Is Your Baby Ready To Go From Crib To Full Bed – 6 Key Signs to Look For

Bringing a baby home for the first time can be an exciting experience for new parents. However, as the baby grows, they will eventually outgrow their crib, and parents may wonder when it’s time to make the switch from crib to full bed.

While every child is unique, several signs can indicate when it’s time to transition. This guide will provide valuable information to help parents determine if their child is ready to move from a crib to a full-size bed, as well as answer frequently asked questions.

How Old Should Your Baby Be Before Transitioning From Crib To Full-Size Bed?

According to the Mayo Clinic, parents should start preparing for the transition when their baby is around 2-3 years old. They recommend you begin by testing your baby’s readiness. One way you can do this is by seeing if they can independently get in and out of bed.

It’s a sign your tot is ready for a larger bed. You can also try sitting with them on the edge of the bed and see if they want to hop off.

What Are The 6 Important Factors To Consider When Transitioning Your Baby From Crib To Full-size Bed?

Transitioning from a crib to a full-size bed can be a big change for both the baby and the parents. Here are some important factors to consider when transitioning your child:

1. The Size Of The Bed

One thing you’ll want to keep in mind is the width and length of the mattress, which should at least match that of a crib (28×52). A toddler bed (36×52) is also an option if space is tight or you have other children in the home.

2. Will You Need To Purchase New Sheets, Blankets, Or Quilts?

If so, ensure they’re the right size and fit snugly on the mattress so they don’t pose a hazard by slipping off or bunching up around your child’s face while they sleep. 

Remember, your child shouldn’t share a full-sized bed with another child until age six due to safety concerns.

3. Does The New Bed Need Rails For The Safety Of Your Little One?

Toddlers may risk falling out of bed because their balance isn’t quite what it used to be. Rails offer added security and prevent falls.

4. How Much Floor Space Will You Need To Make The Transition Easy?

In addition to considering the bed size, you’ll also need to consider how much floor space you have available once your child is ready to transition.

5. Is There Enough Room For Your Toddler’s Belongings

You’ll also want to consider whether there will be enough room in the bedroom for your child’s belongings, such as toys and clothes, once they move into a larger bed.

6. The Lights In The Room

It’s also smart to purchase new night lights since toddlers won’t need the same lighting level as babies. 

It’s never too early to think about these things, even if you plan to wait a few months before making the transition.

Step By Step Guide On How You Can Transition Your Baby From Crib To Full-Size Bed

If you’re wondering when your baby is ready for a big-kid bed, don’t worry! Knowing the right time will help keep your little one safe and comfy.

Here are some helpful steps to guide you on transitioning your baby from a crib to a full-size bed.

1. Before You Start Preparing, Talk To Your Child About It

When it’s time for your child to move out of their crib or bassinet, they must know what’s going on. Make sure to talk about why the change is happening, and then ask if they have any questions.

Your tot may be scared about moving into their new space. However, the feeling should pass once you show your little one the fun they would miss.

2. Make Sure You Have Plenty Of Space In The Room

Where do you plan on putting the bed? It’s best if there is enough space in the room. So your child has plenty of room to play once they get out of bed in the morning.

3. Measure The Floor Space For The Full-size Bed

You should consider the size of your child’s bedroom before buying a full-size bed.

Remember that toddlers typically have difficulty transitioning out of their cribs because they can’t easily climb into a full-size mattress on the floor alone.

Be sure to measure where the new full-size bed will be located so it only takes up a little room or bumps against furniture.

4. Purchase The Right Size Mattress For The Full-size Bed

Measure the length and width of your new full-size bed, and make sure you purchase a mattress with those dimensions.

Mattresses come in standard sizes, but if there is any confusion about which size to get, contact the company beforehand.

5. Put The Mattress In The Sweet Spot

Place the mattress at the lowest position and ensure it fits snugly against all four corners of the bed frame.

It’s best if the mattress is only a few inches shorter than the headboard’s height, so there’s no risk of hanging over.

The edge of the mattress should be about 3 inches below the top railing of the bed frame.

6. Let Your Toddler Help With The Moving Process

Your toddler may not want to let go of his favorite stuffed animal, but letting him help with the moving process could distract him.

Remember to pack up all his other belongings, like clothes, blankets, pillows, and sheets, before bringing everything into his new space.

Also, ensure you leave the door open so your little one can access both rooms – until he feels more comfortable in his new spot!

7. Set Up Colored Lights

Colored lights might seem childish, but they are great for kids who still wake up during the night. They also help create a calming environment to encourage sleepiness.

Additionally, kids love being able to control them with their own hands.

8. Tuck Your Baby In Early

Sleep experts recommend tucking your tot in around 7 p.m. while they are still awake. This way, your little one will feel less anxious.

Eventually, your baby will sleep through the night without needing to wake up to use the bathroom.

9. Wake Your Little One Gently In The Morning

Once your child is in their new bed, gently wake them up in the morning.

This way, they won’t associate their new bed with fear and try to run back to the comfort of their old crib. 

How you handle this moment is entirely up to you!

Now that you’ve learned these helpful steps, your family can rest easy knowing your kid is sleeping safely in their new full-size bed.

It will help your baby feel confident in their new bed and won’t need to sleep with mommy or daddy every night.

What Common Mistakes Parents Make When Transitioning Their Babies From Crib To Full-Size Beds?

When transitioning a baby or toddler into a full bed, parents often make these common mistakes:

1. Transitioning Too Early Or Too Late

Parents will sometimes have their children sleep in the crib longer than they should because they don’t want them to be upset.

On the other hand, some may transition too soon because they feel that the child is getting too big for the crib and they are ready for a full-size bed.

As long as room and safety precautions are taken, such as removing any gaps between the mattress and guardrail, it is okay for your child to stay in their crib past age.

2. Unsure Of The Height Of The Side Rails On The Bed

With safety being of utmost importance when transitioning from crib to full-size bed, parents need to ensure that there is no gap between the mattress and side rails so children can’t get stuck. Follow the company’s instructions closely.

Many companies recommend that you place wood blocks under the legs of the bed, so it doesn’t tip over if your child gets out of bed while sleeping.

But this is only sometimes necessary with newer beds designed to be durable and sturdy.

3. Picking The Wrong Mattress

An extremely thick and firm mattress would be preferable for nighttime sleep if your child is still taking naps during the day because many toddlers still struggle to control their body temperature.

A medium thickness/firmness is preferable if your child no longer sleeps but needs to nap in the afternoon.

What Steps Should You Take If Your Baby Isn’t Sleeping In Their New Full-Size Bed?

If your baby is not sleeping in its new full-size bed, there are some steps you can take to solve the issue.

1. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable for a child who’s used to bundling up in a crib.

2. Consider adding a few toys and books around the room so that it feels more like home. It should be easy to access those items by placing them on a low shelf or even within arm’s reach on their dresser.

3. Add a nightlight to provide enough light at night if they wake up during the dark hours.

4. Consider adding blackout curtains for nighttime sleep and ensure that light sources (lamps) aren’t too close to the bed.

5. Create an age-appropriate bath time, storytime sleep routine, etc., which will help them associate going to sleep with something relaxing rather than scary.

6. If all else fails, ask the physician about medications beneficial in getting your toddler back into a good sleep pattern after transitioning from crib to full bed.

How Does Transitioning From Crib To Full-Size Bed Help With Sleep Training And Night Terrors?

It may seem like just a few extra inches, but the transition from crib to full-size bed can greatly help sleep training and night terrors. Some babies do the best sleeping on their backs, which is easier with the space of a full-size bed.

Night terrors are also easier to soothe in a larger space since it’s easier to comfort your child without waking them up.

Can I Convert A Crib To A Full-Size Bed?

Yes, you can easily convert a crib to a full bed with several crib convertibles available in the market. These options are affordable and allow for a seamless transition of your baby’s sleeping area as they age. However, keep in mind that when converting the crib, you will need to purchase a full-size mattress, box spring, and frame.

It’s also important to consider your family’s furniture arrangement when making this change. Ensure that there is enough space for the new bed and that it fits well with the room’s overall design.

When transitioning to a full bed, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Check that there are no gaps larger than 3 inches between the mattress, headboard, or wall, as they pose a suffocation hazard. Also, keep the floor around your child’s bed free of any items such as blankets or pillows that could cause tripping hazards if they roll around while sleeping.

By considering these factors, you can make a smooth transition from a crib to a full-size bed and ensure your child’s safety and comfort throughout the process.

Are Your Toddlers Safe When You Convert From Crib To Full Bunk Bed?

There are both pros and cons to converting a crib to a bunk bed, depending on your child’s age. If your child is still a toddler, it’s not recommended to convert the crib into a bunk bed due to safety reasons. Toddlers can climb out of cribs, but it’s much more difficult for them to get over the railing of a bunk bed, and they may have trouble with stairs leading up to the sleeping area.

If you’re interested in having a bunk bed, it’s best to wait until your child is of the required age to use one safely. Alternatively, you could consider installing guardrails around the top and bottom bunks, as well as on all four corners of the steps leading up to it, for added safety.

At What Age Can Your Children Sleep In a Full Bunk Bed?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children under six should not sleep in bunk beds. 

The upper bunk is too high and poses a risk of falling out. For children over six, the AAP states that their beds should not be more than 12 inches off the ground.

Furthermore, children over six must have beds at most 12 inches from the ground. A child may have difficulty climbing into bed or have difficulty getting down from the bed safely.

More interestingly, most beds do not come with a guardrail for safety purposes, so if your child were to roll off or fall out, they would be unguarded and unprotected.

To Conclude

You may have seen commercials promoting crib to full bed conversions as an excellent solution for transitioning your baby to a bigger bed while still maintaining a familiar sleeping space. However, before purchasing one, there are some essential things you should know.

First and foremost, not all crib to full-bed conversions are created equal. Each company uses different materials, and some may be of lower quality than others, leading to a shorter lifespan of the product.

Therefore, it’s crucial to do your research and read reviews before investing in a conversion kit for your baby’s room. This way, you can ensure that you’re making a wise purchase that will last for years to come.