When (& How) to Move Your Toddler to a Big Kid Bed

If bedtime has turned into bit of a nightmare since moving your toddler out of the crib...you’re not alone!!! This transition can be pretty tricky and  see this SO often:

Your toddler was sleeping beautifully...but you moved them to a big kid bed at 22 months (maybe they climbed out once or you’re prepping early for a new baby)…and suddenly they’re fighting bedtime for hours, or maybe you wake up to find them in your bed on the daily. 

Before age 3, most toddlers are just simply NOT ready for the freedom of an open bed yet. They just don’t fully understand that they should stay in bed and that leads to overtired toddlers pretty fast. 

To put it simply, it’s just  not fair to expect them to manage something their brain isn’t ready for yet.

Already struggling at bedtime?

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It’s packed with calming, confidence building routines! Whether your toddler is still in the crib or already in a big kid bed.

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When to Move to a Big Kid Bed

Keep your toddler in the crib until at least age 3 if it’s safe to do so. Obviously if they are climbing out regularly or if there are safety concerns, that is another situation and we would take another route, but if that is not the case, keep them in their crib as long as they allow!y

Some kids are ready closer to 2.5, some around 4 years old. But if they aren’t climbing out or in danger, the crib is still the best sleep space honestly.  Doing this protects their sleep as well as yours.

How to Prep For the Switch to the Big Kid Bed!

1. Start Talking About It

Begin the conversation 1–2 weeks before the switch. Read books about big kid beds and let them know what bedtime will look like. Toddlers love predictability and KNOWING what is gonna happen before it happens. 

2. Let Them Choose Something Special

Go to the store together and let them help choose their new big kid bedsheets or blanket. Giving them a choice helps them feel involved and more secure in this new big transition!

3. Practice During the Day

Lie in the bed together & pretend to do bedtime. Roleplay what will happen if they get out of bed. Maybe practice waiting for the toddler clock to change colour (if this is something you are doing). This helps everything feel familiar before night one.

4. Keep the Bedtime Routine Exactly the Same

Keep the same order of events as you always have done! This gives them something that is familiar to the routine they have always had rather than another new thing to adjust to. 

5. Use a Visual Cue

A toddler clock, nightlight, or bedtime chart can help them know when it’s okay to get up for the day. Toddlers need clear, simple cues not just verbal reminders.

Already Switched...and Now Sleep Feels Like a Disaster? Don't fear!!

Making this transition often comes with a few weeks of bedtime stalling, new night wakings, or early morning wakes (that weren't happening before).

It’s common but  it’s totally something that can turn around!!

What’s Inside the Toddler Sleep Bundle:

• A clear plan to help your toddler sleep all the way through the night!
• Multiple bedtime methods to choose from to set realistic boundaries that toddlers actually respond well to!
  

Grab the Toddler Sleep Bundle

This Is a Tough Transition

 It can take some time and patience as you navigate it but I’ve been there (twice) and made it through it!! And you will too!