What’s the best time to transfer your child from a little bed to an adult bed? Is there an ideal age? Are there ways to know whether your child is ready for this change? Do you need to pay attention to any special signs?

To help you know what to do and how to do it, we’ve listed few reference points that will help you to better understand what is at stake.

At what age is a child is ready for an adult bed?

First, you should understand that each child is different. Some will be ready very young, while others will take longer to make the transition. Pediatricians agree that the change should take place between 18 and 36 months. However, they suggest that you wait until the child is at least 24 months old. This is safer for the child and more reassuring for the parents!

Changing for an adult bed: a question of safety?

For many parents, changing their child’s bed is motivated by a concern for the latter’s safety. Some worry that their small child will climb the bars or even jump off the bed. Fearing possible injury, the parents rush out to buy an adult bed… forgetting that it can sometimes be dangerous to transfer a child too quickly to a larger bed.

In the case where a child is not ready for the change, adapting to the new environment could prove difficult. The child might want to get up at all hours of the night and wander around the house without supervision. That’s why you must first ensure that your child is ready for this transition.

How do I know if my child is ready to change beds?

Each child reacts differently to the prospect of changing beds. Some will be very enthusiastic and others more fearful. The latter group will take more time to make the transition.

Want to know if your small child is ready to make the change? Set up a short test period. Have your child sleep in an adult bed for about a week, during which time you monitor his behaviour to detect any signs of discomfort. Getting regular and restful sleep is a sign that the child is ready for an adult bed. If, on the contrary, the child wakes up at all hours of the night and cannot seem to get a good night’s sleep, then return him to his child’s bed. This will avoid aggravating the problem and you can try to make the transition again in the months ahead.

How to help your child make a smooth transition?

For a kid, changing beds is an important step that can sometimes lead to anxiety. In order to help make this transition as smooth as possible you should act reassuringly and be understanding toward your child’s reaction.

Here are a few tricks that can facilitate the task:

• Keep your child’s fetish objects (bedspread, teddy bears, etc.). They represent reassuring elements that will help the transition.
• Avoid re-arranging the bedroom. It is even recommended to place the new bed in the exact same place as the old one.
• Involve your child in the transition. For example, bring him with you to buy his new bed. Make it a special and pleasant experience.
• If you must re-use your child’s bed because you are expecting another baby, be sure to make the transition 6 to 8 weeks before you give birth. This will let your child get used to his new bed and feel good about the change.

If you want to make this transition period as smooth as possible for your child, spend a little time working on his disposition. To do this, don’t rush into the transition and pay attention to your child’s reaction to the change. In doing so, you will ensure it is a win-win situation for all those involved!

Note: The sole purpose of using the masculine gender in the text is to facilitate its reading.