Transitioning from Crib to Bed: Gentle Solutions for Common Challenges

Moving your child from a crib to a bed is a big milestone, and for many families, a surprisingly tricky one. While some toddlers climb happily into their “big kid bed,” others suddenly resist bedtime, jump out repeatedly, or start waking during the night.

If you’re in the thick of this transition, take a deep breath. These challenges are very common, and with gentle, consistent strategies, most children adjust smoothly and in a short time.

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MOVE FROM CRIB TO BED?

Timing matters. Many sleep challenges happen simply because the transition happens too early.

Most children do best sleeping in a crib until at least age 3, unless:

• They are climbing out of the crib (a safety issue)

• There’s a medical or developmental reason

• A major life change requires it (new sibling, move, etc.)

If your child is under 3 and still sleeping well in a crib, it’s often best to wait.

COMMON CHALLENGES AND GENTLE SOLUTIONS:

My Child Won’t Stay in Bed:

What’s happening:

Your toddler has discovered freedom, and they’re excited to use it. This isn’t defiance; it’s curiosity and impulse control still developing.

Gentle solutions:

• Talk about your expectations during the day, not just at bedtime

• Use simple, clear language: “At night, your job is to stay in your bed and rest.”

• Each time they get out, calmly and silently walk your child back to bed

• Keep your response neutral and consistent, don’t get excited or emotional

Increased Night Wakings

What’s happening:

The new bed feels unfamiliar, and toddlers seek reassurance more often at night.

Gentle solutions:

• Keep your bedtime routine the same

• Recreate the crib environment as much as possible

• Respond calmly and briefly overnight

• Avoid introducing new sleep props

Bedtime Battles Suddenly Appear

What’s happening:

Your toddler realizes they have opinions, and bedtime becomes the place to test them.

Gentle solutions:

• Offer limited choices, such as giving a choice between 2 pairs of pajamas to wear

• Build in connection and 1:1 time before bedtime

• Keep bedtime calm and predictable

Fear, Anxiety, or Needing You to Stay

What’s happening:

This transition often coincides with big leaps in imagination and nighttime fears.

Gentle solutions:

• Validate feelings: “I know bedtime feels hard. You are safe.”

• Use gradual withdrawal methods

• Offer a comfort object, such as a special lovey for their new bed

WHAT “GENTLE” REALLY MEANS

Gentle sleep support respects emotions, holds loving boundaries, and teaches independence without fear or force.

It does not mean avoiding limits or staying stuck in patterns that aren’t working.

If the crib-to-bed transition has turned bedtime into a nightly struggle, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

At Slumberland Solutions, I help families create calm bedtime routines, support toddlers through transitions, and improve sleep using gentle, proven methods.

Visit Slumberland Solutions to schedule a free discovery call or learn more about personalized sleep support.

Sweet Dreams! 😴👶

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carla Perl is a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Positive Encouragement Educator and the founder of Slumberland Solutions. She creates customized sleep and toddler behavior plans using gentle methods that support both children and parents. As a mom of three, she understands how exhausting sleep struggles can be, and how life-changing good sleep truly is.

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