One day your child suddenly climbs over the crib railing. Or maybe you're simply thinking it's time. Whatever triggers the transition — moving from a crib to a regular bed is a milestone for the whole family.

Most children handle the transition surprisingly well. With a little preparation and some practical steps, you can make it a positive experience.

When Is the Child Ready?

There's no magic age. Most children switch beds between 2 and 3.5 years. Some are ready earlier, others need a bit more time.

Signs the child is ready:

Climbs out of (or tries to climb out of) the crib
Says they want a "big bed" themselves
Is dry at night or is working toward it
Understands simple rules like "stay in bed until mommy comes"
Seems too big for the crib (chest reaches the top rail)

Reasons to wait a bit:

The child recently started daycare
A new sibling is on the way or has just arrived
The family recently moved
The child is generally sleeping poorly

One major change at a time is enough. Avoid combining the bed switch with other major transitions.

If the child is climbing out of the crib, it's a safety matter. Then you should switch beds even if the timing doesn't feel perfect. A fall from a crib can cause serious injuries.

Safety First

When the child can freely leave the bed, the bedroom must be safe. The child may get up at night without you hearing them.

Child-proofing the bedroom:

Bed rail or guard on the open side — choose one that is safety-certified and fits the bed's width
Low bed — start with the mattress directly on the floor or a low toddler mattress
Soft landing — place a thick rug or mattress beside the bed for the first weeks
Windows — window locks that prevent the child from opening them
Furniture — secure bookshelves and dressers to the wall (tip prevention)
Cords — hide or remove all cords the child can reach
Small items — remove toys with small parts from the bedroom at night
Stairs — install a baby gate if the child can reach stairs

Bunk beds are not recommended for children under 6 years due to fall risk. Choose a low bed or place the mattress on the floor.

Choosing the Right Bed

You have several options:

Mattress on the Floor

The simplest and safest start. The child can't fall far, and can get in and out of bed themselves. Many Montessori-inspired families use a floor mattress permanently.

Toddler Bed

A small bed designed for children, often with low sides or a built-in bed rail. Suitable for children from about 2 to 6-7 years. Uses a shorter mattress (140 x 70 cm or 160 x 70 cm).

Regular Twin Bed (90 x 200 cm)

The child won't outgrow it anytime soon. Use a bed rail on the open side. Many parents choose this option because it lasts long.

Crib with One Side Removed

Some cribs can be converted by removing one side. This creates a smooth transition where the child keeps their familiar bed.

Prepare the Child

Children handle changes best when they're prepared and feel ownership over the process.

How to make the transition positive:

Talk about it beforehand. Tell the child they'll soon get a big bed, just like Mom and Dad. Use positive language.
Let the child choose the bedding. Getting to pick their own bedding or pillow gives a sense of ownership and makes the bed exciting.
Read books about it. There are many children's books about moving to a big bed. Recognizable stories prepare the child.
Make it a celebration. Some families have a small "big bed party" or celebrate with a favorite activity.
Keep the familiar things. The stuffed animal, the blanket, or the night light — all the comforting things should come along.

Keep the Bedtime Routine

The bedtime routine is the anchor. When the bed is new and exciting, it's especially important that everything around bedtime is familiar and safe.

Keep exactly the same sequence as before:

Evening snack
Teeth brushing
Pajamas
Book or song
Cuddles and good night
Lights off

If the child used to fall asleep with you present in the crib, continue doing that at first. Change one thing at a time.

Common Challenges

Child Gets Up Constantly

This is the most common challenge. The child discovers they can get out of bed — and does it. Repeatedly.

What you can do:

Walk the child calmly back to bed without much fuss
Say briefly: "It's bedtime now. Good night."
Repeat as many times as needed — without getting angry
Be consistent. The child is testing limits and needs to know the rule applies

Most children stop after 3-7 evenings of consistent return trips. It feels endless in the moment, but it passes.

Child Is Afraid Alone

Some children find it frightening to lie in an open bed. The crib gave a clear boundary.

Tips:

Use a night light — a soft, warm light in the room
Leave the door slightly ajar
Check in after 5 minutes with a calm "everything's fine"
Give the child a flashlight or a "brave stuffed animal"

Child Comes into Your Bed at Night

Many children wander into the parents' bed in the middle of the night. Whether this is okay is entirely up to the family.

If you want the child to sleep in their own bed all night:

Walk the child calmly back to their own bed
Give a brief hug and say good night
Be prepared to do this many times in the first weeks
Consider a stay-in-bed clock (toddler clock) that shows the child when it's morning

Child Falls Out of Bed

Completely normal at first. The child is used to walls around them. Use a bed rail and place a soft rug beside the bed. Most children quickly learn to stay in without falling out.

Transition Timeline

Week	What happens
Weeks 1-2	Preparation: talk about it, choose bedding, read books
Week 3	Set up the bed, let the child explore it during the day
Weeks 3-4	First night in new bed, keep bedtime routine
Weeks 4-6	Expect limit-testing, be consistent
Week 6+	Most children have adapted

Start on a weekend or during vacation when you have a bit more energy for the first nights. Sleep deprivation is easier to handle without an early alarm.

What About Siblings on the Way?

If you're expecting a new baby, it may be tempting to move the older child out of the crib to make room for the baby. Try to do the transition at least 2-3 months before the baby arrives, so the older child doesn't feel "pushed out" of their bed.

Alternatively, the baby can sleep in another solution (bassinet, bedside crib, pram) for the first months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the right age to switch to a big bed?

Most children switch between 2 and 3.5 years. Safety rules: if the child is climbing out of the crib, it's time to switch regardless of age.

Should a child go straight from crib to regular bed?

Not necessarily. A mattress on the floor, a toddler bed, or a crib with one side removed are all good intermediate solutions. Choose what suits the child and your budget.

How long does it take before the child gets used to the new bed?

Most children adapt within 2-4 weeks. Some only take a few days, others need a little longer. A consistent bedtime routine and patience are key.

Can I put the child back in the crib if it's not working?

Yes, that's completely fine. Some children need a couple of weeks' break before they're ready. Try again in a few weeks. There's no shame in taking a step back.

Transitioning to Their Own Bed: When and How