How to Make the Move From Crib to Bed

Moving a child from a crib to a bed can be a big deal, but it doesn't have to cause big problems. Good timing and advance planning can aid your child's adjustment to sleeping in a big-kid bed. Here are answers to some common questions.

When should my child move to a bed?

"Generally a child transitions to a bed when parents need the crib for a sibling or when the child can climb out of the crib," says Lynn Wegner, M.D., chair of the Section of Development and Behavior for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP suggests children who are 35 inches tall move to a bed.

What kind of bed should my child use?

"Young children should have a firmly supportive sleeping surface; the size of the mattress doesn't really matter," says Dr. Wegner. "It could rest on the floor if you're concerned about the child rolling out of bed." You can also use detachable soft-sided bed rails until you're sure your child won't fall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that children younger than age 6 not sleep on the top bunk of a bunk bed.

How can I ensure my child's safety?

"The floor around the bed should be completely free of toys and other objects," Dr. Wegner says. Childproofing is key. The AAP says you shouldn't put the bed under a window, if possible, even if you have window guards. A safety gate at the bedroom door may head off wandering.

How can I help my child adjust?

Talk about your plans with your child first. If a new sibling will need the crib, Dr. Wegner suggests you make the move several weeks before the baby comes home. Be tolerant if the child needs more attention or ritual in the nightly routine -- an extra bedtime story, for instance -- or awakens during the night. "This should only be a temporary situation," she says. A child who gets out of bed may have to be firmly (and consistently) returned.