1. Make sure you have a good bedtime routine established before you make the transition. Once your toddler is in a bigger bed she will be able to get in and out on her own. If you have a good bedtime routine you won’t have to worry about your toddler getting out of bed as soon as you tuck her in. It will be easier on her to understand that it is time for her to sleep.

2. Don’t make the transition if there are other major changes going on in your toddler life at the moment. As soon as you know you are expecting another baby, make the transition as soon as possible if your toddler is ready so that it doesn’t occur close to the birth of her new sibling.

3. Do move your toddler into a big bed if they are climbing in or out of their crib. Crib falls from curious toddlers can be dangerous!

4. It’s a personal choice whether to buy a toddler bed or to use a big bed with bed rails. Some parents think that their toddlers will feel more safe and secure in a toddler bed (and they are so cute!). However you may want to consider skipping the toddler bed altogether because it won’t last more than a few years and it will save you the extra expense.

5. If possible, keep the linens the same during the transition. If your toddler is used to a certain blanket, comforter, or stuffed animal, use that in the big bed. Even though the fitted sheet won’t fit a bigger bed, you can still use the top sheet for a few weeks.