Parents will freak out about a lot of things, but transitioning from a crib to their own bed doesn't have to be one of them. Most kids make the jump at 1.5 to 3.5 years old, but they will make the transition much easier "when they are ready." So how do you know when they're ready? Size is a great indicator, as well as whether or not they can (and will) climb out of the crib. If they are talking about a 'big kid' bed, they're ready. And night time potty training isn't going to work in a crib either.

The next question is what size bed? Again, it depends on the child. Some will move right into a twin bed, some will prefer a smaller "toddler" bed. There are lots of choices in bed styles. There are themes like princess, boat or racecar beds, or simply small versions of larger beds. Convertible cribs/beds can be pricey up front, but the value is in years of use. Gro Furniture has a great model that starts as a crib, transforms easily into a toddler day bed, and finally a nice work desk, all without tools or complicated instructions.

Allowing your child to help pick out the bed and the linens will help give them some ownership, and help with the transition process. Safety is still an issue of course. If your child chooses to go with a regular twin bed, rails on BOTH sides of the bed are important, even if it's against the wall. Without that wall rail, they could wedge themselves between the wall and the bed whilst squirming in their sleep. It's also important to take down the crib once the new bed is in place, to eliminate any confusion.

Patience is key. Your child WILL wake up and get up in the middle of the night. They may just play in their room, but more than likely they're going to wander to your bed. Helping them back to their own bed each time will be challenging, but eventually, they'll understand and the transition to their own bed will be complete.

Episode 833 is brought to you by BabyBjorn.

Daddy Brad:  When contemplating the major transitions of life, striking out on your own, betrothal, bringing a child into the world, retirement, nothing will rock your world like transitioning your child from crib to bed. [music]
Daddy Clay:  Today's episode is brought to you by BabyBjorn and their new baby carrier miracle, same great BabyBjorn design, even greater comfort.
Daddy Brad:  Just kidding. Parents freak out about all kinds of things, but when and how to move your kid from their crib to the bed should not be one of them. Most kids move between one and a half years of age and three and a half years of age, but what's the right age for your kid to move? Whenever they're ready. But how do you know when they're ready? When your kid looks like this in the crib, he's just about ready. [laughs] If they're talking about sleeping in a big boy bed, they're ready.
[child talk]
If you're tackling nighttime party training, they're ready. [music]
What type of bed is best? Once again, it depends on the kid. Some kids move straight into a regular size twin bed. Now, you can jazz it up with some cool kid linen. Others like to move out into a smaller toddler size bed. They come in all shapes and themes. You can get a princess layer or race car bed or both or just a miniature version of a regular bed. For your progressive parents, they now make systems that evolve with your children from cradle to college.
This particular model from Grow Furniture starts as a crib, transitions into a toddler bed, then turns into a small day bed, and finally a full size study desk. Now, it's a bit pricey on the front end, but if you get 20 plus years of use that turns out to be a good investment.
Now, here are a few tips that might make your transition easier. Let the kids help you pick out the bed and the linen. Think about ownership. "That's a nice choice you got over there, bro."
If possible, set the bed up long before the transition night, and then let them get used to it, but take the crib down once you make the transition. Put bed rails on both sides of the bed even if it is against the wall. Toddlers can wedge themselves between bed and the wall and that can be dangerous.
Re‑toddler proof the room. Check for hidden outlets behind the crib and make sure all large furniture is properly secured. Your little one is most likely going to get up during the night and play unsupervised in their room.
Finally be patient. They are going to wander into your room at all hours in the night. Unless you're sleeping, scoop them up and gently take them back to their room and tuck them in for the 30th time, but don't worry, ultimately they're going to get it.
Well that's all for us here at this time on the lab, thanks to BabyBjorn and we'll see you next time at dadlabs.com.
"Hey, check out this big boy bed. Is it cool?"