One of the most common sleep questions parents ask is: “When should we move our child out of the crib?” This transition is a big milestone, and not just for your child, but for the whole family. Parents often wonder about the ideal age to switch from a crib to a toddler bed, the signs that a child is ready, and how to make the process smooth and safe. These are some of the biggest questions that a sleep expert can get on a consistent basis.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every child develops differently, and the timing depends on their individual needs, personality, and safety. Below we’ll walk through the key things to consider so you can feel confident about this transition. Also be sure to read our resource on how to get your newborn to sleep longer at night.
What’s the Best Age to Move From Crib to Toddler Bed?
- Most children transition between 18 months and 3.5 years old.
- The average age is around 2 to 3 years.
- Before age 18 months, most kids don’t have the impulse control or regulation skills to stay in bed on their own.
Tip: If your child is climbing out of the crib or is too tall for it, safety becomes the deciding factor, not just age.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Toddler Bed
Wondering if it’s time? Look for these common readiness signs:
- Climbing out of the crib (safety risk).
- Potty training at night (easier access to the bathroom).
- Asking for a “big kid bed.”
- Consistently sleeping through the night without multiple wakings.
- Showing independence in other daily routines like dressing or feeding.
Remember, toddler bed readiness is about more than age. There’s not a magic number when you automatically move from a crib to a bed. It’s about whether your child can handle the change without disrupting sleep too much. This is especially true when there are other things to consider, like special needs, other diagnoses, or a home situation that warrants staying in the crib.
How to Make the Transition Smooth
Shifting to a toddler bed is a big deal. Here’s how to support your child through the change:
- Talk About It Early
- Introduce the idea a few weeks before the switch.
- Read books about moving to a “big kid bed.”
- Keep Familiar Sleep Routines– Our resource on sleep routines has great tips.
- Stick to your bedtime routine (bath, story, lullaby).
- Familiar routines help ease anxiety during transitions.
- Use Safety Measures
- Add guardrails to prevent falls.
- Place the bed in a safe spot, away from windows or cords.
- Childproof the room since your child may now have more freedom to roam.
- Celebrate the Milestone
- Make it exciting! Let your child pick out new bedding.
- Use positive reinforcement when they stay in their bed at night.
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Child keeps getting out of bed: Stay calm and consistently walk them back to bed without long conversations.
- Sleep regression after transition: It’s normal. Be patient, keep sleep routines consistent, and know that adjustment can take time.
- Sibling transitions: If a new baby needs the crib, transition the older child a few months before so it doesn’t feel like they are being “replaced.”
Whole Child Perspective on Sleep Transitions
Moving from crib to toddler bed is about independence, regulation, and family routines. A child who feels safe, supported, and ready will adjust more easily than one rushed into the change.
At Whole Child Guide, we believe sleep routines are part of the bigger picture of child development. That’s why our directory connects families with sleep specialists, parent coaches, and therapists who can provide guidance when transitions feel overwhelming.
👉 Looking for help? Browse the Whole Child Guide Directory to find professionals who specialize in sleep and family routines. This is a great way to find specialists who are experts in all things “sleep”!
If you are an expert in sleep training, be sure to read our guide on finding clients as a sleep expert.