There is no set time when to make the change of moving baby from crib to bed, but it is usually between the age of one year to three years old. There can be different reasons for moving baby from crib to bed. You might need to the crib for a new baby in the family or your child might be too big for the crib. If your child is trying to climb out of the crib, you should move him to a bed. A good way to tell if your baby is too big for the crib is when his nipples are at the level of the rails. It is easy for him to climb out of the crib when he is this big, so it is really for your baby’s own safety. Your child might even be asking to move to a bed. These are all signs you should look out for.

When you do decide to move baby from crib to bed, it won’t only be an adjustment for baby, but for you too. It will be new for your baby and he will want to be climbing in and out of bed fairly often. There will probably be a lot of early morning wandering around too. If the reason for moving baby from crib to bed is because there is a new baby in the family, make sure you make the move well before the new baby is born. If you do it when the baby is already born, your child might think that he is being “pushed out”. The move will be easier if your child knows that he is moving to a big bed because he is maturing. A new baby to the family can create a lot of jealousy for the existing child, but by making sure he realises he is not
losing his “place” and that he is only moving up will make life a lot easier for everyone.

If you child is finding the move difficult and doesn’t want to go to bed like he usually would, try to work out what the problem could be. The room might be darker than the room where he slept in the crib. You can solve this with a night light. If your child is afraid of falling off the bed, you can get guard rails for the side of the bed. To ensure your child does not roll over in to metal bars, you can pad the sides with pillows. Another option is to push your child’s bed against one wall so that only one side of the bed is exposed to the room.

Try to make bed time as normal as possible for your baby. Continue to read him bedtime stories, say prayers and give your goodnight kiss and cuddle or whatever your routine is. Children need routine and this time in their life is no different. A good idea is to purchase bedding with your child’s favourite cartoon characters on. Try to make your child’s new sleeping area as welcoming as possible. If he has a favourite teddy, leave it on his bed. To let your child feel proud of himself, compare him to older siblings or cousins that are already in big beds.

Making the transition to a new room and a big bed a gradual one might be an easier option for your child. Get his bedroom ready with his favourite bedding and let him lie down on the bed or sit on his new bed and read him stories. He will slowly get used to the new surroundings making the transition a lot easie