Children are usually ready for a toddler bed somewhere between the ages of 2 to 3 1/2.  It’s perfectly normal for some children to make the transition from crib to toddler bed easily and for some to have a difficult time trying to make the switch.  At first, many children get up a handful of times in the middle of the night because it’s easy for them to do so, so you will lose a little bit of sleep for a few days, but it’ll be worth it!            

Once you’re ready to make the transition, don’t even consider placing them in a double bed even if you buy side rails for protection unless you place the mattress directly on the floor – this is much too dangerous!  Toddler beds, even though their mattresses are the same dimensions as crib mattresses, are closer to the floor and they’re usually enclosed with side rails, a headboard, and a foot board.  If you want to make it even safer for your toddler you can place one side of the toddler bed against a wall and place pillows on the other side.

If you find your toddler has trouble transitioning from crib to toddler bed for an extended period of time it may be that they’re simply not ready to make the change just yet.  In this case it’s probably wise to take a step backward and return them to the crib, and make the transition in the near future.  Switching from crib to toddler bed is a huge milestone for a kid so openly celebrate and praise your child when they are successful making the change!