7 Alarming Signs Your Toddler is Not Ready for a Bed Yet

Is your toddler also showing signs of climbing from their crib? I know how that feels like – watching them grow old can make anyone excited about shifting into a big kid bed.

But wait! As a children’s sleep specialist, I’ve helped many parents through this change who unknowingly rushed this step. Shifting kids too early can cause irregular sleeping patterns that might take months to fix.

Some toddlers may seem excited about this new change, but in reality, they need more time in their crib.

Throughout my years of working with so many different families, I’ve observed a few key signs that clearly tell us that a child isn’t ready for this big step yet.

I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned so that you can make the right choices for your little peanut.

Major Signs to Look Out For 

1. Age

Most children do well staying in a crib until they’re at least 3 years old. Your 18-month-old might be very smart and active, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for a bed.

• Toddlers under the age of 2 lack the mental maturity to handle sleeping in a bed.
• The ideal age to switch to a bed is between 2.5 and 3.5, as children tend to listen to and follow your instructions and are more likely to stay in bed for sleep time.
• Even if your child looks big for their age, their brain development matters more than their size.
• If parents shift their kids too early, they face many bedtime battles, which take months to fix. So, it’s better to keep your child in the crib for longer. 

2. Climbs Out of Their Crib

Many parents get worried when their child starts climbing out of their crib. And I get it- it’s scary!

But it doesn’t mean that they’re ready for a big bed. Instead, follow their patterns first. It’s fine if it happens only once or twice, but if it happens several times a week, then try these fixes,

• A sleeping sack
• Lower the crib mattress to the floor
• Remove items they may use as a stepping stool

Being practical is important than rushing in with extreme solutions. Sleeping sack works best, as they limit them from lifting their legs plus they’re safe and comfy.

3. Boundaries

After working with hundreds of families for so many years, believe me when I say – boundary recognition is key.

Here are some signs that show your toddler is not ready for boundary-based sleep rules yet.

They Don’t Stop When Told ‘No’

• They ignore basic safety commands
• Continues to run even after being told not too
• Keeps touching things even after being told to stop.

Can’t Stay in One Place

• Leaves in between dinnertime
• Can’t sit for a longer period in one place
• Gets up during story time

They Test Limits Constantly

• Opens closed doors without permission
• Goes into rooms they know are off-limits
• Takes items they’ve told not to touch
• Stability in Your Child’s Life

I think that kids struggling with these boundaries often have trouble adjusting to a big bed. A crib brings the structure that they may need while adapting to these new skills.

In my understanding, waiting until they have a better grasp on these limits leads to smoother bed transitions.

4. Pre Existing Sleep Issues

A child’s current sleeping habits and patterns tells us a lot about their willingness to shift into a big bed. As a sleep expert, I have noticed that this transition to big bed made a lot of kid’s existing sleeping patterns worse. 

Pay attention to these signs.

Bedtime Behaviour 

• It takes a long time to fall asleep
• Fights when going to bed
• Cries when you leave the room
• And needs you to stay in the room

Night Sleeping Problems

• Is afraid of the night
• Wakes up several times
• Struggles going back to bed by themselves
• Comes into your room often

Nap Time Issues

• Skips nap time often
• Takes shorter naps
• Fights nap time regularly
• Will only nap in specific conditions

Fix the pre-existing sleep issues of your kid while he is still in the crib because the safety of a crib offers better sleep support.

Think about it: if your child already struggles to sleep in a confined space, an open and even wider space might just make things worse.

5. Fears

I have met many parents who fail to understand that their toddlers’ fear can indicate they’re not ready to move to a big bed. These little peanuts might need the comfort of their cribs for a little longer.

Watch out for these signs:

• They constantly ask to keep the lights on,
• Gets upset whenever doors are closed
• They want their closet checked many times.
• Stays close to their parents and are afraid of new places
• The common house sounds scare them
• Calls for their parents often during the night
• Wakes up scared and talks about nightmares often.

A crib acts as an enclosed room with walls of their own, which eases the child’s fears & makes them feel protected.

Help them feel brave first while they are in their cribs. The bed can wait until they show more confidence.

6. Seems Content in Their Crib

There are several reasons why a content crib sleeper should stay right there. A happy crib sleeper is a gift. If your toddler is content in their crib, that’s a clear sign to leave them be.

Happy toddlers in their cribs can show signs of 

• Being happy when going to sleep
• Don’t get cranky when they wake up
• They don’t try to climb out of the crib
• They call for you instead of crying
• They like nap time.

Changing a toddler’s routine can lead to problems that didn’t even exist before.

Think of it like this: your toddler feels safe in their crib.

It’s their comfort place, which they are familiar with. When they’re content there, they’re telling us they’re not ready for a change yet.

My tip is, ‘Don’t fix what isn’t broken’. A toddler will show you clearly when he’s ready to be moved to a bed, until then enjoy the peace of mind that your little one is offering.

When to Seek Professional Help

When should you call for an expert?

The answer is simple: If your toddler’s sleeping habits affect the comfort of your whole family, it’s time to seek help.

I recommend my clients to seek early professional help instead of waiting it out. An expert’s view brings fresh opinions to the situation. 

They will help you by 

• Reviewing the full sleeping pattern of your toddler
• Custom transition plan
• Follow-up support

Here are a few signs you should be on the lookout for in your toddlers that prove you should seek professional help

• Multiple failed attempts from switching to both crib and bed
• Your toddler wakes up several times in a night
• Both parents are losing significant sleep
• Sleep problems lasting more than two weeks.

Safety Measures for Toddlers While Using a Bed

I recommend that parents check these safety measures each week. Your little one grows smarter every day.

What may have worked last week, might not work next week. Your endgame should be to create a space where your toddler can sleep safely.

I’m sharing some insightful tips to make it easier for you

• Ensure that the bed has proper railings and the bed is closer to the ground
• Check the bed’s stability every two days
• Tie up or remove window blind cords
• Set the bed up by a solid wall, keep it away from windows
• Keep their floors clean of any toys, and use soft night lights
• Keep the paths to the bathroom open
• Install a baby gate at the door
• Use door knob covers, and cover power outlets

If your toddler is sleeping in a bed, you have to make sure that these safety measures are kept in mind and checked regularly.

A safe room lets the parents and the child sleep comfortably.

Comparison Between Crib & Bed Sleeping Patterns of Toddlers

Category	Crib Sleep Patterns	Big Bed Early Switch
Sleep Success Rates	15-20 min to sleep	30-45 min to sleep
90-95% stay-in-bed rate	40-60% stay-in-bed rate
85% sleep through the night	60% sleep through the night
Behavioral Patterns	Reduced night wandering	Frequent room exits
Consistent routines	Disrupted routines
Predictable wake times	Variable wake times
Long-Term Impact	20% sleep problems	65% sleep problems
25% bedtime resistance	70% bedtime resistance
Minor adjustments needed	Frequent retraining needed
Family Impact	Minimal night wakings	40% more night wakings
Maintained parent sleep	60% sleep quality drop
Lower stress levels	Higher stress levels
Safety Statistics	15% bed falls
Fewer accidents	3x more sleep incidents
Safer room environment	5x more room incidents

Tips to Make this Change Smoother

I often tell the parents to choose any 3 tips to start with. Making multiple changes at once can feel odd to your toddler. Remember, slow and steady wins here. When one habit sticks, add another.

Here are my top proven tips that you can try today: 

• Make their current room extra cozy
• Add a white noise machine
• Keep their bedtime routine the same 
• Install a toddler safe bed-rail
• Childproof their entire room
• Set up good sleep habits, etc.

Just like learning any new skill needs patience, more than rushing. Your calm approach helps your child feel better about this big change.

Conclusion

Let me quickly wrap up with the key takeaways of moving to a big bed. 

Waiting for the right time is very important instead of listening to others or moving your kid into bed too early. Your toddler will clearly show you signs when they’re ready to be moved to a big bed. 

Your toddler’s eager signs are a better calendar than anything else. Track their behavior, fears, sleep patterns, and life changes before making this move.

Keeping a content crib sleeper in their crib won’t hold them back – instead, it helps them feel safe and secure.

Look at your child now, do they show the immediate signs we discussed?

If not, waiting might be better.

Trust your instincts, watch out for the signs, and make the transition when your child is truly ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Tell When Your Toddler is Ready for a Bed?

If he can no longer fit in the crib or needs more space, he understands basic instructions, their sleeping habits are healthy, or they specifically ask to sleep in a bed.

Going Back to Crib After Toddler Bed?

If your child struggles with the transition, you can return him to the crib. It can provide security and re-establish sleep routines until he’s ready for bed.

Is My Toddler Going to Bed Too Early?

If he wakes up too early, resists going to sleep, or it’s taking a long time for him to go to bed, then their bedtime might be too early. Change it to later, but ensure they get 10-14 hours of sleep daily.