Why You Shouldn’t Rush the Crib-to-Bed Transition

If bedtime has turned into full-blown chaos since moving your toddler out of the crib—you’re not alone.

I see this all the time:

✶ Your toddler is sleeping beautifully...
✶ You move them to a big kid bed at 22 months—maybe they climbed out once or you’re prepping early for baby #2…
✶ Suddenly they’re wide awake at 4am, standing at your bedside like a tiny, unblinking ghost.

Before age 3, most toddlers aren’t ready for the freedom of an open bed.
They can get up, but they don’t fully understand that they should stay in bed. And that leads to overtired chaos...fast. 

This isn’t about “bad behaviour.” It’s about development. It’s not fair to expect them to manage something their brain isn’t ready for yet.

✶ Already struggling at bedtime?

Grab my free Toddler Bedtime Guide
It’s packed with calming, confidence-building routines—whether your toddler is still in the crib or already in a big kid bed.

✔️ Download the Free Guide

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.

Some kids are ready closer to 2.5, some around 4. If they aren’t climbing out or in danger, the crib is still the best sleep space.

The crib doesn’t hold them back. It protects their sleep—and yours.

If the switch has already happened and now sleep is a mess, there’s still a way forward.

How to Prep for the Switch Without Total Chaos

1. ✶ Start Talking About It

Begin the conversation 1–2 weeks before the switch. Read books about big kid beds. Let them know what bedtime will look like. Toddlers love predictability.

2. ✶ Let Them Choose Something

A blanket, pillow, or new sleep buddy. Giving them a choice helps them feel involved and more secure.

3. ✶ Practice During the Day

Lie in the bed together. Pretend to do bedtime. Practice waiting for the toddler clock to change. This helps it feel familiar before night one.

4. ✶ Keep the Bedtime Routine Exactly the Same

Keep the same order of events—same stories, same wind-down, same vibe. This gives them something to anchor to.

5. ✶ Use a Visual Cue

A toddler clock, nightlight, or picture helps them know when it’s okay to get up. Toddlers need clear, simple cues—not just verbal reminders.

Transitioning to Room Sharing?

Walk through the setup before night one. Show them where they’ll sleep, what happens if someone wakes, and how bedtime will work. Give them time to adjust to the new rhythm.

Already Switched—and Now Sleep Feels Like a Disaster?

This transition often comes with:
✶ Bedtime stalling
✶ Roaming the house
✶ Early wakes
✶ Needing you again, even if they were sleeping independently

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

✔️ What’s Inside the Toddler Sleep Bundle

✔️ A clear plan to fix early waking, bedtime drama, and nap refusal
✔️ My low-cry method to set realistic boundaries toddlers actually follow
✔️ A printable crib-to-bed prep guide
✔️ Toddler-friendly scripts to explain the change
✔️ Tools that keep them in bed—no sticker charts or bribes

🕓 If you’re mid-switch and exhausted, this is your step-by-step plan.
✔️ Grab the Toddler Sleep Bundle

Still in the Crib, But Bedtime’s Going Off the Rails?

That doesn’t mean it’s time to change beds. It probably means the routine needs support.

✔️ Download the Free Toddler Bedtime Guide
Build a calm, consistent routine now—before making a big change.

This Is a Tough Transition, But You’re Not Failing

The crib-to-bed shift is a weird, tricky season—and you’re doing your best with a clever, sensitive, boundary pushing toddler.

I’ve been there (twice) and made it through it!! And you will too! You're not broken. Your child’s not broken. You just need a plan that works and support that makes sense.

Let’s make this easier—together!
xx