Moving your little one from a cosy crib to their very first “big bed” is a milestone many parents look forward to, and sometimes worry about in equal measure. It’s a moment filled with excitement, pride, and often a hint of nostalgia as you realise just how quickly your child is growing. The good news? With a little preparation, plenty of reassurance, and the right bed, the transition from crib to bed can be wonderfully smooth for everyone involved. When is the right time to transition from crib to bed? There’s no magic age that marks the time to move your little one from crib to bed, just the perfect time for your child. While many suggest somewhere between the 18 month and three year age range, every toddler is different so go at their pace to make sure they are comfortable. You want to make sure they’re safe and mature enough to handle the change, so closer to the three year mark may be best when they have better impulse control and understanding of boundaries. Here are a few helpful signs that your toddler is ready to make the upgrade: They’re climbing out of the crib, or trying to! They’ve outgrown their crib, physically or emotionally They’ve said they want to try a “big bed” They’re potty trained and don’t want to use a nappy anymore overnight The bottom line is you need to be sure they’re ready both physically and emotionally. If your child is resisting change or going through a big life adjustment (like a new sibling or starting nursery), you might want to give it a little more time for them to settle. Baby steps! Choosing the right bed Shopping for your toddler’s first bed is such a joyful milestone. What’s cuter than tiny beds for tiny humans? And with so many clever designs made to help little ones move safely from crib to bed, you’re truly spoilt for choice. Here are some of our favourites to help you choose. Toddler beds with rails A toddler bed is a brilliant way to ease into the big-bed stage. It sits low to the floor, usually fits the same mattress as the cot, and often comes with handy guard rails. Parents love them because they feel like a gentle, familiar step up rather than a big leap. Low profile single beds If you’d rather jump straight to a “big kid” bed, a low single is a brilliant way to go. It’ll last for years, looks great in any room, and often comes with clever storage to keep the space tidy. You can explore our kids’ single beds here. Beds with built-in storage For compact rooms or toy-heavy spaces, storage beds are an absolute game-changer. Those under-bed drawers and shelves give you extra space to stash the clutter and keep things organised. Hoorah! No matter which bed you pick, look out for simple safety touches like strong guardrails, soft edges, and a low-to-the-ground design to help prevent any tumbles and tantrums. Browse our complete collection of cute kids beds. Creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment Once you’ve found the perfect bed for your child, it’s time to set the scene for a cosy, safe sleep. With just a few simple tweaks, you can make their little bedroom feel both safe and fun! Keep the room childproof Now your toddler has more freedom at nighttime, it’s really important you make the roof safe, such as adding soft rugs or covering sharp corners with padding if you’re worried about falls. Use a soft nightlight A warm, soft nightlight will provide comfort overnight and make their bedroom feel more calm, friendly and familiar, Choose soft, breathable bedding Choose comfy, breathable bedding in colours or prints that make your child smile – make their bedroom a place they love to spend time and snuggle. Position the bed in a safe spot Place the bed away from windows, heaters and sharp furniture edges to ensure they’re safe and secure all night long. Making the transition fun and exciting Getting your little one involved can make a world of difference in how they feel about their new bed. Here are a few exciting ideas to try! Let them choose something fun, like the bedding or even the bed itself. Sometimes a dinosaur duvet or a fairy princess pillowcase is all it takes to spark joy. Turn it into a mini celebration with a “big bed day.” A sticker chart, a special treat, or a bedtime story about growing up can make the moment feel magical. Give them a little job when setting up the room. Toddlers love feeling like they’re in charge so let them play boss! When your child feels included, they’re far more likely to embrace the transition with enthusiasm and lots of smiles. Establishing a sleep routine A little routine can work wonders when your toddler is settling into a new bed. A gentle, predictable bedtime helps them feel safe, secure, and ready to drift off peacefully. Try keeping things calm and consistent with simple steps like: A warm bath to unwind PJs and teeth brushing A quiet bedtime story Soft lullabies or gentle music Cuddles with a favourite teddy or comforter Sticking to the same order and timing each night reassures your little one that, even though the bed is new, the bedtime routine they know and love hasn’t changed. Managing potential challenges Even with the smoothest start, a few bumps along the way are totally normal. Your child might hop out of bed, call for you repeatedly, or just seem a bit unsure at first. But don’t worry, here’s how to handle it like a pro: Stay calm and consistent. Gently guide them back to bed and keep the mood relaxed. Offer a little reassurance. A quick hug or a few comforting words can make a huge difference. Keep goodbyes short. Lingering at bedtime can actually make them fuss more. Celebrate the small wins. Even one night of staying in their new bed is worth a mini celebration or high-five! Most toddlers get the hang of it in a few days to a couple of weeks. Stick with it, stay patient, and soon your little one will be happily snoozing in their new bed like a big kid. To conclude Moving your little one from a crib to a bed is a big milestone and an exciting sign that they’re growing more independent. With the right timing, a comfy and safe bed, and a gentle bedtime routine, this transition can be smooth, fun, and full of joy for the whole family. When you’re ready to find the perfect bed, Time4Sleep has a fantastic range of toddler-friendly options designed with safety, comfort, and style in mind. From low-profile beds to clever designs with built-in storage, we’ve got everything you need to make your child’s first “big bed” experience a happy one. Explore our collection of kids beds today.