Is Your Child Ready for a “Big Kid Bed?”

Like most big transitions parents must navigate, shifting your child from a crib to a “big kid bed” is all about timing. While even the most perfectly-timed switch can result in a few rocky nights, ensuring your child is truly ready can prevent major bedtime blowouts.

Here are six signs your little one may be ready for a big bed and four instances where you may want to hold off for a bit longer.

6 Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Big Kid Bed

1. They are at least 18 months old, but ideally closer to three years old!

Wondering what age to move from a toddler bed to a single bed? Some children are perfectly ready to make the switch from cribs to beds at an earlier age, while others may need a little more time.

Researchers have found that most kiddos have better overall sleep when this transition is delayed until after they turn three, but you know your child best. This is one of those parenting scenarios in which you should listen to your gut and the cues your child is giving you.

2. They are 35 inches or taller.

It may be time to transition your child to a toddler or twin-size bed once the height of their crib railing is less than three-quarters of their overall height. Most pediatricians say this is when your child is around 34 to 36 inches tall. Once they hit this point, they’ll have an easier time climbing out of the crib, which can result in falls or other injuries.

If you have a taller child who checks this box but none of the others, you might want to hold off on making this transition. Instead, consider sleepsacks or even lowering the mattress to the floor so they can’t climb out of the crib.

3. They have expressed interest in a big kid bed.

Capitalize on your child’s interest! It’s much easier to learn how to transition to a full-sized bed if your child is already eager to do so. If your little one approves of this decision, and there are other signs that they’re ready, consider making the switch.

4. You can communicate with them, and they understand boundaries.

Very few children have perfect impulse control. However, if your little snoozer has a general idea of right and wrong, can communicate effectively, and largely follows your instructions, they may be a good candidate for this transition.

5. You have a consistent bedtime routine in place.

Warm bath, cozy jammies, three books, one song, light’s out. If you have your child’s bedtime routine down to a science and they are used to the same steps each night, you’ve created a great foundation for this transition! After all, tucking them into a big kid bed instead of their crib won’t change much, and their little brains and bodies are likely to fall fast asleep after the last step of their routine. If you don’t have a routine in place yet, that’s okay! However, it may be best to establish one before ditching the crib.

6. Your child is sleeping well through the night.

This transition will likely go smoother if your child is a relatively good sleeper. If your kiddo is up and down all night in their crib and you’re still working on sleep training or establishing a good routine or schedule, giving them the freedom of a big kid bed will probably only make things more difficult.

3 Signs Your Child Should Stay In Their Crib (For Now!)

1. You’re only moving them because you need the crib for a new baby.

If your child is showing signs that they’re ready for this transition and you need the crib for the baby, woohoo! You nailed the timing. However, if you’re pushing this transition prematurely to use the crib for a new baby, you may be setting yourself up for disaster (e.g. dealing with a chaotic newborn sleep schedule and a roaming toddler all at once). If possible, buy or borrow a second crib or bassinet rather than forcing the transition.

2. They’re experiencing another big change or transition.

Like the birth of a new sibling, big transitions in your child’s life can feel overwhelming and destabilizing. While it may seem perfectly logical to transition to a big bed when the new baby arrives, or when you move into a new house, or when they start a new big kid school, be cognizant of just how much change they’re experiencing. It’s best to do this transition when everything in life is (relatively) calm and settled.

3. You haven’t childproofed their room.

Once your child has the freedom to roam after bedtime, they likely will. Ensure their room is fully childproofed before allowing them this freedom. This includes anchoring all heavy pieces of furniture, covering outlets, removing or securing dangling window cords, and removing any toys with choking hazards.

You’ll also want to childproof outside areas. Make sure any staircases are gated, halls are lit with nightlights, and all accessible spaces are similarly childproofed. Keep in mind that once you transition your kid to a bigger bed, adding a bed rail might be an additional step!

How to Best Approach the Transition

• Communicate the Transition: Talk to your child about the upcoming change. Explain that moving to a big kid bed is exciting and reassure them that they will still be safe and comfortable.
• Involve Them in the Process: Let your child help choose their new bedroom decor. This can make the transition feel more like an adventure and less like a daunting change.
• Create a Safe and Inviting Space: Ensure the new bed is low to the ground to prevent falls and remove any potential hazards from the room. Make the bed inviting with their favorite stuffed animals.
• Maintain a Consistent Bedtime Routine: Keep bedtime routines consistent to provide a sense of security and familiarity. This can help your child adjust more easily to their new sleeping arrangement.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their successes with lots of praise and perhaps a small reward. Positive reinforcement can help build your little one’s confidence and excitement about their big kid bed.

When you’re ready to make the switch, finding the right kid’s furniture is essential. Rent-A-Center offers a wide selection of stylish rent-to-own kids’ furniture bedroom sets, beds, and bunk beds that won’t strain your budget, thanks to our flexible payment options and exchange policies. Stop by your local Rent-A-Center today for quality options that’ll make your kiddo’s transition as smooth as possible.