Transitioning To A Toddler Bed

I HIGHLY recommend waiting until your toddler is at least 3 years of age before transitioning them to a toddler bed. Most toddlers are not ready for the responsibility of sleeping and staying in a toddler bed before this. This can cause sleep regressions such as bedtime battles, taking longer to fall asleep, wake-ups in the night or early morning wake ups. Wait for your toddler to be older so you’re able to explain why they need to stay in their bed all night, just as they did in the crib.

Do not do this transition right before a big change like going to daycare, school, moving or welcoming a new baby. Make sure it is done AT LEAST 1 month prior to, or after a big change. This will allow the transition to go more easily for them and allows them to adjust more smoothly. 

Tips to keep them in their crib longer: 

1. Use A Sleep Sack: This makes it harder for them to climb the rails and swing their leg over to get out of the crib. 

2. Drop The Mattress To The Floor: If you are able to, take the springs out of your crib and put the mattress on the floor. This will also make it more difficult for them to climb out. Just make sure there isn't a gap between the mattress and the bottom of the crib. 

3. Turn The Crib Around: If you have a crib with a higher side, turn the crib so the higher part is facing outward. You can also put the crib to the corner of the room so there are less sides to climb out.

4. Have Nothing Around The Crib: Make sure there are no dressers or furniture that they can use to help them climb out of the crib. 

5. Use Two-Way Speaker: Use the speaker on your monitor when you see your toddler trying to climb. You can say "lay down, it's time to sleep".

How you respond to their climbing might make them continue to do it. Sometimes they climb to delay their nap or bedtime. If you go into the room every time they do it, they may make a game out of it, knowing you will come back in if they climb. 

Once you know they are ready for this transition, I suggest the following:

1. Preparation: 

This is the step that is most commonly missed or forgotten. Before transitioning your toddler to their toddler bed, get them involved in the process!

To do this you can: 

• Get them to help pick out their new bed, and help set it up 

• Let them pick out new sheets, maybe with their favourite characters or colours 

• Let them pick out a new toy that they can sleep with 

• Buy a ‘Hatch’ or ‘Gro Clock’ and let them pick out their favourite colour for wake up time. 

• Talk to them about how big they are to get to sleep in a big kid bed. Really encourage and get them excited for this new change. 

Remember that your child will feel your anxiety, so be excited and happy and let them know they can do it, just like when they were in the crib.

2. Setting Up The Room:

Now that your child is no longer in the crib, we need to make sure the whole room is safe in case they get up at night. 

• Secure all the furniture to the walls so they can’t fall over. 

• Take out any toys that might be distracting for your child while they are falling asleep. Keep it to the toy(s) they sleep with, and some books on their bookshelf.

• Use a door monkey or baby gate on the door

• Make sure the door is shut when they go to sleep for safety reasons 

• Get a ‘hatch’ or a ‘Gro Clock’. This can be used as a sound machine, night light (RED OR ORANGE ONLY) and a different colour for when they can get out of their beds in the morning.

3. Setting Boundaries: 

- Talk with your toddler, prior to this change, about what is going to happen. Prepare them during the process and at bedtime. Once they are in bed, this is not the time to reason or talk things over with them. You do not want them getting over tired and struggling to fall asleep.

- Talk with your toddler about what is expected of them. Do this before bedtime, talk about staying in their bed until mom or dad gets them in the morning. If they need you, they can call out and you will come to them. You can read them a special book about moving to a toddler bed as well. 

- Use a reward chart. Give them a sticker for every night they stay in their bed all night. After so many stickers they get a special date with mom or dad or another big reward to celebrate. 

- If they are asking for “just one more” kiss, books, drink, snuggle, ect… over and over, you can try using a bedtime pass. This “pass” can only be used ONCE every night if they choose to use it. This is to ask for just one more thing before bed, within reason! This helps them to feel empowered and allows them to go to bed with less of a battle. DO NOT exceed the one time rule or this pass will not work anymore. You need to set the boundary, stay firm and they will know what is expected of them. It is VERY normal for toddlers to push boundaries and see what they can and cannot do. This does not mean your toddler is bad or that you’re doing something wrong. This is a part of learning. 

If your toddler is struggling to fall asleep independently, it will be easier to sleep train prior to this transition. If you are having difficulties after this transition, I can also help with creating a plan to get your toddler to sleep through the night!