10 tips for moving your toddler into a big kid bed
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Moving your toddler into a big kid bed is a big milestone for toddlers, but it can come with mixed feelings for both them, and us.
If you think it’s time to transition your toddler into a big kid bed and would like to make the transition as easy as possible, then here are some tips for moving your toddler into a big kid bed.
I’ve also included some information on when to move your toddler into a big kid bed, some signs that may indicate your toddler’s ready to move, as well as what bedding your toddler can use once they’re ready.
When to move your toddler into a big kid bed
On average toddlers move into a bed between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old, but like most things child related, every child is different, and some will be ready during this time, some before, and some after.
Whatever time you choose, the best time to move your toddler into a big kid bed is when the time’s right for you, and your toddler.
Signs your toddler is ready to move into a big kid bed
Some signs to indicate that your toddler is ready to move to a big bed include:
- They’re able to climb out of their cot
- They’re too big to sleep comfortably in their current bed
- You’re toilet training your toddler and they need to be able to get out of bed to go to the toilet
- You’re expecting a new baby and need the cot for the baby, and you don’t want your toddler feeling like their new sibling is taking their cot
When toddlers can use bedding
The NHS advises that pillows or duvets shouldn’t be used for children under 1 due to risk of suffocation.
If you’d like more information on using bedding for your toddler, I’ve written this post when to use a duvet for your toddler that I hope will help.
Tips for moving your toddler into a big kid bed
Once you feel the time is right to transition your toddler out of their cot and into a toddler bed, or straight into a big kid bed, here are some tips on how to do it.
Some of these tips will work better than others, so some trial and error may be needed to find what works best for you and your toddler.
Determine if they’re ready
Toddlers are ready for things at different ages, so before moving your toddler out of their cot, determine if moving them is something they’re ready for.
This may mean that you move them when they’re closer to 4 years old, instead of nearer to 2.
Whenever you move them don’t do it because you feel pressured to, or because you think your toddler is at the age they should move to a bigger bed, do it when you feel the time is right, or when your toddler asks.
Communicate the change
Before moving your toddler to a big kid bed, communicate the change to them so they can get used to the idea before it happens, and so there won’t be any toddler tantrums when the time comes.
You could also tell family and friends what’s happening, so they can talk about it with your toddler as well.
Get them involved in the change
Getting your toddler’s opinion on what bed they want, and what characters they’d like on their bedding, is a great way to get them excited about moving beds, and it gives them some control over the situation.
Plus, if your toddler is anything like mine, having their favourite characters on their bedding is a way to encourage them to get into bed and stay in it.
Read some big kid bed books
There are some toddler books that you can read to your toddler about moving into a big kid bed to help them understand what’s happening, and to get them willing to make the change.
Some of these books are:
- Big Enough for a Bed (Sesame Street), by Random House
- Sleep in your Big Kid Bed, by Amanda Hembrow
- Your Own Big Bed, by Rita Bergstein, illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung
- My Big Girl Bed A Princess Polly book, by Amanda Li
- My Big Boy Bed A Pirate Pete book, by Amanda Li
Keep their comforters
If there’s anything your toddler uses at bedtime to make their nights more comfortable such as blankets, comforters, soft toys, and even night lights, then make sure these stay in their new bed with them, as it will help them feel safe and secure.
Invest in some safety items
If you’re afraid your toddler will fall out of their new bed then there are portable side rails that you can get that slip under the mattress and stop your toddler from rolling out of their bed.
I have the Safety 1st portable bed rail, and I love that I can take it with me when staying in a hotel with kids, so it can be used in beds that aren’t yours.
Keep your bedtime routine
When transitioning your toddler into a big kid bed keep everything consistent, including any bedtime routines you have.
Changing anything when they’re already changing where they sleep may be too much for your toddler, which may result in them resisting the move into a new bed.
New bed location
If possible put your toddler’s new bed in the same location, or as close to the same location as possible.
Try also not to move anything in their room to a new spot so everything stays as close to the current layout as possible.
Set some boundaries
Moving your toddler into a big kid bed means that they can easily get out of their bed, and if your toddler is like mine, they will take advantage of this and escape many times before falling asleep.
Setting some boundaries, or explaining to your toddler what they can and can’t do in their new bed, will help them understand what’s expected of them.
If they do happen to come out of bed and say hi, just take them back to bed and tell them it’s bedtime, so they need to stay in bed.
Be patient
There are many things that require patience when it comes to toddlers, ditching the dummy is a big one, and this change is another.
They’ll be nights when your toddler doesn’t want to be in their big kid bed, and your patience will be tested trying to get them back in.
However, with some patience, there will come a time when your toddler will finally stay in their big kid bed, and you’ll be so happy they did.
It may take some time, and some toddlers will be ready before others, but once your toddler is used to their new sleeping situation, it will become the new normal.
Are there any tips here that you’ll try?
