Generally, between the ages of 1 and 3 (probably closer to 3) it’s time for your child to move from the crib into a toddler bed or a twin sized bed. Though this may be true, the transition is not an easy one. The crib is small and has walls around it, and it feels more secure.

Moving To The Bed

A larger bed with no walls feels expansive and not safe. A good way to alleviate this fear is to make sure the bed is comfortable and inviting, you may even want to let the child help pick out the bed. Once you have the bed set up, keep things near it that the baby likes. You may want to set up the bed in the same room as the crib a good deal before the transition so the child gets used to it being there. Be excited about the bed and how wonderful it is that the child is big enough to get to sleep in it. Make it something to look forward to. Make sure that some playtime happens on the bed so the child associates the bed with good things.

The Right Time

If you feel your child is just not ready to move to the bed yet, don’t force the transition, let the child stay in the crib a little longer until he or she is more ready for the move. If the move is forced, the child may suffer an adverse reaction and moving will become much more difficult.