Moving on Up - to a Big Kid Bed! 

 

So when exactly is the right time to move your child into a "big kid" bed? My son is only 16 months old, and already he is trying to hike his chubby little leg up over the rail. He can't even come close, but he is trying. There are 50 deaths per year from crib related accidents, and another 9,000 children are injured. The majority of these accidents are fall related, and so it is extremely important that we watch for signs that our child is ready to make the move. First, and most important is that no matter what his age, if a child escapes once, he will do it again.

 

Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that his subsequent escape efforts will be a success. Therefore, once they're out -- keep them out -- and make the move to a big kid bed as soon as possible. Another sign that children are ready to move, is when they reach at height of 32 to 35 inches - usually somewhere around two years of age. Or, if at any point, the side rail is lower than mid-chest. Safety aside, cribs are typically not meant to hold children past 35 inches tall, and they may start bumping themselves into the slats as they roll over in their sleep. Typically children are ready to move to a big bed between the ages of two and three. 

 

Putting a mattress on the floor is a good option because there is no danger posed by the child falling. If this is not reasonable, then consider a toddler bed, or a regular bed with safety rails. Also, try to place the bed with the head and one side against solid walls (ones without windows are best). This will remind them of their crib, and also help prevent falls. Other than falls, there are a few other things that we need to take care of. 

 

Before moving your child,  - completely child proof his or her room. Furniture anchors for dressers and tables, locks for drawers that could be pulled out and used for climbing, full plastic covers for outlets (not just the plastic plugs that can be removed by industrious children and then pose a choking hazard).  Secure any window coverings and associated cords, remove anything that is small enough to cause choking, and store anything which could even pose a risk to your child (such as ointments, powders, and disposable diapers) in the closet.  Then install a childproof lock on the closet door. Remember also, to remove any lamps, fans, clocks, or other items with electrical plugs that pose both a shock and asphyxiation hazard. 

 

Other important additions will be a night light if you do not have one already, and a swinging gate that is attached to your wall. Tension gates have the potential to be pushed out. And, since your child is going to be unattended for at least a portion of the night, these gates are not a good option. A good way of viewing this move, is to consider that you are creating the safety of a crib on a larger scale. In your efforts to create a physically safe environment for your child, please remember that it is an emotional adjustment as well. Talk about the move, and add some steps to your nightly routine that include the new bed and any other changes to their room. 

 

In addition, kids seem to really enjoy helping to pick out new bedding for their new big bed! This step is like so many others that are yet to come in our children's lives - scary but fun, hard but rewarding. And, as is always appropriate in parenting, keep your sense of humor handy, because this is the beginning of the 1001 reasons your child will come up with in the effort to get out of bed!