How to Transition From Crib to Bed | Stress-Free Expert Tips

So, you’ve got the toddler bed all set up, the room looks Pinterest-worthy, and you’re thinking, finally, bedtime is about to get easier.

But instead of celebrating this big-kid milestone, you’re getting tears, bedtime battles, and surprise 2 AM visits from your now crib-free escape artist.

If you’re wondering, “Why is this so hard? Shouldn’t they be excited?” you are so not alone.

The toddler bed transition is a huge shift for your little one. And without a solid plan, bedtime can suddenly feel like it’s gone off the rails.

But don’t panic. I’ve got you. I’m going to walk you through exactly how to make this switch smooth, gentle, and way less stressful for both of you.

Yes, your toddler can fall asleep in their new bed… and stay there all night long.

>>Watch this blog on my Awesome Little Sleepers YouTube channel! 👇

Toddler Sleep Tip 1: Make Sure They're Actually Ready

Here’s the truth that doesn’t get talked about enough: just because your toddler can move to a big kid bed doesn’t always mean they should.

The sweet spot for making the switch is usually around age 3. Before that, most toddlers simply don’t have the impulse control or maturity to stay in bed on their own. They still need the cozy, predictable boundaries of a crib to feel safe and secure.

Of course, there are exceptions. If your toddler is climbing out of the crib and it’s becoming a safety issue, the transition might need to happen sooner. And if they’re already falling asleep independently, sleeping through the night, and asking for a big kid bed? Amazing—that’s a good sign they’re ready.

But if your little one is under two and a half, going through a big change like a new sibling or a move, or still needs you to fall asleep every night? It’s okay to wait. Focus on building those independent sleep skills first. Giving more freedom to a child who’s already struggling with sleep usually just makes bedtime harder.

And if you’ve already made the switch but your toddler is under 3 and it’s been a disaster? It’s totally fine to go back to the crib. Yep, really. Just frame it like this: “We’re going to go back to your crib so you can show me your good sleep habits again. Once you are sleeping well for a week, we can try the big kid bed again.” That way, you’re still respecting their big kid feelings and giving them a clear goal to work toward.

Toddler Sleep Tip 2: If They Are Ready, Set Up The Bed For Sleep Success

Once you know your child is ready for the big kid bed, the setup really matters.

Start with something low to the ground and cozy. If they’re feeling unsure, even a floor mattress works beautifully as a temporary step. Remember, the crib was small and snug, and your child might actually prefer their new bed to feel the same way. You can recreate that comforting vibe with things like bed rails, pillows, and a favorite pile of stuffed animals.

If they had a lovey, white noise, or a nightlight in the crib, keep all of that the same. Familiar cues are powerful. You want their brain to think, “Oh, I know this. This means sleep.”

And one more thing: try not to layer the toddler bed transition with any other major changes. If you're also taking away the pacifier, starting potty training, or welcoming a new baby, it might feel like too much all at once. Spacing out big milestones gives your child time to adjust and helps protect their sleep in the process.

How to transition from crib to bed when…

…Your Toddler Refuses the Bed

Let’s say they refuse to even get in the bed. Hopefully that’s not the case—but if it is, don’t panic.

Start with low-pressure exposure during the day. Let them play on the bed, read books, pretend to nap, or snuggle with their stuffed animals there. You’re not aiming for perfect—just helping the bed feel familiar and safe.

If they’re really attached to their crib and you’ve got the space, it’s okay to leave it in the room for a few nights. You can even have a little “goodbye” ceremony—blow up balloons, write a sweet note to the crib, or do something symbolic that helps them process the change.

And throughout it all, keep building them up. Talk often about how proud you are, how grown-up they’re becoming, and how ready they are for this big milestone. That boost of confidence makes a huge difference in helping them embrace their new bed.

…There’s A Constant Get-Out-of-Bed Game

Now, if they keep getting up... oh mama, I feel you. This is the classic get-out-of-bed game that most toddlers try, and it’s part of their process of adjusting to a new sleep space.

Start by clearly setting the expectation before bedtime. Calmly tell them, “You’re going to sleep in your new bed all night, just like you always did in your crib. I can’t wait to see you in the morning, all proud of yourself.”

Then, keep it simple. Don’t add in things like “Don’t get out of bed” or create confusion. And here’s a little tip: when the bed is really new, I recommend picking them up and placing them in it, just like you did with the crib. This helps reinforce the new routine and avoids encouraging them to get in and out on their own too soon.

And if they do get up? Walk them back with a calm, simple mantra: “Time for sleep.” Keep doing this as many times as needed. But here’s the thing. If you give in and lay with them or let them stay up a little longer, you’re setting yourself up for more curtain calls the next night.

Consistency is key here. It may feel like a lot at first, but sticking to your plan will pay off in the long run.

What If They Start Waking Up Overnight?

There are a couple of reasons you might start seeing overnight wake-ups after switching to a big kid bed.

First, if bedtime is getting too late or they’ve recently dropped a nap, your toddler could be overtired. Try moving bedtime 15 minutes earlier for a few nights and see if that helps them sleep through more consistently.

If they’re waking up just to get attention or snuggles from you, take a closer look at your bedtime routine. Are you sitting with them until they fall asleep? Laying in bed with them? If so, they may be waking up looking for you to help them get back to sleep. The key here is to promote sleep independence, so they can settle back down on their own without needing your help.