Crib to Bed Transition? Try these 5 things first!

When is it time to transition out of the crib? I moved my toddler into a bed WAY too early.  This was prior to becoming a Certified Sleep Consultant. I was about to have our second baby and thought my first was ready. I was wrong. Very, very wrong. Please don’t make the same mistake I made. Our bedtime battles exploded because he was only 2 years old and didn’t understand the responsibility of being outside the crib. I was rushing the transition in some strange hormonal attempt to prep him (or maybe myself) for what was coming next. So, when should a toddler move out of the crib?

Sleep consultants all agree you should keep them in a crib AS LONG AS SAFELY POSSIBLE. Most toddlers can stay in a crib until they are 3 years old. Health Canada states to make the move once the child is 90 cm tall, which would be when the top of the crib rail meets their nipple line. With all these things considered, if they try to climb out or they have already, it’s time. 

But…before you move them, do these 5 things first:

1.  Remove the mattress spring layer and place the mattress directly onto the floor inside the crib. Ensure there are no gaps or spaces that an arm or leg could get stuck in.

2.  Ensure there is no furniture close enough to the crib for them to hoist themselves up and over the rails.

3.  Do not use bumper pads (these should never be used at any age) or have any large stuffed animals or toys they could use to hoist themselves up on. 

4.  Place them in a fitted sleep sack that limits their ability to lift their leg over the rail. 

5.  Place pillows on the floor just to be safe and use a baby monitor to watch them. 

My background is in nursing so it’s always safety first. The last thing anyone needs is a late-night visit to the emergency room with their child due to a head injury. If you have tried all these suggestions and you are sure they will climb out, or they have already, it’s time! 

For more tips on Drifting off to sleep visit my website at www.driftsleep.ca Kyla Lucas is a Certified Sleep Consultant, a Registered Nurse and a mom who resides in Tsawwassen, BC. Making sleep a Breeze. Drift Sleep Consulting. Everything you need to know about Infant and Toddler Sleep.