Is it time for a toddler bed? Here’s what the experts need you to know

That first crib feels like more than just a piece of furniture. It’s the cozy cocoon where your baby drifted off for some of their earliest naps, those middle-of-the-night snuggles, and maybe even their first full stretch of sleep. So when your little one starts stretching their legs over the rail, the moment feels both exciting and bittersweet. They’re growing. They’re ready for the next stage. But are you?

If you’re wondering when to transition to a toddler bed, you’re definitely not alone. Most parents wrestle with the timing, move too soon and you risk bedtime battles, wait too long and safety becomes a concern. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reassures families that there isn’t a single “right age.” Instead, it comes down to developmental readiness and safety.

We spoke to Kandra Becerra, founder of Rocky Mountain Sleeping Baby and a trusted pediatric sleep specialist with over nine years of experience, who helps families all over the world navigate sleep challenges. Kandra is also the #1 Amazon Best-Selling author of Brave Dreams, Little Owen, a children’s book inspired by her own son. She shared her best advice on when to switch to a toddler bed, and how to make the transition smoother for the whole family.

When is the right time to switch to a toddler bed?

Parents often look for a magic number, but experts agree it’s less about age and more about readiness cues.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), if your child is regularly climbing out of the crib, it’s time to move them to a bed to prevent falls and injuries. Height can also be a factor, once your toddler’s chest is above the crib railing (around 35 inches), most pediatricians say it’s safer to transition.

Kandra Becerra encourages parents to look for two key developmental signs before making the move, “There are two developmental signs I encourage parents to look for before making the switch. First, the child is at least 3 years old. Second, the child is currently sleeping well in their crib. These two factors together usually indicate a child is ready to successfully transition.”

So, if your toddler is showing signs of readiness but still sleeping happily in their crib, don’t feel pressured to rush, safety is the deciding factor.

Why timing matters for your toddler’s sleep

This milestone isn’t just about furniture; it’s about protecting your toddler’s sleep. Research shows that toddlers who stay in cribs a bit longer often sleep better.

A study published in 2019 found that “crib sleeping was associated with earlier bedtimes, shorter sleep onset, longer total sleep, and less bedtime resistance.” Kandra has seen the same pattern in her work with families.

In other words, if your toddler is still safe and sleeping well in their crib, holding off a little longer can mean more restful nights for everyone.

Setting the stage for a smooth toddler bed transition

When it’s finally time, preparation makes all the difference. Toddlers thrive on routine and predictability, so the more you can create a safe, calm, and consistent environment, the easier this change will be.

Kandra shared her top three tips for parents for making the transition smoother is:

• Waiting until the child is at least 3 years old. This helps ensure they are ready.
  
• Make sure your child is sleeping well in the crib first. If a child is having issues with going to sleep or staying asleep, providing more independence is never the answer. It often makes the problems worse.
  
• Go directly to a twin size, full size, even queen size bed. Do not convert their crib into a toddler bed. I recommend this for a few reasons. The first is, they will eventually have to transition out of their crib so it is one less transition to go through. The second reason is their crib is a place they feel very comfortable with. Simply removing the front of it makes them much more likely to hop in and out of it causing them to leave their room.”

Other expert-backed steps include:

• Childproofing the room: Anchor furniture, add outlet covers, and consider a gate at the door. As the AAP reminds parents, a toddler in a bed now has more freedom to roam at night.
• Keeping routines consistent: A systematic review found that children with predictable bedtime routines had earlier bedtimes, longer sleep, and fewer night wakings.
• Responding calmly when they test boundaries: If your toddler pops out of bed at 2 a.m., the AAP recommends calmly and consistently returning them without scolding or giving extra attention.

Easing parent worries

For many parents, the harder part isn’t moving the crib—it’s managing the emotions around it. What if my child struggles? What if bedtime suddenly falls apart? Kandra offers a gentle reminder that this is a process, not a one-night event. “It can be very normal for them to show hesitancy and ask to stay in their crib. Wait 4–6 weeks and revisit the idea. Wait until they say they are ready. Some kids are ready right away, others aren’t.” This reassurance can go a long way for families feeling nervous; it’s okay to take your time.

What if your toddler climbs out but isn’t emotionally ready?

Sometimes safety forces your hand before your toddler feels emotionally prepared. That can leave parents in a tricky spot.

Kandra acknowledges that this is one area where the answer depends on your child: “This question is hard to answer since the safety of the child is top priority. It really depends on the exact situation and scenario and personality of the child to determine the best course of action.”

If your toddler is climbing out and safety is a concern, consider adding a sleep sack, lowering the crib mattress if possible, or transitioning to a bed while focusing on keeping their room secure and consistent.

Conclusion

Moving from a crib to a toddler bed is more than sleep; it’s about watching your once-tiny baby become independent. It can feel scary for both of you. But if you wait for readiness cues, lean on proven routines, and give yourself grace, you’ll both navigate this milestone with more rest and confidence.

And when you see your toddler curled up in their “big kid bed” for the very first time? That’s one parenting milestone worth celebrating.

You may also like

• 10 thoughts every parent has during a sleep regression―and how to deal
• Start here if you know absolutely NOTHING about baby sleep
• Bassinet vs crib? Here’s why you don’t have to choose

Sources: 

1. Guidance for transitioning from crib to bed. HealthyChildren.org. 2022. “Big Kid Beds: When to Switch From a Crib”.
2. Study on sleep and health outcomes in children. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2019. “The bidirectional links between sleep and health in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review of longitudinal studies”.
3. Research on sleep architecture and developmental implications. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. 2015. “The neurocognitive consequences of sleep in childhood”.
4. How to make a baby’s room safe. HealthyChildren.org. 2020. “Make Baby’s Room Safe: Parent Checklist.”