How to Move from Crib to Toddler Bed Smoothly

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a big kid moment for your bub. Suddenly, those tiny fingers and toes don’t seem so little. This major developmental milestone is the beginning of their growing independence, new routines, and new ways to create calm at bedtime - and a great opportunity to create a more sustainable sleep space that is kinder to the planet. 

April is Earth Month, which makes it a perfect time to reflect on our choices and its impact on the planet. By choosing natural materials, reusing when you can, and shopping more mindfully, you can reduce waste and create a cozy sleep space for your toddler that is healthier for them and the planet. 

In this guide, we’ll share how to know when your toddler is ready to transition from a crib to a bed, how to make this change feel special, and how to make this transition sustainable.  

Every child is different. Some little ones move from their crib to a big kid bed at 18 months. Some will transition to a toddler bed at 2 years, and some later. Most little ones are ready to move from their crib to a toddler bed between 18 months and 4 years old, but every child is different and the transition may look different too. Current research shows that little ones close to 3. Some signs your bub is ready to move to their big kid bed may be: 

• Your toddler consistently climbs out of their crib and the crib mattress is at the lowest setting. Your little climber is breaking out of their crib where the drop is about 4.5 feet, putting them at risk of a serious fall. 
• They’ve outgrown their crib. If your toddler is more than 35 inches or the crib railing is in the middle of their chest while they’re standing, then it could put them at risk of a serious fall. 
• Your toddler is asking for a big kid bed. If your bub is repeatedly asking for a bed and shows interest, it may be time to transition to a bed. This allows you to start talking about it and let them be a part of the transition. 

The transition to a big kid bed is a big change. Make the decision based on your intuition - and not based on their age. 

If you’ve decided to transition your bub to a toddler bed, here are some tips to make it go smoothly: 

1. Start talking about it by reading books to get them excited about the move. 
2. Prepare the room to make sure it’s safe. With their newfound freedom, they’ll be able to move around the room - that includes climbing and getting their hands into things like electrical outlets. Before moving your bub, it’s a good time to ensure that furniture is properly anchored, electrical outlets are covered, no dangling cords from blinds, and any breakable decorations or toys are moved out of reach. This is also a great time to add a door alarm so you can hear when your bub tries to break out of the room.
3. Get them involved by letting them decide on the colour of their bed sheets, the pattern on their blanket, the new wallpaper, a new night light, or a new furry friend that gets to stay in bed with them for comfort, like this adorable bunny toy. 
4. Keep your existing bedtime routine that helps create calm at bedtime. This helps them feel safe and signals to your toddler that it’s time for bedtime. 
5. Read stories in their new bed together to help them get familiar with their new sleep space. If you can, do this before you move them to their big kid bed. 
6. Talk to your little one about the transition, when they can get out of bed, and safety rules around not letting the room. This could be a good time to set up a morning routine where they play independently in their room when it’s time to get up. 
7. Be prepared that they’ll probably fall out of their bed. You could have a mat there to help with the fall. If they do fall, you could go in the room to put them back in bed or leave them on the floor to let them rest there until they get up between their sleep cycle. 

This is a big change for your little one and helping them feel excited will make the transition smoother.

To make this milestone feel extra special, here are a few tips: 

• Leave a special note under their pillow or scatter paper hearts around their bed for the first few nights to show them you’re still thinking about them. 
• Make them a bedtime basket filled with a new bedtime story and soft PJs.
• Mark the milestone with a small celebration like letting them choose the activity for the day, the story before bedtime, or their bedtime song. 

Bedtime separation can be tough for little ones, and change makes it especially tough. Making the crib-to-bed transition feel special helps create a sense of calmness before bedtime.  

This Earth Month, make transitioning your bub to a big kid bed one that feels cozy for them and better for the planet. Here are a few ideas on how to create a sustainable bed kid room: 

• Choose a convertible bed that can be extended as your child grows. 
• Opt for earth-friendly materials when you choose bedding like organic cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™, which is gentler on your bub’s skin too. 

• Consider buying secondhand items like decorations, furniture or playmats. 
• Buy a non-toxic, natural mattress and avoid products that have been treated with flame retardants. 
• Decorate mindfully and use non-toxic paint or wall decals that can be easily removed and updated. 
• Choose LED lighting to reduce your energy storage. 
  

By setting up your bub’s new space with the earth in mind, you’re helping to create a healthier home and modelling sustainability from the start. 

To make this transition smoother and earth-friendly, here are a few items you may need: 

• Ultra-soft and breathable PJs made from earth-friendly, skin-friendly materials like bamboo, tanboocel, or organic cotton
• A dreamy footed sleep bag that keeps your bub cozy all night long without having to worry about them kicking off any blankets 
• An oh-so-soft big kid blanket to celebrate their new big kid bed. Bonus, you can let them choose one in a fun print. 
• If you have plans to potty-train soon after the transition, a mattress protector will keep your bub comfy all night long - even when accidents happen. 
• A cozy pillow shaped to grow with your bub and lets them rest their heads all night. 
• A soft and breathable duvet and duvet cover that makes them feel like they’re wrapped in soft, fluffy clouds all night. 

The crib-to-bed transition is a big change for your bub and a great time to make earth-friendly choices. By involving your toddler, choosing earth-friendly materials, and making your bub feel special and connected, you’ll be setting your toddler up for a smooth change - and the planet up for a better future.