Crib or Toddler Bed?

By Barbara Pietronudo

Is your child climbing out of their crib?

Have they out grown their crib limits?

Do they have a new sibling on the way?

These are three great reasons to start making the transition from crib to toddler bed.

Many times a parent has been awakened to a loud thump and a cry in the night from their child falling out of the crib. If your toddler is starting to climb out of their crib then this is definitely the right time to make the transition to a toddler bed.

Age is not the only thing to consider....

Children grow at different paces. My daughter stayed little and petite while my son out grew everything very quickly. If your child is rolling and hitting the sides of the crib or just looks cramped or if your child is 36 inches (3 ft) or taller you may want to start transitioning your child for comfort.

If you have a new sibling on the way and are going to need the crib for the new baby it might be a good idea to start making the transition a few months ahead of time if possible. Many little ones get jealous and have a hard time getting used to the idea of having to share mom and dad with their new brother or sister. You may not want them to think the baby is trying to take away their bed too! You may just have your first taste of sibling rivalry on your hands! There is plenty of time for that.

When you have decided to make the change there are a few things you may want to keep in mind...



Make the big event fun. Find a bed that your child is going to be excited about. If possible let them help you pick it out. There are so many cute toddler beds to choose from finding one their excited about shouldn't pose a problem. When you have chosen their new bed I would suggest using the same mattress from their crib so they have the same comfort they are use to. Many parents also use the same bedding at first. If you choose to buy new bedding try to pick something bright, cozy, and fun that will excite your child. Make sure you make a big deal out of their new bed, talk it up and let them know their big kids and not babies anymore.

There is nobody that knows your child better than you and ultimately the decision is yours, most children can safely be moved from crib to toddler beds from 18 months to 3 � years, most importantly keep your child's bed time routine the same with the toddler bed as you did with the crib.

For more information and a great selection of toddler beds visit Toddler Beds at My Childs Gameroom