What is a good age to introduce a toddler to a toddler bed?

Question

I have a son that is 21 months old, he is really good about going to bed at night and really good about taking naps, we have been lucky and have not had any problems. Is he ready to transfer from crib to toddler bed?

Answer 1

I think he is definitely old enough for a toddler bed. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you keep a bedtime routine. It sounds like you must have one already as he hasn't any problems going to sleep but if you haven't, this is what I do with my [just turned] 2 year old son; 7pm is bath time, then he has 2 or 3 stories read to him by me and/or his Daddy, then we say 'Night night' & 'Love you' (keep whatever you say the same e.g. Sweet dreams, Sleep time, so he knows what is about to happen) with a kiss & quick cuddle & turn the lights out, then leave the room quietly. If you haven't already got this routine, it may take a few days for your toddler to become accustomed to it & he may protest quite strongly for the first few nights. The best way to deal with this is by returning to their room every 5 minutes, tucking them into bed & saying whatever phrase you have chosen e.g. Night night. Don't kiss & cuddle as they will keep getting out of bed for the attention. Eventually they will tire themselves out & fall asleep. Gradually increase the intervals over a few days from 5 to 7, then 9 minutes etc. but once you reach 15 minutes, don't leave them any longer as they may begin to feel neglected. The first few times are tough & you feel like the worst parent because they can get very upset but if you persevere, everyone benefits. I was given this advice by a professional & qualified Health Visitor at my son's 2 year development check. Good luck

Answer 2

I think he is ready. My son turned two in August. We got him into a toddler bed a few months before that. We had just a little trouble with naps but besides that it worked out fine. In the winter is the best time also because you aren't putting him to bed while it is still light out. We also had our daughter in a toddler bed by two because we needed the crib for my son. Good Luck

Answer 3

Now would be a good time. My son moved to a toddler bed at 18 months because he was very tall and a climber - not a good combination at that age! Toys R Us had some really good bed for a reasonable price. We got my son's there - it has a white wooden frame and an attached rail about halfway down so he can't fall out, but can also get in/out of bed easily. It was only $60, and you can use a crib mattress with it. Good luck!

Answer 4

I moved my 3 year old into a toddler bed at the age of 16 months. He was able to walk and had even climbed out of his crib. We knew it was time for a toddler bed.

Answer 5

We made the switch at 2 years old wit my daughter. We had friends who did it before 2 because their son was good at sleeping at night and they never had any problems. Needless to say he wasn't ready and now things are still horrible for them and bedtime.
This is what we did and worked very well for us and I have recommended this to others and it's worked for them too.
We put up the toddler bed when my daughter turned 2. We did it after her nap, so she had a good nap in her crib. After she woke p we made the switch. That way she got to explore her new bed and get used to the idea a little instead of just throwing her in it and telling her goodnight. After seeing the bed all afternoon and telling her it was her new bed, she seemed okay with it. Now when bedtime rolled around, new story. She was fine, then got up, you just have to turn around and put him back in bed. And yes, chances are this will happen a few times, until the idea really sinks in.But he'll get it and sleep there as longa s you stick to your guns and keep putting him back in bed if he gets up and when he gets up. If you don't put him right back in bed he'll start thinking he's the boss and gets to make the rules. So just remember who's the boss and stick to your guns.

Answer 6

I put my daughter in a toddler bed when she started climbing out of her crib. She was about 22 months old. I got a baby gate for her door so if she happened to get up before me she wasn't able to get into anything and would fuss and wake me up. That worked until she figured how to get over that, but luckily she would only come to my bed when she did.

Answer 7

I'd say now is a good time, just be sure to buy a safety gate also as the little railings on the sides of the toddler bed aren't enough to keep them in there. I had many crashes before getting up in the middle of the night and going to buy a gate.

Answer 8

It can be scary for them because it is an open space as compared to their confined and comy crib. Make sure he is emotionally ready. I took my daughter to Ikea and she started trying out all the beds, but once we turned her crib into a toddler bed, now she refuses to sleep in it and she is 2 1/2. It is best to get a separate bed, rather than converting and trying to see if he will stay in it. Make sure he has a night light and make sure he is gated in so he not wandering around the house.!

Answer 9

Toddler beds are wonderful because they are lower to the floor & makes the child feel as if they are growing up. I don't think the age matters as long as you know your child is ready. If your son stays in bed & is able to get in/out alone then it's time. Good Luck!

Answer 10

yes he is ready. Just make it a point to tell him that since he is such a big boy he is going to get a big boy bed instead of a baby bed. Let him get use to the idea for a week or so and keep telling him everyday about his big boy bed. You might even let him pick out his own bedding for a toddler bed.