At What Age Should Kids Change Beds?: Transitioning Through The Years

Kids grow up fast, and transitioning them to different beds is an essential milestone in their growth and development. As kids evolve from babies to toddlers, elementary school age, and eventually to their teenage years, their sleeping needs shift. Knowing when to transition their beds is key to ensuring comfort, safety, and longevity in your furniture choices.

Navigating the Crib to Bed Transition

The first transition your child will make when it comes to beds is from a crib to a toddler bed. Because this is a change that basically every child will make, we've incorporated it into the design of our cribs. The side panels of our cribs are easily removable, and they quickly transform into a bed for a toddler, giving you years of more use from it. 

How do you tell if your child is ready to transition from a crib to a toddler bed? Typically the transition occurs between 18 months old and 3 years old, but since every kid develops at their own pace you should make the decision by assessing their behavior. However, there’s no rush to move your child out of their crib. In fact, most parents would rather have their toddlers in their crib a bit longer to prevent them from getting out of bed on their own.

Signs it’s time to transition:

• They’re trying to climb out of their crib regularly
• Expressing interest in “big kid” beds
• They’re starting to potty train
• They’re going through a growth spurt and feel cramped in their crib

It is however, important to note that babies under 18 months are usually too small to transition, regardless of development pace. If you're unsure about whether it's time to move to a toddler bed, you can always bring your child by for a showroom visit and let our designers assess their interactions with the bed models we have here, or of course, consult your pediatrician. 

 Recommended beds: A toddler bed, junior bed, or a small twin bed with guardrails works well during this stage, ensuring safety while allowing for autonomy.

When to Transition to a Toddler Bed

As previously mentioned, moving to a toddler bed typically happens between 18 months and 3 years old and often align with potty training and increased independence. It is however, important to note that babies under 18 months are usually too small to transition, regardless of development pace. If you're unsure about whether it's time to move to a toddler bed, you can always bring your child by for a showroom visit and let our designers assess their interactions with the bed models we have here, or of course, consult your pediatrician.

Considerations for choosing a toddler bed:

• Look for beds lower to the ground
• Consider models with built-in guardrails or models where guardrails can be easily attached to
• Choose furniture with soft, rounded edges to avoid injuries

When to Transition from a Toddler bed to a Twin bed?

The next significant transition happens when your child is ready to start sleeping in a twin size bed. This shift typically happens between 3 ½ and 5 years old, depending on their size and comfort level in a toddler bed. This shift can coincide with developmental milestones like starting pre-school or kindergarten.

Signs it’s time to move to a twin size bed:

• Your child has physically outgrown the toddler bed
• They request a larger bed or mention discomfort sleeping in their toddler bed
• Increased independence, such as dressing themselves and wanting to make their own bed

Recommended beds:

• Standard twin beds like our Cabin daybed or Marino twin bed
• One of the above beds with a removable guardrail may be needed if your child tends to move around a lot during sleep.
• Semi lofted beds like our Dumbo low loft or Dumbo storage bed; ideal for kids looking for some additional space underneath their bed for toys or storage

When is my child old enough for a bunk bed or loft bed?

While there’s no age requirements for kids who sleep on the bottom bunk, bunk bed safety guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission states that children younger than 6 years old should not sleep in the upper bunk. However, even at age 6 or 7, it's essential to assess your child’s personality and physical activity. If your child is particularly active or prone to jumping and climbing, waiting a little longer may be the safest route.

If you’re uncertain, our showroom allows children to test out bunk beds and loft beds in a controlled environment. Our designers can provide feedback on their readiness. For parents who prefer to ease into this transition, we offer convertible bunk bed models, like the Cabin or LoLo, which start as two twin beds on the floor and can later be stacked into a bunk bed as your child matures. Some of our bunk beds, like the Capsule, MiniBunk, and LoLo, have the bottom bunk sitting on the floor so it's safer for younger kids to sleep there.

Safely considerations for bunk beds:

• Guardrails: ensure the top bunk has guardrails on all sides
• Ladders and stairs: Choose models with secure ladders or staircases to ensure safety while climbing up and down
• Spacing: Make sure the bed is set up away from ceiling fans, low hanging light fixtures, or soffits that are close enough for them to bump their heads on

Choosing the Right Bed for Tweens and Teenagers

As kids grow into their tween and teenage years, their needs for space, comfort, and functionality shift. The right bed can create a sense of personal space, encourage organization, and accommodate different activities like studying, reading, and socializing. Choosing the right bed depends on the size of the room, your child’s needs, and how much they’ll use the space for activities beyond sleeping.

Bed options based on room size and needs:

• Bunk Beds: Perfect for kids sharing a room or as an extra bed for sleepovers. Models like the Cabin or LoLo bunk beds can start as two twin beds and later convert into stacked bunks when the time is right. You can also add a trundle bed or storage drawers underneath the bottom bunk.
• Loft Beds with Desks: Ideal for smaller rooms or kids who need a combined space for sleeping and studying. The Dumbo loft bed andMarino loft bed maximize floor space by incorporating desks, bookshelves, and cubby storage below.
• Loft Beds with Couches or Daybeds like this Marino model, which is great for creating a cozy lounge area or reading nook.
• Storage Beds: A smart option for rooms without closets or for kids who need extra room to organize clothes, books, and toys. Our Dumbo storage bed and Dumbo closet bed offer under-bed drawers and shelves, blending sleep and storage seamlessly
• Full-Size or Twin XL Beds: Best for taller kids or those with larger rooms who need extra space to stretch out. Twin XL options offer additional legroom while still fitting comfortably into most spaces and full-size beds provide long-term comfort and can last through high school and beyond. The majority of our beds are able to be made in twin XL, full, and other custom sizes.

Transitional Considerations:

• Daybeds with Trundles: A great solution for overnight guests or sleepovers. Daybeds provide seating during the day and an extra pull-out bed when needed.
• Full size loft beds: For teens needing more space, full-size loft beds create room beneath for study or relaxation, making the most of vertical space in smaller rooms. Our Dumbo loft bed can be customized as a full size model.

Custom Beds: When to Invest and Why

Custom beds can be a worthwhile investment at various stages of your child’s growth. Whether you're planning for long-term use or designing for specific spatial needs, custom options allow for flexibility, unique designs, and functional storage solutions. If you have something in mind that you can't find in one of our standard models, set up a showroom visit, home consultation, or remote consultation and let us sketch something completely new for you to accomplish any goals you have for your child's room.