Moving from the crib to a big-kid bed is a huge adjustment for toddlers. Most often, kids make the transition between 2 and 3 years. Of course, some kids are more resistant than others. At 3 ½ years of age, and with a newborn sister who needed her crib, my daughter refused to give up her bed. Her small crib felt safe and comforting, and she wasn't about to trade it in for the wide open space of a big-kid bed. Like all kids, she eventually made the change. It wasn't an overnight transition, but it was a relatively smooth transition thanks to some basic guidelines for easing the move to a big-kid bed.
Make the Transition Gradually - Allow a gradual transition from the crib to a big-kid bed. For several weeks, my daughter took naps in her big bed, but slept in her crib at night. It was easier for her to make the adjustment during the day when she didn't have to battle the fear of the dark and a new space at the same time.
Move Comfort Items to New Bed - Transitioning from a crib to a big bed is hard, but no kid has to go it alone. Stuffed animals and other comfort items should make the move as well. Many kids also like to use their baby blanket in their new bed. Even though it's too small, it's familiar and comforting.
Keep Bed in Same Location in Room - When your child wakes in the middle of the night, at least the surroundings will look the same - and the shadows on the walls will be familiar!
Use a "Small" or Enclosed Big-Kid Bed - Small cribs feel safe and confined. The walls of the crib protect. A twin bed can feel wide open to all the "monsters" and other imaginary fears. A common solution to this problem is to use a toddler bed, because it's still a small and comforting space. Toddler beds are great transitional beds, but they make not work for everyone. If you need the crib for a younger child, you"ll need the crib mattress also. Toddler beds use crib-size mattresses, so you will still be stuck buying a second mattress. Also, toddler beds are pretty short-term, so parents are wise not to spend too much on them. Another great option is to use a bed that incorporates comfort or enclosed spaces. Here's where the fun begins!
Great Options for Their First Big Kid Bed
Choose the right bed, and your little one will jump at the chance to make the move.
Friendly Stuffed Animal Bed Frames - You really have to see these beds to know how incredibly fun and adorable they are. These furry friends fit around a standard twin mattress to hug and protect kids throughout the night. Better yet, they work with optional safety bumpers to keep kids from falling out of bed. The bed's safety rails also make the bed feel smaller and cozier like a crib. You can even choose fitted sheets that look like the animal's clothes or PJ's. Your child won't even have to worry about monsters under the bed, because the stuffed animal is lying on the floor!
Maxtrix Kids Beds - Maxtrix Kids Furniture is another great option for a first big-kid bed. Solid wood safety rails are available for every bed, so your child can sleep safely without using a bed safety rail that's an eyesore. Your child will love Maxtrix beds, because they have fun bed options like playhouses, castles, and slides. But you'll find that there's another benefit to Maxtrix Kids beds. The play curtains enclose the bed space to offer the same feeling of protection that your child has in the crib. Of course, if your little one doesn't like the darkness inside the playhouse or castle, you can simply adjust the curtain or top tent at night to let in the light.
Custom Theme Beds - OK, so this option is bordering on bribery! What kid would say no to a castle theme bed, playhouse theme bed, or sports car theme bed? These beds are over-the-top kind of fun, and they're limited only by your imagination. Custom builders can make anything that little hearts desire. Offer kids a fun custom theme bed, and they'll say, "bring it on!" Theme beds are great for transitioning toddlers from crib to big-kid bed for two reasons. Obviously, they're incredibly fun, but they also offer the option to enclose the bed for that safe and secure feeling that toddlers need.
Eventually, all toddlers (and parents) make it through this transition, so don't get discouraged. I'm convinced that my little girl resists change more than any child in the world, but now she is happily adjusted to her big-kid bed. By the way, her bed is permanently enclosed on three sides. After being in this bed for several years, she still reminds me every night to close the curtains on the front. She can't sleep unless the bed is completely enclosed. That's where she finds comfort. You'll find the perfect solution for your child, too.
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