appear in Mom and Dad’s bed during the night. Gentle reassurance and returning the child back to his or her bed should help. Often, slowly fading away from the child’s presence will work. Try rewarding your child with positive reinforcement for spending the entire night in his or her bed.
With your child’s new liberty to roam, make sure that you have installed gates around stairs, childproof outlet covers and latches on the dresser drawers to prevent toddler mishaps during the night.
The most important thing to remember when transitioning your toddler to a big kid’s bed is to make it safe and fun.
What to do about kids jumping on their bed frame?
You cannot stop squeaking bed from making noises if your kid jumps on the bed frame regularly.
Usually, more than usual movements put pressure on the joints of the bed frame. So, you can consider the jumping on the bed frame a critical issue.
You cannot also stop small kids from doing their movements all the time. Sometimes, parenting well and teaching them can solve the issue. But in most cases, kids love to jump and run around the house. So, buying the sturdiest bed frame which has solid construction is the only solution here.
Final words
Whichever bed you choose, let your child help pick out kid-friendly sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, and personalize the space with his favorite stuffed animals.
Once the bed in your child’s room, however, don’t be surprised if your little one doesn’t want to sleep in it. It might be necessary to actually remove the crib from your child’s room when the new bed arrives. It can be stressful for a toddler to choose between sleeping in her crib (and wanting to be a baby) and sleeping in her bed (and wanting to be a kid). If you relieve a child from making that choice, says Dr. Widome, it makes it easier for everyone. Plus, when the crib is out of sight, it’s usually out of mind.
P.S. If you’re looking for inspiration for your kid’s room decor, but you’re short on time, you should check my shopping section. I have searched the whole internet to find the coolest decor items for a kid’s room.
To get the best insights and tips to create an Instagram worthy kid’s room, I have read more than 200 blog post, look at (almost) every single kid’s room images on Pinterest and ask my friends or others parents. From all their insights and my own experience, I’ve built those list of the perfect pieces of furniture, wall art, and decor items for your kid’s room.