Crib to Bed: Finding the Right Bed for Toddlers

One of the hardest decisions for parents to make when it comes to their toddlers night time routine is when is the right time to change from the crib to the bed, and what size bed to transition to. While children will normally let their parents know it's time for the change by escaping their crib on any given night throughout the week, finding the right bed to meet their needs is a trickier task to complete.

Choosing between a standard toddler bed, a twin sized or even full sized mattress, depends on several different factors. This decision can be very time consuming for first-time parents, but with a few helpful tips and tricks, it is easy to find the right bed to suit every toddlers needs.

How to Make the Transition form Crib to Bed


Timing is Everything

Most toddlers are ready to move on to a regular bed between the ages of one and a half to 3 years old. Many new parents make the decision to move their toddlers after many night of crib jailbreaks. A toddler "escaping" from their crib is a good sign that they have outgrown their sleeping situation and are ready for the next step in life, a full sized mattress.

Finding the Right Size

Depending on family needs, a toddler bed is a good transition to begin with. These beds are low to the ground, can normally fit crib sized mattresses and are the perfect size for a 2 year old. Unfortunately for new families, the option of another baby on the way usually means the crib mattress will need to be reserved for later use.

While toddler beds are often preferred due to their height and size, other full mattress options will work as well. If using a larger mattress be sure to set the bed up properly with a safe frame and guard rails that will help to keep little ones safe during the night.

Spend Wisely

When it comes to a toddlers room it can be easy to over spend on cute accessories and other items to fill the space. But it is important to remember that safety and comfort are most important for transitioning sleepers. Invest in a quality mattress, bed frame and railings before splurging on the finishing touches.