Your Guide to Choosing a Big Kid Bed

When your little one's not so little anymore, it's time to buy a big kid bed. If you're not sure how to pick the best one, this guide's for you.

You may not like it, but your kid's growing up. That means they need to move out of the crib and get their own big kid bed. But how do you know when they're ready? Well, there's no set age. Transitioning your child into a new bed comes down to a few different things. Take a look at this guide to find out when to transition your child and how to make the switch easy.

When to Start Transitioning from Crib to Bed

There is no right time to start transitioning your toddler from a crib to a bed. Most kids transition somewhere between 18 to 36 months (or 1 1/2 to 3 years). But your child may transition when they are even younger or older. The best way to figure out the right timing is to watch your child's actions and let them help make the decision with you.

There are a few behaviors you should keep an eye out for. If you notice any of these things, it might be time to get your toddler into a big kid bed.

• Your child feels trapped in their crib
• Your child keeps climbing out of their crib
• Your child asks for a bigger bed
• Your child is potty trained

Remember, toddlers love getting your attention, positive or negative. So just because your child climbs out of their crib once or twice doesn't necessarily mean it's time for a bigger bed. If they are climbing out more frequently and you're worried they might hurt themselves, you may want to gravitate away from the crib. Once your child is potty trained, it's a good idea to transition them into a bed.

What Kind of Kid Bed Should I Get for My Toddler?

When you upgrade your toddler to a bigger bed, safety should be your main priority. There are a lot of different transitional beds out there, so spend some time looking, and don't just buy the cheapest one you can find. You get what you pay for, after all, so cheap beds may not hold up to a toddler's energetic sleeping pattern. Here's a list of the most important things you should consider when buying a kid ready bed.

Bed Size

A twin size bed is usually a good place to start. Toddlers grow quickly, so you want something they can grow into. Small toddler beds shaped like race cars or princess carriages may be cute, but they may also mean you have to buy another bed in the near future.If you like to spend time snuggling before bed, a full bed or queen bed could be a good idea as well. But in most cases, a twin bed will do just fine.

Mattress Type

Firm mattresses are better for children because they support the children's still growing bones. The firmness of the mattress is the most important part of making sure your child sleeps easily in their new kid bed. So you should always buy the mattress before you buy the kids bed frame.

Don't just buy an expensive mattress because it's expensive. You may think expensive mattresses will offer more support, but just because they cost more money doesn't mean they're the best.

Bed Height

A bed that's too tall will make it hard for your toddler to get in and out, and it also increases the risk of falling out of the bed and hurting themselves.

Being able to get into their bed easily will help toddlers embrace their new "big kid" status, but it also allows them to get out of bed during the night when they're sleepy to crawl into bed with the parents.

Just putting a mattress on the ground is a viable option for your toddler. This practically eliminates falls and other height challenges. Because you won't have to buy or set up a bed frame, it will save you some money too.

Bed Rails

This is a transition from a crib to toddler bed, so getting something with side rails is a good idea. A lot of transition beds come with side rails, but you can usually buy rails and attach them to other beds that don't already have them. Side rails may help your child adjust to their new bed, and it will prohibit them from rolling out of bed. But don't make the mistake of thinking the wall can substitute for a rail. Toddlers can get stuck between the bed and the wall, so even if you push the bed up against a wall, put a rail on both sides of the bed.

Durable Build

Remember, some toddlers toss and turn a lot during their sleep. Cute, themed kid beds may not be strong enough to handle the wild movements for very long. Get something you know has a durable build that will last.

How to Help Your Toddler Transition to a Big Kid Bed

Just because you have a new bed doesn't mean your toddler will be happy about the change. In fact, if you aren't careful, they may find the transition scary or unsafe. Switching your toddler's bed can be a process, but here are some tips that will help make the transition easier for you and your toddler.

1. Stick to Your Routine

A new bed might throw your toddler off, so make sure you have a good bedtime routine in place and stick to it. Whatever you did before the switch, do exactly the same thing with the new bed. This will help your toddler feel comfortable and safe in the new bed.

2. Keep Comfort Items

Normal comfort items should make the transition into the new bed with your toddler. If they have a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or other toys, let your child take them to bed like normal. These items will help your toddler feel secure in their big kid bed.

3. Get Your Child Involved

Take them shopping with you. Let them pick out new bedding, big kid PJs, and maybe a new sleeping toy. When you get your toddler involved in the decision-making process, you're giving them some control over the transition. This will make them feel safer and more secure with the situation.

Don't Transition Before Your Toddler Is Ready

Make sure you assess your child and wait until they are ready to transition before putting them in a big kid bed. If your child is ready to transition at a young age, that's okay. If it takes them a while, that's okay too.

Looking for some other kid furniture for your toddler's new set up? Take a look at some of these options.