If you have a toddler who’s ready to move on from the crib to a bed, this is a big deal. But there is definitely and right way and a wrong way to make this change. So, let’s make your life easier. I’ll show you how to transition to a toddler bed the quickest and easiest way possible. Here we go!

So, my fifth and last child is ready for a toddler bed. From the moment you have a new baby up to young toddlers, there is one big change after another. But after transitioning four other toddlers to a bed, I have learned some tricks to move from your child’s crib super quick and easy. Check it out.

Tip #1: Wait until your toddler is ready

Ignore the fact that your neighbor’s 18-month-old is already sleeping in a bed. Each child will be ready for a bed at different ages. There is no best age for this big move. Consider it a gift to you that your toddler is approaching three years of age and still likes her crib. I knew it was the right time when my daughter just started crawling out of her crib. Because it’s basically a safety issue. If your child sleeps through the middle of the night, don’t interrupt her with this change until she is ready.

Tip #2: Use a convertible crib

Your baby has slept in the same crib since she was born. It is a safe space for her. That’s why a convertible 4-in-1 crib is so awesome. You can keep the same crib and crib mattress that your toddler loves and then convert it to a toddler bed with a side rail, a day bed and then finally a full twin bed with headboard. It makes a much smoother transition.

Tip #3: Make it a big event

Have your toddler watch you as you convert her crib to a big kid bed. Get excited about it and your toddler will get excited as well. Put the mattress on the lowest setting. Buy a new bedspread and bedding set that you know your toddler will love. Decorate her bed with pillows and all of her favorite stuffed animals. This is a big day!

Tip #4: Cover light switch or unscrew light bulb

The next step to transition to a toddler bed is to ease her into her new found independence and her own bed. The first thing your toddler is going to want to do is climb out of her bed and turn on the light. So … duct tape the light switch so she can’t turn it on. Or better yet, take the light bulb out. You can still have a lamp in her room. My daughter didn’t know how to turn on the lamp so it worked great.

Tip #5: Add a child-proof door handle

Your kid is going to get out of her bed and try to open the door. That is a certainty. The easy fix is just to add a child-proof door handle to your child’s bedroom door so they can’t open the door. Some parent might not agree with this approach, but this is the quickest and easiest way to teach your child that it’s bed time. If you keep going back in their room, they will milk it for all it’s worth. For a while, my son fell asleep on the floor next to the door or the side of the bed and that’s totally fine. They figure it out eventually and teaches them impulse control This works great during nap time too.

Tip #6: Don’t give into the tears

Even with the most solid bedtime routine, your child might have a hard time and cry a little bit when they are first getting used to their big bed. The first night is the hardest, but stay strong. This is a big transition. It’s okay if they cry for a little while in their room. They will learn how to soothe themselves and sleep on their own. If you’re worried, you can buy a baby video monitor. In a couple of weeks, they most likely will be loving their new-found freedom from this big milestone.

Tip #7: Focus on positive reinforcement

Try not to get upset with your child if they aren’t staying in their big-kid bed perfectly. You can give them a sticker chart and give them a small reward them when they do a good job. You can also give them their favorite stuffed animal to comfort them at night.

Hopefully these tips on how to transition to a toddler bed will help you with your own child. The most important thing is to avoid the sleepless nights for the whole family. Let me know if you have any additional tips in the comments below.

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