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When your toddler starts climbing out of their crib or simply seems ready for a big-kid bed, you know it’s time to make the transition. But with every sleep milestone comes a little bit of anxiety — and the switch to a toddler bed is no exception. Will they stay in bed? Will they sleep through the night? Will this throw off the progress you’ve worked so hard to build?
I’m Ann Marks, a single mom of three (including twins) and the founder of full feedings®. When I became a mom, I was shocked by how many people simply accepted sleepless nights as “just part of parenthood.” I knew there had to be another way — so I created The Full Feedings Method®, a no-cry-it-out, needs-based approach to sleep that helps families achieve consistent nighttime sleep without sleep training.
The good news? With the right ingredients, transitioning to a toddler bed can be smooth and (mostly) drama-free. And if you hit any bumps along the way, a few simple sleep adjustments can make a world of difference.
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When Is The Right Time To Move To A Toddler Bed?
Most toddlers transition to a bed between 18 months and 3.5 years old, though the ideal timing depends on your child. If your little one is climbing out of the crib, safety becomes the top priority, and it’s likely time to make the move.
If your toddler is still sleeping well in their crib and showing no interest in “escaping,” there’s no rush. Many parents wait until closer to age 3 or 4, when their child better understands boundaries and is developmentally ready to stay in bed all night.
What Type Of Toddler Bed Should You Choose?
Convertible Crib
Many cribs convert into toddler beds by removing one side, and some even transition into a headboard/footboard for full-size beds, making them last even longer. This is an easy, cost-effective option to cover your little one’s sleep from birth until 6+ years and beyond.
Some great options:
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Floor Bed
Inspired by Montessori principles, floor beds are low to the ground, allowing toddlers to climb in and out independently. These are great for toddlers who tend to roll out of bed, and many options fit either a crib mattress or a twin mattress.
Some great options:
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Daybed
A twin or toddler-sized bed with a back and sides resembling a couch. This setup gives a cozy, enclosed feel and can double as a reading or play space.
One of my favorites:
This bed is fantastic because it has a trundle that converts it from a twin bed to a king-size bed—perfect for parents who want flexibility!
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If you’re looking for eco-friendly and affordable options for this transition, Rebelstork is a fantastic resource. They offer a curated selection of open-box and overstock baby gear, including toddler beds, often at up to 80% off retail prices.
Sleep Expert-Approved Toddler Sleep Tips
Regardless of when or what bed you choose, setting your toddler up for sleep success is key. Here are some proven tips to help your little one sleep better during this transition (and beyond):
Night Wakings? Focus On The Daytime Feedings
If your toddler is still drinking milk or needing a snack in the middle of the night, it’s a sign they may not be getting enough calories during the day. This is especially common during growth spurts or when toddlers become picky eaters.
Solution: Increase daytime calories with nutrient-dense snacks, meals, or toddler formula if needed. Offering a high-protein bedtime snack can also help prevent early morning wake-ups.
Watch Wake Windows To Avoid Over Tiredness
Toddlers need consistent wake windows and age-appropriate nap times to avoid becoming overtired. Over tiredness can lead to difficulty falling asleep, night wakings, and early rising.
General Wake Window Guidelines For Toddlers:
- 12 - 18 months: 3 - 3.5 hours
- 18 - 24 months: 4.5 - 5.5 hours
- 2 - 3 years: 5 - 6 hours
Solution: Keep an eye on your toddler’s wake windows and watch for tired cues like eye rubbing or fussiness. When in doubt, it’s better to put them down a little earlier than too late.
Cap Naps To Preserve Nighttime Sleep
While naps are still crucial for toddlers, napping too long or too late in the day can interfere with nighttime sleep. If your toddler is fighting bedtime, waking up overnight, or rising super early, their nap may be the culprit.
Solution: By 18 months, most toddlers thrive on 1 nap per day, ideally lasting 1.5-2 hours and ending by 2:30-3 PM.
Sample Toddler Sleep Schedule for 18 - 24 Months:
- Wake: 7:00 AM
- Nap: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
- Bedtime: 6:30-7:00 PM
Consistency Is Key
The toddler bed transition is a big milestone, but with patience and consistency, your little one can adapt beautifully. Prioritize full feedings, age-appropriate wake windows, and balanced naps, and you’ll be setting your child up for 12-hour stretches of restful sleep.
And if you need more support, the full feedings® Online Programs offer gentle, no-cry-it-out solutions to help families achieve better sleep from birth through toddlerhood. Interested in trying it? Use code TQE20 for 20% off.
