When Is It Time to Move to a Toddler Bed?

By the time your child is around 24 months, he will probably be ready to graduate to a toddler bed. It will most likely be one of his first big-kid moves to independence -- good for him! At this point, your child may be tall enough to lift his legs up and over the sides of a crib, so making the switch is a good idea for his development and best for his safety.

Making the move to a toddler bed is a big one, and there are definitely some factors to keep in mind before doing so. Remember, being in a bed that’s closer to the ground means that your child now has easy access to his room and the house in a way he never had before. That would make any child a little curious.

Before making the big move to a toddler bed, keep the following safety concerns in mind:

Avoid sleepy-time hazards
Sleepy (or mischievous) children can get into trouble if they try to wander around the house unsupervised at night. In order to sidestep this potential issue, try putting a bell on your child’s door so you’ll hear him when he tries to wander.

Put all toys away
Your child doesn’t have to leave his room to get into trouble -- he’s probably tempted enough as it is right in his very own space. Make sure you safely remove any toys or objects that could break or are a potential choking hazard before you put your child to sleep. Also do a quick sweep of the floor to remove anything that could trip up your child if he does get out of bed in the dark.

Place the bed properly

A toddler bed is much closer to the ground than a crib, but even so, it’s not a bad idea to keep the area around your child’s new bed cushioned, at least with a rug. Also, position it away from the window to avoid drafts or any dangling cords or curtains.

Once you have these safety precautions in place, it’s time to celebrate! Moving to a toddler bed is a big step, and it’s important you show your child how proud of him you are.