DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
Transitioning your toddler into a toddler bed can be emotional, and the idea may even seem like a hassle too.
It’s so easy to have them in a crib, and I think you should keep your child in a crib for as long as possible until it’s really time to transition them.
“But When Do You Know That It’s Time to Transition Them?”
I waited until my daughter was getting out of her crib quickly almost every day.
About 6 months ago, she would sometimes get out of the crib, so I was going to transition her to a toddler bed. But then she stopped.
Once she started to get out again, I knew it was time to transition her for sure. She was now 2 years and 7 months old, so I knew it was a good time!
I knew she needed to be transitioned as soon as possible. She was able to get out of her bed every day, and so quickly!
And I didn’t want her to accidentally get hurt while climbing out of the crib since she wouldn’t make any noise before just walking out of her room in the morning.
This was the only cue I used to know when my daughter was ready.
When I mentioned “a big girl bed,” she didn’t understand what that meant since she doesn’t have any older siblings. And I think she understood mama and dada’s bed was way too big for her, and that wasn’t what we meant by “a big girl bed”!
How We Transitioned Her To a Toddler Bed
First, my boyfriend and I were looking for a toddler rail compatible with her convertible crib. Most rails we saw were around $100-$120.
But then I remembered, when I was going to transition her 6 months ago, I saved this toddler bumper rail that went under the mattress sheet for only $25!
My initial plan was to use this along with the toddler rail, but I read the reviews, and they were all really great! So my boyfriend and I decided to order it and try it, and if it wasn’t good enough, we would just use it with the toddler rail for $100 that we’ll purchase, or we’ll send the bumper back.
But, it works fantastic, and I’m so so happy we got it!
She can’t roll over the bumper, and it has been two nights since the transition as I’m writing this, and she has slept the same as she was in her crib before the change.
Again, I highly recommend checking out this toddler bumper rail. I’m so happy I found it on our first child, so we know that we can save money by using this effective product!
My Tips for a Smooth Transition to a Toddler Bed
☼ Let your little one get involved in the process! My daughter loved feeling like she was helping her dada unscrew the screws to take the crib rail down!
☼ Timing. If your child is comfortable and safe (not climbing out), there’s no reason to move to a toddler bed! Even if they’re 2 or 3 years old. There’s no time you have to move your little one to a bed.
☼ Have a consistent routine beforehand. I used to worry that just because my daughter could more easily get out, she always would. She has always had very consistent sleeping routines; therefore, we didn’t have any issues!
☼ Make sure the space is safe. It’s important to make the room toddler-proof by removing any hazardous toys or objects that they cant play with without adult supervision and to also secure all dressers, bookshelves, etc. to the walls so that if they tried to climb them, they wouldn’t tip over and severely hurt your child.
☼ Put a baby gate up. If your little one does keep getting out of bed and you have made their room safe for them, I recommend putting a baby gate in front of their door to make it more difficult for them to open their door and hopefully get them to stick to their sleeping routines!
You are empowered, mama!
A Letter To My Daughter, Keagan Lauren
“My toddler,
You’re now sleeping in a toddler bed, and that first night was even more emotional than I expected it to be.
For over 2 years, I’ve put you into a crib every day for naps and every night for bedtime.
I rarely thought about what it would be like when you get older, and it’s time to put you in a bed that you can easily get out of.
Cribs are for babies, and now you’ll never be in a crib again after these years. It was emotional but also so exciting because you’re so happy and excited about it!
Keagan Lauren, you will always be my baby. You mean the world to me, and I’ll always be here holding your hand through every step in your life that you allow me to.
Mama and dada love you so much.
Love,
Your mum-mum”
DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get a commission if you decide to purchase something through my links at no cost to you. Please read my Disclaimer for more info.
Leave a Reply