When to Switch to a Big Kid Bed: How to Make the Crib-to-Bed Transition Smooth and Stress-Free

The move from crib to big kid bed is one of childhood’s biggest milestones — and it can be smoother than you think. With the right timing, a consistent routine, and a calm, confident approach, your toddler can embrace their new bed and sleep soundly all night long.

Making the move from a crib to a “big kid” bed is a huge milestone for both you and your child. It’s exciting, emotional, and maybe a little nerve-wracking, too. But with the right timing and a few key strategies, this transition can be smooth, successful, and even fun.

Before you take the leap, it’s important to make sure your toddler is truly ready. The crib-to-bed transition works best when your child feels safe, secure, and confident in their sleep space — not rushed or uncertain. With a little preparation, clear boundaries, and a positive approach, you can make the move to a big kid bed a moment worth celebrating (and sleeping soundly through).

Table of contents

1. Step 1: Wait Until Your Child Is Ready
2. Step 2: Skip the Toddler Bed
3. Step 3: Don’t Announce It Too Early
4. Step 4: Let Them Be Part of the Process
5. Step 5: Start the Big Kid Bed Transition at Bedtime
6. What to Do If Your Child Gets Out of Bed
7. Key Takeaways
8. FAQs
9. References 

Step 1: Wait Until Your Child Is Ready

Wondering when to switch to a big kid bed? Most kids aren’t ready until they’re at least three years old. Children under three simply don’t have the developmental understanding of invisible boundaries or sleep expectations. The crib gives them the structure and security they need to sleep confidently through the night. Before age three, that sense of safety is essential.

Once your child is three or older, though, they’re ready to make the change and can start learning the new boundaries that come with a big kid bed.

Step 2: Skip the Toddler Bed 

Rather than a toddler bed, go straight to a twin or full-size bed. When you simply remove the side of a crib, your child might see it as “the same old bed” but with an easy exit — and that open invitation can lead to more nighttime wandering.

Instead, give them a real bed that feels different and exciting — a twin, full, or even a queen if you already have one. The visual and physical difference helps them understand this is something new and special. It’s their grown-up bed, and that alone can go a long way in setting new boundaries.

Step 3: Don’t Announce It Too Early

You might be tempted to hype it up weeks in advance, but keep in mind toddlers don’t have a concept of time. Even bigger kids can struggle to grasp “next month” versus “next week.” So instead of planting the idea too soon (and causing unnecessary anticipation or anxiety), wait until one or two days before the transition. That short window gives them time to get excited without getting overwhelmed.

Pro tip: Make sure the new bed has actually arrived before telling them! Nothing deflates excitement faster than a shipping delay after you’ve promised a “big kid bed day.”

Step 4: Let Them Be Part of the Process

Invite your child to help pick out one or two items for their new bed — like a pillow, comforter, or a stuffed animal friend. Giving them a small sense of ownership helps make the transition exciting instead of scary. If your child loves routine and doesn’t like surprises, showing them what’s coming helps them feel safe and in control.

Step 5: Start the Big Kid Bed Transition at Bedtime

When it’s time to move to the new bed, start at bedtime.  Naps can be trickier because the world is bright and there’s less melatonin in their system. Bedtime gives you the best shot at success for that first night. If your child still naps, that’s fine — just keep nap time in the crib until bedtime routines in the new bed feel smooth.

What to Do if Your Child Gets Out of Bed (and Other Big Kid Bed Tips)

It may be tempting to tell your child not to get out of bed, but the suggestion may plant an idea in their head that wasn’t there before. Suddenly, they realize getting out of bed is an option.

Instead of warning them not to get up, keep your tone positive and confident. Tuck them in, say goodnight, and assume they’ll stay put. Most kids will, especially if they’ve been independent sleepers up until now. If your child does test boundaries (and many do!), keep calm and consistent.

Here’s what to do:

• Gently walk them back to their bed.
• Say, “It’s time for bed. When you get back in, I’ll come check on you in 10 minutes.”
• Leave the room.

That calm confidence sends a clear message: bedtime is non-negotiable, but you’re still there to support them. You can also use a toddler clock or your Hatch Baby as a visual cue — for example, red means bedtime, blue means morning. Add simple rewards and consequences if needed, but remember, consistency is key.

You may experience a honeymoon period where everything goes perfectly for a few weeks — and then a little boundary testing shows up. That’s totally normal! Stay consistent, praise your child when they do well, and keep bedtime routines predictable and positive.

Key Takeaways

The move from crib to big kid bed is a major milestone, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Wait until your child is ready (around age 3), keep bedtime routines consistent, and make the new bed feel exciting and safe. With clear boundaries and calm confidence, your toddler will settle in — and stay put — all night long.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age should I switch my child to a big kid bed?

Every child is different, but many children are ready to transition around age 3, when they can understand bedtime boundaries and sleep expectations. Before that, a crib provides the safety and structure toddlers need to rest well.

How can I help my toddler stay in their new bed all night?

Keep routines predictable and your tone calm. Try using a toddler clock or a Hatch Baby light to signal when it’s bedtime and when it’s okay to get up. Consistency and gentle reminders go a long way toward helping your child feel confident in their new space.

What if my toddler keeps getting out of bed?

Stay patient and consistent. Gently return them to bed with a calm, short reminder like “It’s still bedtime.” Avoid long conversations or new requests — your steady, confident response will help them understand the boundary over time.

References

1. Mindell, J. A., Li, A. M., Sadeh, A., Kwon, R., & Goh, D. Y. T. (2015). Bedtime routines for young children: A dose-dependent association with sleep outcomes. Sleep, 38(5), 717–722. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.4668
2. Spencer, R. M. C., & Riggins, T. (2022). Contributions of memory and brain development to the bioregulation of naps and nap transitions in early childhood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 119(44), e2123415119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2123415119