From Crib to Big Kid Bed
From Crib to Big Kid Bed: How A Sleep Consultant Set the Stage for a Smooth Transition
As a pediatric sleep consultant, I spend a lot of time guiding families through transitions—dropping naps, handling regressions, and yes, moving from crib to big kid bed. But recently, I found myself walking this road personally, as my own 3-year-old daughter made the big leap to her “big girl bed.”
Even with all the knowledge and experience I bring to my clients, I’ll be the first to admit: it still felt like a big deal in our home. Transitions are never just about the sleep space—they’re about development, independence, and emotions (for kids and parents). So I want to share how we approached the change and what made it work for our family—because yes, there were tears, but there was also success.
We Didn’t Wing It—We Planned for Weeks
The key to a successful transition? Preparation. We didn’t go out and buy a new bed on a whim or surprise her with it one night. Instead, we talked about it weeks in advance. We involved her in the process—picking out bedding, choosing a stuffed animal that would “watch over her” at night, and reading books about moving to a big kid bed.
More importantly, we framed this shift as an exciting step forward, only when she expressed she was ready for it. She was very attached to her crib and we didn’t commit to the decision until she had shown signs of readiness: climbing out of the crib (happened once about two weeks prior), expressing interest in a bed, and being able to understand and follow simple directions.
Boundaries and Expectations Were Clear from the Start
From day one, we were honest about what the new bed meant. Yes, it’s fun and exciting—but it also comes with rules. We talked about boundaries before night one, not after things started to unravel.
We used clear, age-appropriate language to explain what bedtime would look like:
We stay in bed after lights out.
We call out for help instead of leaving the room.
We only get out of bed when it’s morning time (with the help of a visual clock!).
We even practiced what to do during bedtime and role-played “sneaking out” of the room—because toddlers are nothing if not curious. Giving her a predictable framework helped her feel safe and confident in the new space.
Consistency Was Non-Negotiable
And here’s where the rubber meets the road: we followed through.
That first night, she tested the waters. She called out for use a few times which prior to the bed she didn’t do—totally normal! But we gently tucked her back each time, using the same short, calm response: “It’s bedtime. I love you, I’ll see you in the morning.”
We didn’t change the routine, we didn’t beg, and we didn’t get into power struggles. We stayed consistent, even when it would’ve been easier to give in after a long day.
By night three, she stayed in bed. And even more celebratory, she continued napping! Something I was really worried would end with the transition and newfound freedom.
Final Thoughts
The transition from crib to bed is a big milestone, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. With preparation, clear boundaries, and consistent follow-through, it can be a smooth and even empowering experience for your child.
It reminded me—yet again—that toddlers thrive on knowing what to expect. And as parents, we’re at our best when we stay calm, clear, and committed to the plan.
To all the families navigating this transition: you’ve got this. And if you need a little help creating your plan? We’re always here.
