From Crib to Bed

Some time between their eighteenth month and their third year, most children will be ready to make the switch from crib to bed. Parents may recognize this milestone as a bittersweet time that signals the end of babyhood and the beginning of childhood. However, parents’ emotions should play a minor role during the switch. Let’s take a look at the whole process objectively.

First, how does a parent know when a child is ready to leave the crib behind? Sometimes the answer is (painfully) obvious. If your child is able to climb out of the crib, thereby putting himself in danger of falling, then it’s definitely time to start shopping for a big kid bed. Similarly, if your child can shake the crib forcefully enough to loosen the screws then the crib’s days should be numbered. Some kids will display bed-readiness in less obvious ways, such as pointing or leaning toward a bed as they’re being carried toward the crib. Perhaps you’re expecting another baby and will need the crib for the newest member of your family. Whatever the situation, you can make the switch easy for both you and your child.

If space allows, put a bed in your child’s room as soon as possible. Not only will this provide extra sleeping space for guests and a place to read and snuggle with your child, but baby will also get used to having a bed in his room early on. A child who is old enough to understand the process may enjoy going shopping for new sheets and blankets and having a part in choosing what his bed will look like.

Allow your child to see others sleeping in a bed. For example, take baby with you when going to wake up older siblings in the morning. Moms, this is also a chance for you to let your baby “wake up Daddy” and get away with it!

Lay down in bed with your baby to read stories, sing songs, and snuggle before naps or bedtime. Your baby will learn that the bed is a cozy, happy place where he can relax.

Make the big kid bed as safe as possible. Push one side of the bed against a wall; make sure it’s not against a window, so your child can’t get tangled in window treatments or fall out of/through the glass. You’ll probably need to buy or borrow a safety rail to block off the other long side of the bed. If you’ve got a tall headboard, consider turning the bed around so that the headboard is actually used as a barrier at your child’s feet (with a wall at the head of the bed). Alternatively, you might block off the foot of the bed with your child’s crib. Now with two walls, a headboard or crib at the bottom, and a rail on one side, your child is unable to roll out of bed accidentally.

You may wonder why you’ve gone to so much effort to make a big kid bed so crib-like. Safety is the first reason, but a transition from crib to bed will be easiest if your child feels cozy and secure in his new sleeping environment. Additionally, having a bed ready for sleeping will allow you to make the switch at any time. If a pre-nap story in bed puts your child to sleep, no need to move him to the crib. Quietly leave the room and let him test-drive his new bed.

Do begin the new sleeping arrangement with naptime. When you feel that your child is ready, snuggle up in the bed together and ease baby into naptime as usual. Include any cherished “lovey” that your child normally has at naptime, and consider spending a few extra minutes snuggling baby into a calm and sleepy state. When you get up and leave baby in bed, he may object or seem disoriented. Reassure, give extra kisses, and leave the room.

The first day will be the most difficult. Depending on your child’s disposition, expect some crying or a reluctance to stay in bed. If, after half an hour or so, your child is still upset or refuses to stay in the big kid bed, calmly move him to the crib and let him know you’ll try again tomorrow. A random hint: install a peephole in your baby’s bedroom door. You’ll be able to see when he’s in or out of bed without disturbing him by opening the door.

Should your child be able to climb out of his new bed? Yes, with some caveats. Don’t make the path too easy or too tempting. For example, you might fill the gap at either end of the safety rail with pillows or stuffed animals. (Children under two may not be ready to use a pillow while sleeping; if you’re unsure, ask your pediatrician.) Also consider moving any favorite toys out of sight. That new puzzle or book on the floor may be too distracting to a toddler who is expected to stay in bed and sleep.

Once your child has made a naptime switch to the big bed, the nighttime switch should be fairly easy. As with naps, the first night will be the most difficult, but now that baby is used to sleeping in the big bed any objections should be short-lived. Leave the crib in place until baby is in the big bed for good, then take it down matter of factly and let your child say “bye-bye” to his old sleeping quarters.