If you have a growing toddler, you are probably wondering when to transition from toddler bed to twin bed. Although there is not one correct answer, as all toddlers are different, there are some signs to know that your toddler is ready to upgrade to a new sized bed.
Signs that Your Toddler MAY Be Ready:
- They are at least 3 years old and give you no worries about potentially falling out of bed or being able to get in/out of their current bed. Safety should be your main concern when transition children to new sized beds.
- They are verbally saying they want a new bed or when asked, they are open to the idea. If could try looking through a furniture website with them and pull up twin bed frames to see if they are interested as well.
- They sleep in their toddler bed for the entire night without issue. If they don’t, and get scared in the middle of the night and run to your room for the rest of their sleep, it probably would not make sense to invest in another bed they aren’t going to sleep in.
- A side note to this would be if you do still feel inclined to get them a bigger bed (due to age or whatever reason), consider getting a twin bed with a trundle underneath. You could put your child to sleep in their new twin bed and lay next to them until they fall asleep (or back to sleep if this is in the middle of the night).
- They are visibly outgrowing their bed. They may be tall for their age or are just a little older (maybe 5) and found comfort in their small bed. If they are not able to stretch without bumping the edges of their bed, or they are verbally complaining about the size of the bed, it is definitely time to start looking for a new bed.
- They are not sleeping through the night (tossing and turning) because they can’t get comfortable OR when asked, they say their bed is not comfortable. Toddler beds are only comfortable for small children for a short period of time. They deserve to have a comfortable bed that is meant for their weight/height/age like you do.
- If you are moving or re-decorating, it might make sense to buy a new twin bed for your child (depending on income, especially if your toddler is on the younger side). You probably will want to keep the toddler bed (at least the mattress) around just in case your toddler has trouble adjusting to the new bed.
- If you are expecting a new baby and need to convert the toddler bed back into a crib. Obviously, you do not want to make your toddler feel like they are getting their bed taking away for the new baby. You don’t want to create any jealous feelings towards the new baby. You most likely don’t need the crib right away if you are about to give birth if you have a bassinet. You can warm your toddler up to the idea first by having them picking out the bed (if possible) or pick out a new pillow, blanket and/or sheets (depending on budget).
- If they have older siblings and are always trying to play/nap/sleep on their brother or sister’s bed. Younger siblings tend to grow up “faster” because their siblings have paved the way for them.
Obviously, you are the parent and know if your child is going to jump out of their bed like they are superman/woman and break their arm, so it is absolutely OKAY to wait to transition them into a new bed.
Bed Transition Tips:
- If you are worried about your child not wanting to transition into a new bed just because new things can be “scary” for toddlers, try and make the experience fun.
- If possible, have them help you pick out the bed (or maybe the color — like white, gray, black, pink, dark wood, light wood).
- Also, if in the budget, ask them what “theme” they want for their sheets, blanket, and/or pillow.
- If it isn’t in the budget, perhaps just get an inexpensive set of sheets and pillowcase in a color they like (or picked — give them a choice of blue, yellow, and red…or whatever is available).
- If you are worried about the new bed’s height, it is perfectly okay to put the new twin bed on the floor for ease of mobility and safety for your toddler.
- You can wait to set up the bed frame (or even wait to buy a bed frame) until you see how your child handles their new sized bed.
- You can find a bed that has “side rails” for kiddos that like to roll around in their sleep.
- You can also purchase a side rail that you can attach to any bed frame temporarily while your child gets used to the new bed.
- Make them comfortable with the idea
- Make sure their favorite blankie or stuffed animal is set up with their new bed so they can be at ease in their new environment
- Allow them to nap or even potentially play in their bed (i.e. make a fort with the bed, add some string lights on the wall or a night light projector, do WWF body slams on the bed, or whatever makes their little heart happy) if they aren’t 100% set on sleeping in it right away.
- Have a bed time routine that includes the new bed, like reading several books while tucked in it or snuggle up with them while you talk about their day with them. You want this to be a happy space for them.
- Be patient
- They might not want to sleep in their new bed right away, so keep their old mattress available (so they aren’t having to sleep in your bed) and potentially even put it next to the new bed.
- Eventually they will want to have their new, comfy bed, because let’s be honest, toddler beds are not comfy for us bigger folk. They aren’t going to be comfortable forever for your toddler soon to be elementary school student either. It may take days, weeks, or even a month or two, but they will realize the bed is better and make it their own special place.
Twin Bed Ideas
Here are 4 twin bed ideas that might work for your toddler.
- Twin Trundle Bed for Toddlers with lots of friends or who don’t want to sleep alone yet (for Mommy/Daddy to lay down until the toddler goes to sleep). Click HERE to see this affordable bed on Amazon.
- Twin Bed with Guardrails – For the Toddler who likes to roll around but is too big or long for their toddler bed. Click HERE to see this bed in multiple finishes!
- Twin Bed for Small Spaces — Includes drawers for clothes underneath so you don’t have to have a bulky dresser too! Click HERE to check it out in two finishes on Amazon.
- Twin Bed on a Budget — A new bed doesn’t need to be expensive. This bed frame has 278 ratings with 4.3 rating and is only $54.99. Check out this bed HERE on Amazon before it’s sold out.
- I will attest that the metal bed frames can be WAY better than the bamboo slat ones as far as longevity goes and they are just as comfortable.
Hopefully after reading this, you were able to make a more informed decision on whether or not your cute little toddler is ready for their big boy or big girl bed. If you need any help with re-decorating their room, check out this awesome post right here for some interesting ideas:
This post may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated if you purchase something from that link. Don’t worry, I am not some big corporation pushing garbage to you, I am just a single mom with a 4 year old trying to help other parents out from my own experiences. Much love!