Your baby grows from a newborn to a toddler in what feels like the blink of an eye! As your toddler starts to stand and walk on their own, you’ve probably started thinking about upgrading their crib to a toddler bed. The transition to a toddler bed brings plenty of toddler bedroom ideas to mind. Looking for a place to start? We’ve got you covered with a few ideas on easily transitioning to a toddler bed.

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Overview:

What Is a Toddler Bed?
Your #1 Priority: Safety
Install Guardrails
Select the Sturdiest Option
No Sharp Corners
Your #2 Priority: Comfort
Keep Your Routine the Same
Consider a Convertible Crib
Have the Conversation Early
Involve Your Toddler
Reinforce Healthy Nighttime Etiquette
Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Girls
Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Boys
Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Gender-Neutral

What Is a Toddler Bed?

A toddler bed is a bed that helps children transition from sleeping in a cot to sleeping in a big kid bed. Most children move from their cot to a toddler bed between the ages of one and three or when they reach a height of around 3ft. Keep in mind that just because a child reaches a certain age, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are ready to transition to a toddler bed. While it might make you nervous to see your little one clambering up the sides of their cot, this escape tactic is sometimes a phase and not necessarily the sole reason to upgrade them.

If your toddler is constantly climbing out of their cot or swinging their legs over the sides and you feel comfortable leaving them unsupervised throughout the night, they are ready for the move. Another sign your toddler is ready is if they tell you they want to sleep in a toddler bed. If they aren’t attached to their cot and feel too big for it, this is a great time to take that next step.

The two most important things to consider when looking into toddler beds are safety and comfort.

Your #1 Priority: Safety

Install Guardrails

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions when putting together your toddler’s bed and installing guardrails. If guardrails aren’t adjusted properly, gaps will appear between the mattress and the guardrail where a child could potentially get stuck. Most toddler beds max out at about 22kg, so keep in mind that you won’t be able to sit and snuggle with your child in their toddler bed.

Select the Sturdiest Option

Toddler beds are supposed to be fun! It’s likely that transitioning to a toddler bed will be one of your child’s first big life changes. While you want their bed to bring them excitement, whether it’s rocket-shaped or a princess’s castle, make sure you purchase the most sturdy option. Your child’s bed has to support dance parties and bouncing around while offering them support for a couple of years to come.

No Sharp Corners

Remember that while guardrails keep your child from tumbling out while asleep, they do not prevent your child from climbing out of bed. Since little ones can climb out, be sure to choose a bed frame and other bedroom furniture without sharp corners or protruding hardware. And make sure your child picks their toys up off the floor before heading to bed so that nothing can trip them if they need to get up during the night.

Your #2 Priority: Comfort

Keep Your Routine the Same

Transitioning to a toddler bed after sleeping in a cot may feel like a big deal to your little one. To help your toddler cope with this change, keep the rest of their routine and surroundings as familiar as you can. A new bed may spark new decorating ideas or a new furniture layout, but try not to go overboard during this transitional period. It’s wise (and comforting!) to keep your child’s toddler bed in the spot where their cot previously lived.

Give your child a few months to adjust before making any other big changes to their routine and life – like toilet training, moving homes or giving up their dummy.

Consider a Convertible Cot

Many toddler beds are converted from a cot. This is a great way to save money and it will make the transition smoother for your child. It is also convenient for parents – simply remove one side of your toddler’s crib and replace it with the guardrail. That’s it! Your child will be able to sleep snugly in their familiar bed.

Have the Conversation Early

If you can, try to start the transition conversation a few days before your child moves from their cot to a toddler bed. There’s no reason to spend weeks hyping up the move, but it’s smart to give them a head’s up that change is coming. They’ll know what to expect if you have the conversation in advance. Springing a new bed on a little one and removing the cot from their room without warning can cause them to worry and fret.

Involve Your Toddler

Another way to help your child with the cot to toddler bed transition and to alleviate anxiety is to get them involved in the process. Ask your little one to 'help' make their bed for the first time and let them place their favourite blanket or stuffed teddy on top. If you keep the transition calm and encouraging it will rid your child of her worries. Make sure to cheer on your little one and her progress during those first few nights.

Reinforce Healthy Nighttime Etiquette

In preparation for making the big move, keep in mind the new sense of freedom your toddler will have. It’s exciting that they’ll be upgraded to 'big kid bed' status, but now they will be able to roam around (and perhaps outside of) their room. To keep your child in bed, practice enforcing a 'last call' where they know to make that last bathroom trip and round up their preferred teddy, water or anything else they’ll need during the night. Remind your toddler that they need to stay in bed throughout the night.

Tip: If your child's bedroom is upstairs, consider adding a baby gate to the top of the stairs so they don't fall down during the night.

Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Girls

A toddler bed is a great solution for small spaces and gives your child plenty of floor space to play throughout the day. Toddler beds for girls range from themed beds like Minnie Mouse or Frozen to princess carriages and cars.

One cute way to add pizzazz to a room shared by your toddler and perhaps their more grown-up sibling is to coordinate the decor. Choose a colour palette and layer the room with textures and colors. Your children will feel cosy and snug without being overwhelmed by overly coordinated decor.

Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Boys

One of the most fun ways to transform your little boy’s room is to choose a charming novelty bed like a car. Aside from looking cool, these beds are also very safe options because the guardrails are built into the bed. Your child will sleep snugly and won’t tumble out in the middle of the night.

If you already own a crib that turns into a toddler bed and your child has comfortably made the transition, feel free to update their room with a fun, more grown-up theme. Your toddler probably has new hobbies and interests – show that off with new bedding and decor.

Toddler Bedroom Ideas: Gender-Neutral

Consider choosing a neutral palette for your child to grow into. Greys, whites and yellows are great shades that age well, from nursery to toddler room. Add in a soft rug and you’re all set for your little crawler.

Consider a modern look for your toddler. This style is classic and gives your child room to grow from cot to toddler bed. Opt for an adjustable cot. Fun wallpaper is a cool touch too.

Tip: Looking for more baby and kids bedroom ideas? Then check out:

• Super Sweet Nursery Ideas for Baby Girls
• Creating a Fun and Tidy Space for Kids
• How to Find the Right Baby Changing Table for Your Nursery