How do you know when to transition out of the crib?

ams6404

I'm wondering what the "signs" are that I should be watching for.  I don't want to rush her... she's not trying to climb out or anything yet.  I would rather not have to buy another crib for #2, but I still have some time. 

So for those who have transitioned a child from a crib to a twin bed (or toddler bed), what prompted you to make the move?  And how did you do it?

AggieDee

We just moved DS to a toddler bed a couple of weeks ago.  There were no signs that I noticed.  I just decided that at almost 3 years old, I couldn't lift him anymore and wanted to see how he did in a big boy bed.  I am glad I waited as long as I did b/c he transitioned so easily.  He never got out of bed unless it was morning and has not had any issues whatsoever.  I plan on waiting awhile with DD as well.

Both have convertible cribs so the thought of needing the crib for a new baby was not a factor.

TSD

I wouldn't move E until he tried to climb out.  There's no reason aside from that IMO. At least for us.  I like knowing he can't go anywhere. I have a house with a lot of stairs and there's no way I'd want him just roaming around. I'd have a gate at his door if he was in a bed, but still, I don't know if I'd ever sleep if he was in a bed now or in the foreseeable future.

rebus82

We have two reasons we'll move B out of his crib:

1) When we move, so we don't have to take unnecessary pieces. We'll just pack and move the toddler bed portion. This will be early next year probably.

2) He climbs out. Every day that goes by I suspect this is the more likely of the two, and sooner than I'd like. Luckily his crib is enormous and thus far he hasn't attempted to swing his leg over yet. It's only a matter of time though because he's climbing on/over everything else around the house.

mfransdell

For us it will be when she attempts freedom.  She's a climber so I've been watching her for a while.

LostinLove

We just did it this weekend.  She had never tried to climb out, but we felt she was ready.  I could tell her that once I laid her down, I expected her to stay in her big girl bed, and she could repeat it back to me.  And, she did it with no problems.