When Is It Time to Switch from Crib to Toddler Bed?

I don't think there is anything that says you should keep them in a crib longer. I truly think this is a personal decision, every child, and family are different. You need to do what is right for you. No one will think you are a bad parent if you switch to a toddler bed.

Most doctors will tell you to wait till their second birthday or later to switch them over to a toddler bed. Sometimes girls like to go in them before their second birthday but boys should wait. This is what I have always been told.

I would wait. 15months is still sooo little. We switched right around 2-2.5 before they could climb out of the crib on their own, but old enough to understand danger and rules.

I agree, too young still. If she wakes up before you, she can get into some things that could be harmful. I kept my first son in his until he was 3, but he never attempted to climb out. My second is still in his, and he will be 3 in july. He also does not climb out.

I agree with the others. Unless she is climbing out of her crib its too early to switch. Or if you need the crib for a new baby that is coming. But I think if it were me I would just get another crib!

I switched my daughter at 16 months to a toddler bed, well her crib changed into one. Then at 18 months we put her in a twin bed because we needed the crib for her little brother and she did awesome. But I know some kids have problems with not staying in bed once they can get out. So I would suggest that if her crib changes to a toddler bed try it and see how it goes and if you have to go back to the crib, if not good for you. GOOD LUCK!

I agree with the others. If she is not climbing out of the crib on her own, wait. My son starting climbing out of the crib before he was 2, so we had to switch him to the toddler bed. He is 2 1/2 now and there are still times where bedtime and naptime are battles to keep him in his bed. So my advice is wait until you have to, because once they are in a bed they can get out anytime they want and get into anything.

A.

Hi! :) I, too, have a 15 month old that I am thinking of changing to a toddler bed. I have asked many people this same question. A doctor told me not to put him (my son) in a toddler bed until he started climbing out. A friend told me that when you do put them in a toddler bed, put a gate in their door and leave the door open so that they can not go all over the house while you are sleeping. My husband and I are going to switch our son to a toddler bed around Christmas time we think. Then he will be 2. I hope that this helps you out a little. I know it is difficult being a first time mommy.

J.

My mother always told me when they start climbing out of crib.

you are way ahead of the game as long as your toddler isn't trying to crawl out of the crib i would recommend leaving them in there until you have to put him or her into a bed. Because once they are in the toddler bed it is a whole new ball game. My son was just shy of three before we put him in his toddler bed. So take your time and enjoy knowing they are safe in the crib.

Is there a reason you want to switch her now? I have a 15-month old that I plan on keeping in the crib as long as possible! I just don't know of any reason to deal with the issues of changing him before I have to!

I totally agree with the mom that suggested waiting until age 3. My kids have all stayed in the crib until 3 years. At younger ages the just don't understand "stay in bed". They don't have the self control to even if they know what you are saying. There is a company that makes a Crib Tent. I had it for my now 5 year old. He is the only one that has ever climbed out of the crib before 3. The Crib test was great and I didn't have to worry about him hurting himself in the night if he were to wake up. You can purchase it at Babies R Us if you're intersted.

I agree with Laura S. - wait until you BOTH feel comfortable. I've never heard of HAVING to wait until a certain age. All of my parenting books and magazines say when you and your child feel ready. I could tell when my son was ready. He was 18 mos and was asking for a big boy bed! So, I thought what could be the harm?! His crib turned into a toddler bed, and we kept him in there until he was about 2. When we started trying to get pregnant again, we decided to get him a twin - BEFORE the baby came. I didn't want him to think he "had" to give his bed to some new baby! : ) But he was thrilled to pick out new big boy stuff for his room! So, when you feel that your child is interested in a new bed, and if you are comfortable with it - then go for it!!!!

Everything I have read states you should wait until they are close to age 3. I had to move my son at age two because we had a new baby, and it was hard.

I would wait a while. If she isn't trying to climb out and hasn't reached the limit on your crib (there is a height limit to all cribs to let you know when they are too tall and could fall out) then leave her where you know she is safe.

Don't rush things. My now three and half year old was in a crib until he started climbing out at 29 months. I also have a 15 month old that will be in a crib until he climbs out. It is so much easier with them in a crib. You know that they are safe and sound in their beds.
Chris

I switched my son around this time, but I also have a baby gate mounted permanantly in his doorway to keep him from wandering at night.
C.

If your little one isn't climbing out and is happy in crib leave her there as long as you can. I have a 27 month old and he's still in his and hasn't once tried to climb out. Now I say that he will tonight or something lol. Don't fix what isn't broken is what my parents always said.

The right time to swithc to a toddler bed is when you absolutely have to.. If the child climbs out of the crib.. if you absolutely need the crib for anew baby...

But keep your 15 month old in the crib as long as you can. It is a safe place and when you put her in you know where she is - an she cant get out and get into trouble.

Once you put her in a bed - she can get anywhere...and at 15 months she is too young to understand to stay in the bed.

My personal opinion is that they aren't old enough to handle the responsibility before they are 2. My daughter transitioned nicely at 2 years old and from day one she learned that she needed to call us before she ever got out of bed (still at 3 1/2 we have a hard time getting her to just come downstairs on her own when she wakes up!). 15 months is still so little...if it were me and I didn't need the crib for another child, I'd wait a bit.

I put both my kids into a toddler bed at about 15-18 mos. It was great for both of them. With the oldest, I did baby gate his door during naps for a little while, but mostly for my piece of mind, not really for him. I say go for it, and see how it works.