When to Change to Toddler Bed

I've always heard to wait until they climb out of the crib- though it's better to catch it the day or week before that happens!!! My son it 20 months and is still in the crib. I'm thinking about getting a toddler bed for his 2nd birthday because we will be moving about that time and it will be a great gift. Also, he will be potty training, if not potty trained, by then. Good luck!!

Hi A., my daughter is 14 months, and she is still in the crib. I still have the bumper in the crib but I untied it so she can't stand on it. Until your daughter tries to climb out it's not time to change the bed.

Don't worry about how big your child is or how small, I didn't change my daughter to a toddler bed till she was climbing out of her crib. That is all. Good luck.

I have five children not all them went to a toddler bed or a regular bed at a certain age. If you do not feel ready to put her in a toddler bed then don't you are her mother do what you feel is best. Is she crawling out of her crib? If she is not leave her in their if its what you think is best for her. If she is crawling out of the crib toddler bed may be best so she does not fall and hurt herself. Just buy the side so she don't fall out like you suggested in your letter. Other than that you are a mother and will know when the both of you are ready. My first child was out of a crib about 15months, second over two cause she would roam the house when she was not in a crib and we did not always hear her talk about scary, third 13months never got up until I got up, twins 16 or 17 months they would hop from crib to crib. See you will know when she is ready.

I think your mom is right. If she's not walking yet, and she isn't showing signs of climbing out of the bed, then I would wait a little longer. I would recommend removing the bumper though.

I also have one of those 3-1 cribs and a daughter who will be 1 soon. I plan to wait on changing it into a toddler bed until she is walking well and can get up and down off of the furniture well.

I changed my son over to a toddler bed when he was 2 years old. When he was three we went up to a twin bed with guard rails on the side. I really don't think you should change her over till she is at least 2. Especially if she doesn't walk she could really hurt he self if she fell out of the bed.

I say bad idea to the crossing over... mostly because she cant walk yet. Once she starts walking good, give her a try. You dont want her to fall out of the bed and get ahold of something she doesnt need. Just be careful and use your own judgement.

I've always heard that you change to a toddler bed at two years. I have the same type of bed. If your daughter can't walk, then I think she could fall out of the bed if you take off the side too soon.

Do not change the bed just yet...I'm not sure where you heard the "35 inches" rule but I don't believe that is the case...most kids will reach the weight limit on a crib long before thier feet hit the edge!
As a good (and safe) rule of thumb; don't take your baby out of the crib until she is climbing out (or REALLY coming close) on her own. Take out the bumper pad too; there's no significant need once they are moble. Taking away her crib will just cause unnecessary bed time problems for you and a baby who is still too young for the independence of an open bed. (not to mention that if she can't walk then how would she climb back in or come get you if she falls out???)
Don't rush it; my daughter was 3 before we put her in a toddler bed... she never tried climbing out of her crib so I decided to just make her big girl bed into her 3rd birthday present. She's no worse off because I let her stay in her crib longer; she sleeps just as well now as she did before and all is well; keep in mind that another good time to take the side off of the crib is if she starts potty training before she tries climbing out. She will need to option to get up and use the potty! Good luck, hun and keep in mind that you will miss the crib days so don't make them end too soon!!