Menu
MattressFirm Logo
Bed Basics
Bed Basics

Big Kid Bed: When Should Your Child Make the Switch?

June27_Blog_640x400

So, your little one is starting to grow up before your eyes; and you're wondering when is the best time to transition from crib to toddler bed.

Typically, children make the move between the ages 2 and 3.5 years old; however if you don't feel your child is ready, as parents trust your instincts on when your family should make this transition.

There are many factors worth considering during this process including:

  1. Safety
  2. Baby on the Way
  3. Costs and Convenience
  4. Bed Types

Our Mattress Firm team has compiled a few helpful tips for you to know when to pack up the crib and set up the big kid bed. These will help make your life easier in the process.

Safety should be a top concern.


Most toddlers have the ability to climb over a crib rail when they are about 35 inches tall and between 18 and 24 months of age. Little kids love to stretch their wings and try new things.

Escaping from the crib while you think they are sleeping can be dangerous. As a general rule, if your child can climb over the crib's railings while awake, don't hesitate to make the move to a bigger bed.

After you decide it's time, consider how you are going to safeguard your toddler's room and the entire house. You may need to add a child safety handle on the inside of the door until your child understands nighttime exploring is off-limits.

Think about any sibling issues.


One big factor to consider is when you are expecting the arrival of a baby. This can be a very sensitive time for your toddler, especially if you have a one-child household. It's best to start the process one to two months before the new baby is due, assuming that your toddler is at least 18 months old.

Knowing there are many changes to come, make the big kid bed experience special for your toddler. Here are a few  ideas on how to get them involved in this exciting process. And when the new bed arrives have your little one pull out a toy drill or hammer to help you with assembly.

Consider all costs involved.

At Mattress Firm, you can definitely get a great deal and reviews on everything you'll need for a big kid bed. Other costs you should budget include a toddler safety railing, bedding, a mattress protector and child safety locks.

Ease into the transition.


After deciding when the time is right to move your little one to the big kid bed, it's important to choose the best type of bed for your child.

A few options include a toddler bed, which is low to the ground and can support a crib mattress; a twin mattress positioned on the floor or atop box springs, or a traditional bed set-up with a removable guardrail to keep your child from falling out while asleep.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! This is a big milestone not only for your child, but also for you.

Mattress Firm knows there is a lot to get used to when transitioning beds and we are here to help. Come visit one of our Mattress Firm locations and we will make sure you have everything you need for no complaints from your big kid!

You Might Also Like

A picture of a vacuum cleaning a mattress.
Bed Basics
How to Remove Dust Mites from Your BedThere’s nothing like flopping onto your comfy mattress at the end of a long day and settling in for a good night’s sleep. Our bedrooms are our sanctuaries for resting and recharging. So, our bedrooms, where we spend at least one-third of our time asleep, should be clean, restful spaces.
tips for buying a college mattress for your college dorm room - girl sitting on bed in dorm room
Bed Basics
6 Essential Tips for Mattress Shopping with Your College StudentWith some college students preparing to head back to campus, one of the first items on your shopping list might be a new mattress. It might not seem like as big of a deal as other school supplies, but research shows that an investment in rest might be vital to success in the classroom.
spring clean your bedroom and mattress
Bed Basics
Spring Clean into Better SleepSpring is in the air. And that means spring cleaning is probably on your mind. Is it fun? Not especially. But a cleaner home can boost your mind and health, and we have some simple ways to keep your home so fresh and so clean. We always recommend starting with the place where you spend the bulk of your time: your bedroom. Follow these five tips for how to spring clean your way to better sleep.
Uncovering the truth behind mattress myths.jpg
Bed Basics
Uncovering The Truth Behind Mattress MythsWe've come a long way from the days of wooden pallets or cement benches, but as the technology behind mattresses continues to improve, myths increase. Sunni Goodman, Mattress Firm’s Director of Communications, puts the most common misnomers to bed.
A cartoon illustration of a hand holding a spray bottle. A vacuum, baking soda and laundry detergent sitting next to a urine stained mattress.
Bed Basics
How to Clean a Mattress: Urine Stains From an accident caused by your little one to the family pet draining themselves on that brand new duvet, figuring out how to clean urine from a mattress as well as how to get the urine smell out of a mattress can be quite the hassle. Find the best way to clean a mattress.
Blog_640x400_June1.jpg
Bed Basics
Mattress Firm's Glossary of Common Mattress TermsIt's time to buy a new bed. It can be exciting to find the perfect bed to help you sleep better and get to sleep faster, but also it can feel overwhelming researching and learning all the terminology in choosing a mattress. Coils, foam, border wires, platform beds...so many things to know! We're here to help. Our experts put together this helpful, easy reference glossary of commonly used words in the mattress world to help you along the way. Whether you need to learn about what to look for when buying a mattress or making the most of fitting a bunk bed in a small living space, this go-to guide will help you better understand the lingo before even stepping into our stores.
Blog_640x400_June3.jpg
Bed Basics
Everything You Need to Know About PillowsNext time you enter your bedroom, take a good look at your bed. See those pillows there? They make up 25 percent of your sleeping surface. Having proper pillows is an easy way to sleep better. "Your pillow is a significant part of getting your much-needed rest," said Elijah Gomez-Spiers, accessories buyer for Mattress Firm. "The wrong pillow can cause aches or make existing pains even worse."
A couple putting blue supima cotton sheets on a Sleepy's by Sealy mattress in their bedroom.
Bed Basics
How to Clean a Mattress (And Why You Should)You may know to wash your sheets, but did you know you should clean your mattress, too? We got the experts to give us guidance and tips for a clean mattress.
Blog_Images126.jpg
Bed Basics
All About Bed HeightWhile many of us never think about the height of our bed, it can actually play a big role in our overall comfort and sleep experience. Think about it — have you ever tried to get out of a car that was really low to the ground or tried to sit on a bike seat that was too tall for your frame? The wrong bed height can leave you with similar troubles.