At some point, parents stop keeping track of their child’s age as much as by their milestones. That progress is tied to big moments like walking, talking and the ever-important potty training. Once a toddler has started preschool, they might be ready for another big milestone: Switching to a toddler bed. Here’s how to make that move a smooth one:

Introduce the Idea Through Books

The best way to get a 3-year-old to do something is for them to want to do it on their own. You could start reading books centered on moving to a big bed with the hope that your little one will be asking when they can make the move. This gets them engaged in the process and puts them in charge (so they think!).

Secure the Room/House

Having a toddler move into their own bed opens up the possibility that they will wander off in the night. They might not leave the house but making a trip to the cookie jar or the TV isn’t that farfetched. This is why you need to set boundaries. They need to know they can’t leave the bed unless given permission. It might help to secure their bedroom door to prevent those late-night trips. As an added precaution, you’ll also want to secure cabinets in the bathroom and kitchen. Yes, their exploring knows no bounds

Pick the Right Bed

Although you might be tempted to pick the “fun” bed, take a moment to consider usefulness. That racecar bed might be cool because you’re kid is into racecars but what happens when he isn’t anymore? Could they be his excuse not to go to bed? It might be best to stay basic with the toddle bed. You can let them have fun with the choice of bedding or wall decals but the bed should be sturdy and low to the floor. It doesn’t have to be any more than that.

As you get the room ready for the big switch, you might need to bring in the junk hauling pros from Junk King Indianapolis. This crew will be able to swiftly remove all the baby furniture that is no longer appropriate. While they’re at it, the team from Junk King can also clear out more storage space when you turn over all your unwanted toys and clothing. None of this stuff will end up in a landfill. Instead, it can all be dropped off at a nearby charity. Your move to the toddler bed just got a lot simpler thanks to Junk King Indianapolis.