How to Transition Your Toddler From the Crib to the Bed

For many parents, the question of whether to make the transition from a crib to a bed often comes after their little one has climbed out and miraculously made it into your bedroom. The crib has no longer become a place where you put your child down for sleep, but has now become a jungle gym. So when is it time for parents to ditch the crib and make the leap into a bed?

It is ideal to keep children in their crib until at least 2 ½ years, and, ideally, 3 years of age. While some children try to escape their crib at an earlier age, this does not mean they are ready to transition to a bed. They often lack the verbal skills to understand and impulse control to follow the new bed rules and many will miss the cozy containment of the crib.