Like most parenting topics, there’s not just one right answer to the question of moving your child from a crib to a bed. Even if your toddler says, “I want out!” you’re probably wondering: how do I know when my child is ready to move out of a crib?
The transition from a crib to a bed is one of the most significant moves your child will make in their early years, and it can be both exciting and stressful for parents. While it’s a considerable change for the entire family, it’s also a positive milestone that can boost your child’s confidence and independence. And with a few simple guidelines, you can be sure that you know exactly when your child is ready to say goodbye to their crib, and hello to a brand-new bed.
The MATTRESS360 team is your go-to source for answers to your biggest sleep questions, and we’ve put together a handy guide covering the how, when, and what of moving your child from a crib to a bed.
Signs a Child is Ready to Move from a Crib to a Bed
There’s no “magic number” that tells you the exact age when a child can graduate to a toddler or regular bed, especially because every toddler is so different. Even within a single family, different children may make the transition at varying ages – and that’s perfectly okay!
Toddlers can be ready to move into a big bed anywhere between 18 months and 3 ½ years old, with three years old being a good target. Here are a few signs that it’s time to retire the crib once and for all:
- Your child has reached 3 feet tall.
- Your child constantly asks for a big kid bed.
- Your child is climbing out of the crib regularly.
- Your child seems to be comfortable sleeping on their crib mattress no longer.
How to Transition a Child from a Crib to a Bed
If your child seems to be ready to move to a bigger bed, the transition can be nerve-wracking for parents. Here are a few useful tips for making it a smooth, stress-free experience for both you and your child:
- Protect your child – and their new mattress – with the right accessories. Safety rails are an inexpensive add-on that can help prevent your child from falling out of their bed and are especially important for children that frequently move during sleep. To keep the mattress safe from spills, accidents, and other damage, a quality mattress cover is key.
- Include your child in the fun. Bring your child into the process of choosing a new bed by letting them pick out their new bed sheets, and even taking them to the mattress store to test out mattress options. This can be a great way to get them excited about the significant change.
- Minimize how many changes are happening at once. For some families, a new baby on the way is the primary reason for switching their toddler to a regular bed. In that case, it’s good to make the transition at least six weeks before the baby is due to arrive. That way, your toddler can be settled into their new bed before their sibling is born, and there is only one major life change happening at a time.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Child
When you’re ready to move your little one into their “big kid” bed, both cost and comfort are key. A good night’s sleep is important for every child, supporting their overall health and happiness.
Once you’re ready to start shopping for a kid-friendly mattress for your child, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Decide between a toddler bed and a regular bed. Many parents opt to start with a toddler-sized bed, which is typically low to the ground and paired with a specialty mattress. However, if you’re hoping to make the best long-term investment, a twin-sized bed may be the better choice. A child will typically outgrow their toddler bed within 2 to 3 years, while a twin-sized bed will suit them far longer.
- Invest in a high-quality mattress for the best comfort, durability, and longevity. Even though you probably don’t want to spend a ton of money on your child’s first bed, it’s still important to consider that a poorly-made mattress will impact their sleep quality – and, by extension, yours. Look for a mattress that balances affordability and quality construction to get the best value for your money.
- Select a mattress size that fits your needs and expectations. If you’re hoping for the new bed to be one that lasts your child for several years, consider that when choosing a mattress size. For example, the typical size of twin bed mattress options may feel too small in several years, especially if your child is particularly tall. Instead, upgrade to a full-sized bed, and you can expect it to stand the test of time.
Shop High-Quality, Affordable Mattresses for Kids at MATTRESS360
At MATTRESS360, we can offer the best of both worlds: affordability and quality. Finding a budget-friendly mattress for children shouldn’t mean sacrificing their comfort – because what’s the point of investing in a new bed if they’re just going to crawl into yours every night? At our Glendale mattress store, you can browse a wide selection of mattresses, including twin and full-sized beds that are ideal for kids.
For the mattress deals you can count on, browse our selection online to find a mattress perfectly suited to the exciting milestone of moving to a “big kid” bed. You can also visit our mattress showroom in Glendale or call us at (623) 376-8360.
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Photo Credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
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