When Do I Move My Baby to a Toddler Bed?

Updated on August 16, 2008
P.W. asks from Springville, UT
8 answers

I know my son is going to be in a crib for a long time, but when do I need to move him? Thanks! ps I have a 3 in 1 crib.

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thanks for the info ladies, I have a much better idea of when to move my baby now :)

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.

answers from Boise on

Ditto on the toddler bed thoughts (although we never had one). I have a 6, 4 and a 1 year old. The older two transitioned close to their 3rd birthdays straight to twin size beds. They share a room too. It's worked great for us. My 6 year old still misses his crib. :) But, not too a wierd point- it's only in passing occasionally. Close to 3 is a little more controllable than the younger ages- i.e., you won't have to gate the room, etc....

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.A.

answers from Denver on

My Daughter started getting out of her own crib at 16mo. That day we moved her crib to a toddler bed (I also have a 3 in one crib). She did great with a toddler bed right away, but we do gate her in her room during the night.

1 mom found this helpful

S.K.

answers from Denver on

Each child is different, some are ready fairly early and the others not til 2-3. My son for one never slept in a crib, he hated it. He would be dead asleep and once his body hit that crib he would wake up. We co-slept with him and when he was about 9 months we just got a full sized mattress on the floor, totally babyproofed his room and babygated it at night and during naps. My daughter moved into her twin bed when she was 18 months and transitioned from the crib to a bed without problems. I think it is kind of like blankies and pacifiers its a comfort thing for some and they might not be ready to move out til they are older. Climbing out of the crib and such like that is a huge indicator to get them into a bed, but if they love the crib then there is no need to rush them out unless they want a big bed. I agree toddler beds are a waste of money go straight to a twin. I just have the box spring and the mattress on the floor i dont even use the rail thing, i think i heard a thud once from her falling out and she just got right back in and went back to sleep. Just go with what you think your son can handle.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Casper on

I would go for a full size bed, but it doesn't matter too much when. When he's uncomfortable in the crib bc he keeps hitting the sides at night is one idea. The bigger the bed the more comfortable and less likely to fall out.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.L.

answers from Denver on

First of all toddler beds are a waste of money. At 18 months my first had to transition because we had a baby on the way. We went straight to twin bed and put a step stool at the foot so she could get off and of course with a guard rail. She did fine. Toddler beds are not for long and then you have to buy another anyway. Her sister is a bit different. She turned 2 in June and was still in the crib. Ironically, she tried to get out of the crib 1 day before her 2nd birthday night and fell. She now sleeps great in the twin bed with her 4 year old sister. So no toddler bed, 18 months is fine just make sure you have the side panels so your child doesn't fall out in the middle of the night,

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.R.

answers from Boise on

My daughter Evangeline just started to sleep in her crib and she will be 2 years old on November 7th. Yikes!

We are a little behind schedule. It is just so nice having them right next to you.

Good luck with what ever you choose to do

B.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.D.

answers from Denver on

It depends on the kid. We moved our older one when he was interested in being able to get in and out of bed himself. I don't remember how old he was. Maybe around 2. #2 got to switch at 18 months or thereabouts due to #3 needing the crib soon. Both went straight to a normal bed with no problem. I don't see the need for the added transition. It just seems like a money making gimmick by furniture makers to me.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.K.

answers from Denver on

It depends on him. If he is active and a climber you may have to sooner then others. My daughter did great in her crib and was smaller in size but I had to move her at 26 mos because I was having another baby. For my son I moved him at 25 mos old, used a bed rail and got them twin beds instead of toddler beds as they last longer. Since you have a three in one it is great because you can adjust it for him.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. I just moved my kids before they even thought about climbing. Rule of thumb if they are tall enough even when the crib is on the lowest level to put their leg up and try and climb out, time to get them out of the crib so they don't hurt themselves.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions