Question

Our daughter is 21 months old and still sleeps in her crib, which she has had since birth. At what point should I start to introduce her to a toddler bed? She doesn't attempt at all to climb out of her crib UNLESS I'm standing right there and the side is down. Would it be too much to just introduce her to the full-size bed that she's eventually going to be in? I'd like her to use my father's bedroom furniture, and that would be a full-size bed. What is the normal age that a toddler should be in a toddler bed? I've read the other e-mails from moms and have come to the decision that I will gate her bedroom door just so she doesn't go exploring at nighttime!

Answer

The average age that toddlers move to a big bed is between 2 and 3 years. Parents most often make the change when the child is climbing out of the crib and/or the crib is needed for a new baby. If your daughter is not climbing out on her own and she's got a good sleeping routine, there is no hurry to move her.

When you are ready to remove the crib, you might first have your daughter get used to sleeping on just the mattress of your father's furniture without the box spring. Then, if she falls off the bed, she will not have far to fall and shouldn't hurt herself. After she's used to sleeping on the mattress and you are assured she is not getting out during the night, you can add the box spring.

When you do make the move from crib to big bed, I would agree with your plan to place a gate at her bedroom door or close to it. Don't lock the door for safety reasons, in case you need to get into her room quickly.