You welcome your bundle of joy into the world, and before you know it, your little one is already outgrowing their crib. Knowing when to transition to toddler bed from a crib can be difficult, especially if this is your first baby. However, there are a few distinct signs to look out for in order to know when it’s time.

Let’s take a look at some of the clearest ways that your baby will let you know it’s time for a bigger bed.

By the time potty training has begun for your little one, getting them set up in a bed with easier access to the bathroom is a smart move. If your child is stuck in a crib but has to use the potty in the middle of the night, you may experience some significant setbacks in your potty-training efforts.

If your child has grown big enough to climb out of their crib without help, you don’t need to keep wondering when to transition to toddler bed. Keeping them in a crib has become a safety hazard at this point in your baby’s development. They would be safer in a toddler bed.

Maybe your child hasn’t attempted to climb out of the crib yet, but it’s clear their limbs have grown too long to comfortably fit in a crib. Your baby should have enough space to move around in whatever bed they have, and the crib has become too restrictive if they can easily touch each end of the crib when lying down.

So you’ve decided it’s time to switch to a toddler bed, but how do you do it in the most streamlined and stress-free way? Changing up your child’s expectations around bedtime can cause some behavioral reactions. But with some simple steps, you can help your child make the transition with as few bumps in the road as possible.

Here are some of our top tips for switching from crib to toddler bed when your little one is ready to make the adjustment.

Whatever your child’s bedtime routine was before, it’s important to stick to it as closely as possible once you upgrade them to a larger bed without bars. The change of surroundings will be jarring enough, so keep a consistent routine around bedtime to help keep them comfortable.

One of the best tips for switching from crib to toddler bed is to make the switch an exciting one. When you realize that it’s time to upgrade your child’s bed, get them excited to make the switch before it happens, and they will be less likely to experience anxiety around the change.

Like anything with young children, it’s important to have patience with your little one once you’ve figured out when to transition to toddler bed, and you’ve started to make the switch. Even if you try your best to make it an exciting change, your child might still feel uncomfortable at first, but that feeling will fade as they get used to it.

Ready to upgrade your child’s sleeping arrangement but not sure what to look for when buying a toddler bed? There are a few key factors to consider before deciding on a purchase or rental.

Your toddler’s bed should be sturdy and ready to hold up against plenty of jumping, wiggling, and rolling around. It should also be low to the ground so that your little one can easily get up and out of bed without the risk of injury.

Avoid headboards and footboards with any ornate carvings or cutouts, as rambunctious kids can easily hurt themselves on these details.

Additionally, if you know your little one is a particularly restless sleeper or might have trouble transitioning from crib to toddler bed, you may want to choose a bed with side rails. You should rent a monitor to keep a close eye on your toddler's activity during the night.

Babies grow so fast that you’re lucky to get a few weeks of use out of any piece of gear you buy. With Loop, you can rent the baby equipment you need and return it on your schedule. Check out our sleep products for rent today.