Tips for Transitioning from Crib to Big Kid Bed

When Babies Become Toddlers

What an exciting while also terrifying time! This transition from baby to toddler is full of a mix of emotions, isn't it? As parents, we're excited to see our sweet babies meeting their milestones, crawling, walking, talking and more! But then there are the not-so-fun milestones like climbing out of the crib, wetting the bed, learning how to scale furniture, etc. that make our hair seem to turn grey overnight.

There's no standard "right time" to make the transition from crib to toddler or big kid bed. Each kid is unique. My kids, for example, stayed in their cribs until they were almost 3 while my neighbor's kids were out of theirs by 14 months old. One thing remains the same, though, making the transition from crib to toddler bed or even to a Twin bed is a big change for both you and your growing kiddo. With that change comes a new sense of independence, too!

This is the time of exploration, bad dreams, wetting the bed and a vivid imagination that can lead to your little one thinking every shadow in his room has come alive. Just when you thought you were out of the woods and sleeping through the night again, you're suddenly waking up to a tiny little child who had a bad dream or who wet the bed. We've all been there and we're here for you! Here are some tips from our experiences we hope might help!

	Pick low risk books.  You know your kid better than anyone, but we recommend limiting books that might have their imaginations running wild, leading to some bad dreams that will give both them and you a restless night sleep.
	Limit liquids after 5:00 p.m. While potty training, this is going to save you from changing sheets in the middle of the night. Our crib mattress covers are water-resistant and will help prevent accidents from soaking through to the core, but wetting the bed will still wake up everyone.
	Pre-bedtime checklist. As parents, we know how important a routine is for kids. When they're going through this transition, having a checklist that includes things like checking the closet and under the bed for monsters will help ease their minds and give them a sense of comfort.
	Timing is everything. Some parents make the move at 18 months while others wait until their children are older. If your child is already climbing in and out of his crib, it's likely the right time. If they're comfortable and sleeping well in their crib still, don't fix it if it ain't broke!

At the end of the day, remember to trust your gut. It's the most powerful connection you have to your own child and only you know what's right for your relationship and what works best for your house.