6 Reasons Why Transitioning Your Child to a Toddler Bed Will Drive You Crazy

Ah, parenting milestones—the ones we anticipate like a storm on the horizon. Potty training? Check. Teething? Double check. But nobody warned me about the transition to a toddler bed. Seriously, where were the warnings in my parenting Facebook group? It hit me out of nowhere, like a stealthy parenting ninja.

“Oh, your little ones have been snoozing in their cribs like sweet angels? Get ready for your world to be turned upside down.” Somehow, I managed to survive the chaos of this shift—exhausted and a bit broken, but still standing. Here are six things nobody tells you about moving your child to a big kid bed that you should definitely brace yourself for.

1. Bedtime Turns Into a Wild Party

Forget the peaceful bedtime routine you once enjoyed. Now that your child can get out of their bed, all bets are off. They’re free to roam, play, and completely ignore your pleas for sleep. Your once serene nights? Now an all-out circus. Grab your popcorn; it’s showtime!

2. Clear Out Their Room

Just when you think it’s quiet in their room and they might be asleep, don’t be deceived. You’ll wake up to a disaster zone where every item has been pulled out and made into a fort or a mess. To prevent this, you’ll need to clear out every possible distraction. Dressers? Move them out. Diapers? Relocate them to the living room. Toys? Say goodbye. And if there’s a closet full of chaos, seal that baby up!

3. Sleep Will Feel Like a Distant Memory

I recently stumbled upon some advice that toddlers should fall asleep in 15-20 minutes. Who are these mythical sleeping children? Expect your little one to take twice as long to settle down now that they’re free from the confines of their crib. Just when you think they’re ready to sleep, a book, a toy, or a sudden burst of energy will keep them awake. It’s like a never-ending exploration!

4. Furniture Rearrangement Becomes Routine

Gone are the days of serene lullabies; now you’ll hear the unmistakable sound of beds being dragged across the floor. Your child will discover that they can move their furniture around, and oh boy, they will! Initially, I tried to enforce bedtime rules, but I soon realized that I was fighting a losing battle. Now, my partner and I make nightly bets on how their room will look in the morning. My favorite configuration so far? A bed jammed into a corner with a creative little sleeping nook in the middle.

5. Sleep Will Happen Anywhere but Their Bed

For some unknown reason, kids seem to find the most unusual places to crash. I’ve found my little one snoozing in the weirdest positions—half on the bed, half off, or even sprawled out on the floor behind the door. It’s like they’re on a mission to avoid their bed at all costs.

6. They’ll Look So Grown Up When You Check On Them

The first night in their new beds was a marathon of tears and negotiations. But when I peeked in later, there they were, looking all peaceful and shockingly grown up. It hit me that we had crossed a milestone. I fought the urge to wake them up for snuggles because, honestly, it just took me three hours to get them to sleep!