

If you have a mini crib, however, those smaller-sized mattresses won’t work for toddler beds. Toddler beds conveniently use the same size mattress as full-sized cribs.

And make sure the conversion kit is the correct one for your crib, and they’re not universal. If you have a convertible crib, you’ll need to purchase the toddler bed conversion kit separately. Toddler rails are typically about half the height of a crib rail and long enough to keep little ones from accidentally sliding out while still leaving an opening for them to get in and out independently. Also called “4-in-1 cribs” or “3-in-1” cribs, convertible cribs transition to toddler beds by replacing the front crib rail with a toddler rail. You don’t need a separate toddler bed if you have a crib with a toddler bed conversion kit. The most important thing is to do whatever is most comfortable for your kiddo.

Some families skip the transitional step and are able to successfully move their little one from a crib straight to a larger bed. That being said, you don’t need a toddler bed. “Toddler beds are a great transition from a crib to a full-sized bed because it feels smaller and cozier, like the crib, but with an opening, so the toddler can also feel independent, which is essential at their age,” Dr. Do I need a toddler bed?Īfter all that time sleeping in a crib, toddlers are used to a smaller, more secure sleep area, which can make a big bed (twin- or full-sized) with no barriers seem intimidating. “Be patient and consistent when making any transition to a different sleep space,” Dr. Once your toddler is ready to transition to their new sleep space, keep in mind that it may take a little time for them to really get used to it. Don’t rush to transition out of the crib, especially if the child is not trying to climb out.” “Oftentimes I see parents transition to a toddler bed because they need the crib for a sibling. “Look for the child’s readiness first, more so than convenience,” Dr. Knowing when to switch to a toddler bed is crucial transitioning your child out of their crib too early might result in sleep issues, especially if your child doesn’t feel comfortable or secure in their new bed. Since toddler beds are low to the ground, have low barriers and aren’t completely enclosed, there’s no fall risk for even the climbiest of toddlers. Even if you’ve put their crib mattress on the lowest setting, once your toddler is tall enough to lean over the edge of the crib or has mastered climbing skills, keeping them in a crib poses a fall risk if they’re trying to climb out.

Nilong Vyas, board-certified pediatric sleep coach, founder of family sleep consulting service Sleepless in NOLA and medical reviewer for. “A child is ready to transition out of the crib when they are trying to jump/climb out,” says Dr. If you’re wondering if a toddler bed is right for your kiddo, you’ll need to know when to transition them out of their crib, whether your crib can convert into a toddler bed and whether you need to buy a new mattress. They’re generally the same size as a crib, but not fully enclosed and usually lower to the ground. While it’s possible to move your toddler from a crib to a twin-sized or even full-sized bed, especially if it’s low to the ground or on the floor for safety reasons, you might consider a toddler-sized bed, too. But at what point should they move on to a larger bed? For the first year and a half of their life, your little one only knows a bassinet or crib as their sleeping place.
