Skip the Toddler Bed: Here's What to Do Instead
When it's time to move your little one out of their crib, you might automatically think "toddler bed" is the next logical step. But what if I told you there's a better option that could save you time, money, and sleep disruptions?
As a toddler sleep expert and mom of 4, I'm a big fan of skipping the toddler bed altogether and moving straight to a big kids bed. Here's why this approach works so much better for the families I coach:
Why Skip the Toddler Bed?
Toddler beds might seem like the perfect middle ground between crib and big bed, but they often create more problems than they solve. Here's the reality: toddler beds are easier to get out of, making impulse control much harder for your child.
When your 2-year-old wakes up at 3 AM in a toddler bed, there's virtually nothing stopping them from dipping their little toes out and wandering to your room. The low height and easy accessibility can actually encourage those middle-of-the-night adventures that leave everyone exhausted.
Why Choose a Big Kid Bed
A full-size or twin bed offers something a toddler bed simply can't: natural boundaries that help your child stay put when they wake up overnight. Here's why this approach is so effective:
Better Sleep Boundaries
The higher sides of a regular mattress create a psychological and physical boundary. When your child wakes up during the night, they're more likely to stay in bed and fall back asleep rather than immediately getting up to explore.
One Transition Instead of Two
Why put your family through two major sleep transitions when you can do just one? By moving directly from crib to big bed, you avoid the inevitable second upheaval that comes with upgrading from toddler bed to regular bed later on.
Long-Term Investment
A quality twin or full-size bed will grow with your child for years to come. Instead of purchasing a toddler bed they'll outgrow in 12-18 months, you're making a smart investment in their sleep setup.
Improved Impulse Control
When it's not quite as easy to hop out of bed, children naturally develop better impulse control around sleep. They learn to stay in their sleep space even when they wake up, which is a crucial independent sleep skill.
HINT: Impulse control might be playing a bigger role in your toddler’s sleep struggles than you think! Read our blog on impulse control to learn more!
When to Make the Switch?
This strategy is recommended for children who are over 2 years old. Before this age, the safety risks of a regular bed outweigh the benefits. Here are the signs your toddler is ready for the big bed transition:
They're climbing out of their crib - If your little escape artist is making their way out of the crib, it's safer to transition to a big bed where you can control the environment rather than risk falls from crib climbing.
They're potty trained or working on nighttime training - Big bed transitions often coincide with potty training milestones. Having easier access to the bathroom during the night becomes important, and a regular bed makes this much more manageable than a toddler bed.
They can walk steadily and navigate stairs safely - Your child should have solid gross motor skills and good balance before making this transition. If they can confidently walk around your home and handle stairs, they're likely ready for the physical aspects of a big bed.
They understand and follow simple rules - The success of a big bed largely depends on your child's ability to understand and follow the "stay in bed" rule. If they can follow other household rules consistently, they're probably ready for this sleep boundary too.
They're showing signs of increased independence - Look for signs like wanting to do things "by myself," showing interest in big kid activities, or expressing desire for a "big kid bed." This natural independence drive will work in your favor during the transition.
Not sure if your toddler is ready to make the transition?
We’ve got a full blog on when to transition (and when NOT to transition) for you to read here!
How to Make the Transition Successfully
1. Choose the Right Bed Setup
Twin bed: Perfect for smaller rooms and younger toddlers. The size is manageable for a 2-year-old while still providing that important psychological boundary that keeps them in bed when they wake up overnight.
Full bed: Great if you have space and want to invest in a bed size that will last!
Low-profile bed frame: Reduces fall risk while maintaining the psychological boundary. Look for frames that sit closer to the ground but still create that important elevation that makes getting out less tempting than a toddler bed.
Quality mattress: Invest in comfort for better sleep quality. A supportive, comfortable mattress will help your child sleep more soundly, making them less likely to wake up and test those new bed boundaries.
2. Safety First
Install bed rails if needed (removable ones work great) - Temporary bed rails can provide peace of mind during the initial transition. Choose ones that can be easily removed as your child adjusts, so you're not creating a long-term dependency on them. I love these inflatable ones because they are perfect for travel as well!
Ensure the room is completely childproofed - With a big bed comes more freedom to roam. Secure furniture to walls, cover outlets, remove small objects, and ensure there's nothing dangerous your child could access if they do get up during the night.Your child’s room is now their crib!
Remove any climbing hazards near the bed - Dressers, toy boxes, or chairs near the bed can become launching pads for adventurous toddlers. Keep the area around the bed clear to prevent unsafe climbing.
3. Create Clear Boundaries
Establish rules about staying in bed and practice them during the day. I recommend using an okay-to-wake clock like the Hatch so its super clear to your child when they can get out of bed in the morning. We practice the rules throughout the day: “Stay in bed, rest your body, and wait for the green light”.
4. Maintain Your Bedtime Routine
Keep everything else consistent during this transition. The same bath time, stories, and songs will provide comfort during this change.
5. Prepare for an Adjustment Period
Even with a big bed, expect some testing of boundaries for the first week or two. Stay consistent with your response and lean on sleep training techniques you’ve used before, like the Check and Console Method, The Chair Method, or Silent Returns.
When bedtime follows the same pattern every night, your child doesn't have to use as much mental energy figuring out what comes next. This leaves more impulse control "fuel" for the harder parts, like actually staying in bed.
Keep your expectations simple and specific. Instead of saying "be good at bedtime," try "stay in your bed until your wake-up light turns on." Clear rules are much easier for developing brains to follow.
What About Safety Concerns?
Many parents worry about the safety of moving directly to a big bed, but when done properly with a child over 2, it's completely safe. Here's how to minimize risks:
Choose a low-profile bed frame - This reduces the risk of injury from falls while still maintaining the important psychological boundary that helps with impulse control. The slight elevation is key to the success of this approach.
Use a firm, quality mattress - A supportive mattress not only promotes better sleep but also provides a stable surface. Avoid overly soft mattresses that might pose safety risks for younger children.
Install temporary bed rails if your child is an active sleeper - If your little one tends to move around a lot during sleep, removable bed rails can provide extra security during the adjustment period. Plan to remove them once your child is comfortable with the new setup.
Ensure the bedroom is thoroughly childproofed - This cannot be overstated. Every piece of furniture should be secured, all potential hazards removed, and the room should be as safe as a large playpen since your child will have more freedom to explore.
Don’t rush the change - If you don’t feel confident your child will be safe in a big-kid bed, don’t rush it. Everyone has a different timeline and that’s totally fine!
What to Expect During the Transition
Week 1-2: Some testing of boundaries is normal. Your child might get out of bed a few times as they adjust to their new freedom.
Week 3-4: Most children settle into the new routine and start staying in bed consistently.
Month 2+: You'll likely notice improved sleep quality and fewer middle-of-the-night disruptions.
When This Approach Might Not Work
While I'm a big advocate for skipping toddler beds, there are some situations where it might not be the best fit:
Children under 2 years old - Safety and developmental readiness are paramount. Children this young simply don't have the cognitive or physical development needed to safely navigate a big bed transition.
Kids with developmental delays that affect safety awareness - Some children may need additional time to develop the understanding and impulse control necessary for big bed success. Work with your pediatrician to determine the right timing.
Families in temporary living situations - If you're moving soon or staying somewhere temporarily, it might make sense to wait until you're settled. Big bed transitions work best with consistency and familiar surroundings.
Final thoughts
Skipping the toddler bed isn't just about avoiding an extra purchase—it's about setting your child up for better sleep success. By moving directly to a big kids bed (for children over 2), you're teaching valuable sleep skills, creating natural boundaries, and making a long-term investment in your family's rest.
Remember, every child is different, and what works for one family might need adjusting for another. The key is understanding your child's development, maintaining consistency, and staying patient during the adjustment period.
We’ve got lots of resources for you as you make this transition! From blogs, to hands-on support with one of our expert sleep coaches, click here to book a complimentary consultation call with me and we can discuss the best way to help your child transition!
Meg O'Leary is an Infant and Child Sleep Expert and the founder of A Restful Night. Based in Westchester County, NY, she leads a team of certified sleep coaches to provide virtual support to families across the US and around the world.
