Let’s Wing It: The High Price Some Parents Pay for Big Kid Bed Chaos
Moving a toddler from their cozy crib to a “big kid” bed sounds like a heartwarming milestone, right? Cue the violins, imagine the Instagram post, and bask in the parental glory.
Except… reality doesn’t always cooperate.
Out of the blue your child decides to climb out of the crib <OR>
expecting parents decide tonight is the night to move their oldest out of the crib… what could go wrong?
Let’s explore the deliriously slap-happy journey of how transitioning a toddler or preschooler can go when you are flying by the seat of your pants, shall we…
Stage 1: The Great Escape
It always starts innocently enough. You hear a thud, a tiny gasp, and then the unmistakable sound of freedom: little feet padding toward your room. Congratulations, your toddler has figured out how to catapult themselves out of the crib like a miniature Evel Knievel.
You rush in, heart racing, only to find them proudly perched on top of a dresser wearing nothing but a diaper and a victorious grin. “Big kid bed, here we come!” you announce, without realizing you’re unleashing bedtime pandemonium.
Stage 2: The DIY Bedtime Revolution
The first night in the big bed is all fun and games. Literally. Your toddler thinks, This bed has no walls? Amazing! They roll, jump, and dramatically flop onto the mattress like they’re auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. By the time you leave the room, you’re pretty sure they’ll fall asleep… eventually.
Oh yikes, they are following you. What do you do now? I didn’t think about the door. I never had this problem before. Cue full panic. Walk back in. Lay down in child’s new bed. Oh yay, that worked, we are in bed again. 10 minutes later they are asleep. You are feeling pretty great. That’s not so bad.
Two hours later, you find them in the hallway, clutching a half-eaten banana, wearing pajamas over their head, and looking like they’ve been on a solo road trip through your house.
Stage 3: The Sleep Stall Olympics
Ah, night 2 the bedtime stalling. Crib life didn’t allow for much wiggle room, but now? They’ve got options.
“I need water!” (Their cup is already full.)
“I need colder water! (Gosh they are so smart, okay I’ll get it.)
“I need hotter water! (Oh, crap I am being played.)
“My blanket is too blanket-y!” (Huh?)
“Can we read one more book?” (You already read seven.)
“There’s a monster in my sock!” (??? oh now my child is scared of his room, let me… lay with him to be sure)
Two hours later your child is still awake. You’ve lost an entire evening, your will to live, and just want to go to sleeeeeep sooooo baaad.
Stage 4: The Nighttime Wanderer Chronicles
A toddler in a big bed isn’t confined to one location. Oh no, they now have the freedom to roam. Expect nocturnal visits from your pint-sized wanderer who just needs to show you a Lego piece or “help” you feed the newborn at 2 a.m.
Stage 5: The Nap Time Strike
If bedtime wasn’t already a battlefield, the lack of sleep and boundaries at night is now running over into nap time. Which has now become extinct. Without the crib’s comforting confinement, your toddler realizes they don’t have to stay in one place. They treat naptime like an improv comedy show, asking if it’s over YET, practicing somersaults, rearranging furniture, and giggling loudly enough to rattle the windows.
That is after they have come out of their room nine hundred and fifty times and broken your full soul.
Suddenly, you’re googling, “Can toddlers survive without naps?” Which really means you should be googling, “Can I survive without toddler naps?”
Which comedy of crib to bed transition errors have you or your friends experienced? I want to know! Leave me an audio message here.
What’s the Solution?
Before you turn into a sleep-deprived zombie, remember this: transitioning to a toddler bed doesn’t have to feel like a circus every night. Society doesn’t prepare parents for this transition, but you can prepare yourself.
Have a Plan:
Watch for sleep cues.
Stick to familiar routines.
Set clear expectations and boundaries.
Involve Your Toddler:
Let them choose special sheets or a new lovey to create excitement.Stay Consistent:
Expect some hiccups, but stick to the plan. It will get better!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. With the right plan, you can reclaim your evenings (and your sanity) in as little as three nights.
Ready to Make the Leap from Chaos to Calm?
For Independent Sleepers: Schedule a 1-Hour Phone Consultation to plan the crib-to-bed transition.
For Struggling Sleepers: Check out the First 3 Nights Package or book a Sleep Audit to discuss your child’s specific needs.
Not sure what support is best for your family? Start with a FREE Sleep Audit today!
Sleep transitions don’t have to be a nightmare. Let’s make the leap to a big kid bed feel like the milestone it’s meant to be.
Wishing you restful nights and giggle-filled mornings,
Jessica
