When is it time to switch from a crib to a bed?
Going from sleeping on a crib to on a bed is a natural process in every child’s development, and just like every transition, it can be challenging, especially for some kids, who tend to be more attached to their crib.
To avoid whining or even trauma, the family can incorporate some habits. Check out the tips Simply Kids Room team has separated to help children go through this change.
At what age can the transition be done?
After their parents’ arms, a crib is the safest place for a child, because of that - and also due to it being their first years of life - the little ones tend to quickly bond with the crib.
However, cribs are recommended for babies and toddlers. At around age three, kids start climbing out of them. That is, besides limiting their movements, a crib can put their safety in danger. Hence, the best thing to do is to start transitioning into a bed.
In many cases, convertible cribs can be turned into toddler beds and used until the child is around 4 or 5 years old, but since the child’s individual development is the determining factor, there isn’t a right age for them to go through this transition, in which they should feel safe and comfortable.
What is the best way to transition?
For the little one to accept the process, it’s essential to:
- Create a safe environment
Just like in every stage of a child’s life, providing safety is crucial.
To create a safe environment, you may have to change the bedroom layout, keeping potentially dangerous objects away and the bed apart from the window.
During this process, parents might want to go for a bed with side rails, which prevent falls and also remind kids of the crib. Solid wood and sturdy construction are synonyms of safety. How about checking our Market Tent Twin Bed?
- Watch out for the signs the kid shows
Children will naturally show signs that they have outgrown their crib. It’s important to be attentive to these signs and understand when they’re ready for the change.
A classic sign is when a child is in the crib and feels irritated or cries for no apparent reason.
- Respect their time
Each child develops at their own pace. Therefore, don’t compare your kid’s development to their siblings’, your friends’ kids, or any other child.
When the little one is ready to start sleeping on a bed, the transition will go easily and naturally. If it doesn’t, it’s probably not the right time yet.
- Check out our Beds
The goal of Simply Kids Room’s is to provide unique furniture that is safe and lasts long, besides making your kids’ room look beautiful and filled with personality, inspiring their imagination, creativity and dreams.