It seems like just yesterday you were cradling your tiny newborn in your arms, rocking them to sleep, and wondering when (if ever!) he/she would sleep through the entire night. Now that your little baby has grown into a full-fledged toddler, you may be thinking about the NEXT exciting sleep phase in their young life: transitioning from the crib to a toddler bed.
The graduation from crib to a toddler bed is exciting and scary all at once. After all, will your kid ever sleep again once she discovers the newfound freedom of a bed without rails? You may have visions of her roaming about the house at night. Eating unlimited amounts of candy from the cabinet.
Don’t worry — everything you’re feeling is TOTALLY normal and we are right there with you. More importantly, we want you to know that transitioning to a toddler bed is a milestone that’s full of positives. Not only will your child gain new coping skills, she will develop a greater sense of independence.
Crib to Toddler Bed: Timing
Some parents make the switch out of necessity to make space for a baby on the way, while others do it as a safety measure. Once your child learns to climb out of the crib… AHH!
Outside of crib jumping, when should you consider moving your child from her crib to a toddler bed?
Is your kiddo mature enough to handle the responsibility of such freedom? Kids feel safe in their cribs — it’s familiar, cozy and snug. When they move to a toddler bed, they no longer feel “protected” by the space and safe confines of their crib slats. What’s more, they have a better view of their big room and all the fun stuff that’s now within arm’s reach. Resisting the temptation to play with all the toys – or worse, leaving the bedroom – is overwhelming.
An article was recently published in the journal of Sleep Medicine, which states that when parents wait to move their kids into a big kid bed until they’re 3 years old, everyone — parents and toddlers alike — get better sleep.
All in all, it seems that 3-year-old kiddos tend to be less resistant at bedtime, have fewer night awakenings and sleep for longer periods of time. Not to mention, a 3-year-old is more likely to be able to understand the “staying in bed at night” rules. That’s why most sleep experts agree: don’t rush it. Some kids seem ready at 18 months while others not until age 4. But if your child doesn’t show any interest in getting out of the crib, it’s okay to keep him/her there until they are ready to make the transition. Bottom line: there is no hurry.
What to Transition to?
My child is not yet big enough to transition to a toddler bed, but I am so glad that I decided to go with the Milk Street crib that can transition into a toddler bed.
The great thing about this is that I can keep the same crib sized mattress. Not switching mattresses can also help with the toddler bed transition process! There is no worry about a child falling out of the bed, and no large room configurations need to be done to fit new furniture. The child will also have the same smells, tactile experience.
In addition, toddler beds are designed with the needs of toddlers in mind. The rails help them feel safe. Toddler-size beds are lower to the floor than single beds, so if your child rolls out of bed, they are less likely to be hurt.
I went with Milk Street because their style can work with any décor. Unlike many cribs on the market Milk Street designs all of their furniture to be gender neutral, and transitional. It works with any color palette, it has a design that is amazing in a newborn space , but also a “big kid” room. Does not look “Babyish.” Sophisticated baby is what they definitely bring to the market!
Their furniture also continues to add value to my initial investment. A piece of furniture that is built and finished to get better with age.
Hope you enjoyed this post!
Be sure to check out our other blog posts. Ranging from all things mental health, to colors in the nursery.
With love,
Kate 
