Signs That a Toddler Is Ready for a Toddler Bed

What is Normal?

• Children are born with individual personalities, with some being more active and independent and some needing more security and stability in their nighttime routines. Don't try to force or encourage a child to transition to a bed just because you think that she is outgrowing the crib. If a child is not ready for the transition, sleep patterns might be disrupted or safety issues might arise. Children as young as 2 can make the switch to a bed successfully, but using a crib up to age 4 is not uncommon.

Family Dynamics

• The impending arrival of a new baby is often a reason parents wish to move an older sibling to a bed. If so, prepare your toddler well ahead of time for the change. Purchase a bed, and place it in the child's room several weeks before he is expected to sleep in it. The child will have time to become used to the bed and might even be curious and eager to try a new way of sleeping. The child should have a sense that the new bed is his own and that his crib is not being taken over by the new baby.

Personality and Sleep Habits

• If your child is very physically active, start thinking about transitioning to a bed. Trying to climb out of a crib, or banging and shaking the sides of the crib after waking up in the morning, can be a sign that your toddler is ready to switch to a big bed. But the child's sleep habits should be carefully considered before giving up the crib. A very active child who often wakes up during the night might get up and wander, causing safety concerns. Make sure that your child has matured to the point where she sleeps soundly through the night and that she has developed some caution about wandering off on her own.

Parenting Philosophy

• Every family has a different philosophy about child-rearing and about how to move through the important stages of their child's growth. In moving from crib to bed, trust your instincts and follow your own schedule. There is no right or wrong way to make the transition. Whatever your choices, patience is almost always required to complete the process. It might take days or months, but it will happen eventually.