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Is My Child Ready for a Big Bed?

How do I know if it is time to say good-bye to the crib? Is he too young? In this article, we will answer your questions with a simple checklist to help making this important decision a little easier.

Knowing when your child is ready for a big boy or girl bed is not an easy task.  The difficulty in the decision often lies with the ambivalence of the parents – they want to allow their child to move along on their developmental continuum but there is some reluctance to let go of those “baby years.”

In addition, fears of a toddler roaming the house at night instead of being tucked safely in their crib, is an image that no parent wants to face.

Here’s an objective checklist to help you determine whether it’s time for your child to say goodbye to the crib and hello to a bed.

  • When standing in the crib, my child’s chest is above the top rail.
  • If my child rocks or jumps in the crib, the crib moves.
  • My child can “escape” from the crib (NOTE: some babies can escape from their cribs – this does not mean they are ready for a bed!  Crib tents are recommended in those cases).
  • My child can follow simple instructions.
  • My child has somewhat predictable sleep patterns.
  • My child generally sees bedtime as a positive experience.

Next, think about the unique developmental information pertaining to your child.  If you answered yes to most of the statements above and your child has met the typical physical developmental milestones for his or her age, it is time to consider a bed.

You can read more on ways to transition your child to a big bed here.

Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment from a qualified mental health professional. Cornerstones for Parents is not liable for any advice, tips, techniques, and recommendations the reader chooses to implement.

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About Laura

Laura Kuehn, LCSW

Laura is a licensed clinical social worker who offers individual therapy to women and moms in Connecticut. She is the author of More Than a Conqueror, A Christian Kid's Guide to Winning the War on Worry. Cornerstones for Parents is the place she combines some of the things she is most passionate about: God's word, parenting and mental health.

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