There are certain parenting milestones that catch you off guard. One day you are carefully snapping onesies and counting naps. The next, you are holding a tiny tooth in your hand, wondering how time moved so fast.
The toddler years are full of these moments. First haircuts. First day of school. First time they confidently say, “I can do it myself.”
And right up there with all of those is a milestone that happens right inside your home, often in the cozy glow of bedtime routines: the day your child gets their first big kid bed.
Whether you are preparing for a toddler bed or moving straight from crib to mattress, this transition is about more than sleep. It is a rite of passage. It is a signal that your child is growing, changing, and ready for a little more independence. And it can be a sweet, confidence-building experience for the whole family.
If you are shopping for a toddler/kids first bed, thinking through a crib to mattress transition, or wondering how to go about choosing a kids mattress, this guide will help you make the moment feel exciting, supportive, and memorable.
Why the first big kid bed feels like a “big deal”
A bed is not just furniture to a child. It is a place where stories happen.
It is where you read one more book. Where they whisper the important stuff right before sleep. Where they pile every stuffed animal they own like it is a tiny audience.
When kids move from their crib to a kid's mattress, they are stepping into a new kind of freedom. They can climb in and out. They can choose where their favorite blanket goes. They can help make their bed. Even if it is not perfectly made, it is theirs.
That is why this milestone often feels similar to losing their first tooth. It is small in the grand scheme, but huge in a child’s world. It is a visible sign that they are moving into their “big kid” chapter.
How to turn the crib to mattress transition into a positive experience
The best transitions usually start before the first night in the new bed.
Here are a few ways to make the crib to mattress transition feel safe and exciting, instead of stressful.
Let them be part of the process
Even small choices can help kids feel ownership:
- Let them pick the bedding theme or color
- Have them choose which stuffed animals get “front row seats”
- Ask them where the bedtime books should live
When a child feels involved, their new sleep space feels like a reward, not a scary change.
You should talk about the change in a simple, empowering way.
A calm script helps:
“Your body is growing, and now you get a big kid bed.”
“This is your new cozy spot for sleeping, reading, and resting.”
Avoid framing it as a loss, like “No more crib.” Instead, frame it as a gain.
Keep the bedtime routine familiar
During any crib to mattress transition, consistency is comfort.
Try to keep the same flow for the first couple weeks:
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Bath
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Pajamas
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Books
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Cuddles
- Lights out
If your child knows what comes next, the new bed becomes part of a routine they already trust.
The day the box arrives is part of the magic
If you have ever watched a kid react to a big package on the doorstep, you know the excitement is real.
This is one reason many parents love the unboxing moment with 5 Little Monkeys. The mattress arrives in a box that is designed to be part of the experience. The box turna into a playtime fort, which is basically a toddler’s dream!
Before you even finish setting up the room, your child is already making memories, using the door running in and out like they have their own little private castle.
This matters, because it helps connect the idea of a new bed with fun and comfort, not nervousness. It also makes the transition feel like a celebration. For a kid's first bed, that emotional association can go a long way.
A small surprise that makes it feel personal
A new bed is a big moment for a kid. A little “welcome” gift helps them be seen.
Every purchase from 5 Little Monkeys comes with a monkey plushy, and for many families, that stuffed animal becomes part of the bedtime routine from night one. It is the kind of detail that makes the experience feel kid-centered.
Parents often use it as a simple transition tool:
“Your monkey gets to sleep here too.”
“Let’s tuck your monkey in first.”
“Look, your monkey is so excited for your new bed.”
When you are navigating a crib to mattress transition, comfort objects can be powerful. A new stuffy can become a bedtime buddy that helps the new space feel familiar faster.
Making the first night feel special (without pressure)
The first night in a new bed can go a few different ways. Some kids climb in like they have been waiting for this their whole lives. Others get a little unsure once the lights go off.
Instead of expecting perfection, think of it like the first day of anything new. A little adjustment is normal.
Here are a few ideas to make the first night feel like a “big kid celebration”:
Do a “bedtime picnic”
Put a blanket on the new bed and read books together. You can even do a little snack earlier in the evening, then brush teeth and continue the routine.
Let them do a “sleep test” with stuffed animals
Have them arrange their stuffed animals and decide who sleeps where. Giving them a job helps them feel in control.
Take a photo
Not for social media, just for you. Someday you will look back and remember that tiny face, so proud of their new bed.
Choosing a kids mattress without getting overwhelmed
When parents start choosing a kids mattress, it can feel like a lot. Sizes, materials, certifications, features, shipping, returns, reviews.
Here’s a simple way to narrow it down without spiraling.
1) Focus on safety and peace of mind
Look for brands that share clear information about materials and certifications. Many parents appreciate that 5 Little Monkeys highlights safety-focused standards and creates products designed specifically for kids.
2) Think about your child’s routines
Does your child like to read in bed? Do they have sensory preferences with fabrics? Do they run warm at night? Small details can make the bed feel more inviting.
3) Make it easy to try at home
A crib to mattress transition is a big change. Many parents prefer a brand that offers a home trial so the decision does not feel final on day one. 5 Little Monkeys includes a 100-night rest test, which can help parents feel more confident during that first stretch of adjustment.
4) Choose a brand that understands kids
This is the part many parents miss. A kids mattress experience should feel kid-focused, from the messaging to the unboxing to the way the brand tailors this experience.
That is one reason 5 Little Monkeys resonates with families. The experience is built around childhood, not just buying a mattress.
How to make the “big kid bed” phase last
Once the excitement settles, your goal is simple: make bedtime feel like a place your child wants to be.
A few easy habits help:
- Keep a small basket of bedtime books nearby
- Let them choose sheets they love
- Use a soft light for wind-down time
- Celebrate small wins, like staying in bed until morning
If your child pops out of bed a few times at first, that is very normal. During a crib to mattress transition, boundaries take practice. Gentle consistency and a calm return-to-bed approach usually works best over time.
This milestone is a memory you are building
The truth is, your child might not remember the exact day the bed arrived. But they will remember the feeling.
They will remember being proud. Being included. Having their own cozy spot. Feeling like a big kid!
Just like losing their first tooth, the “first big kid bed” milestone is one of those moments that reminds you time is moving. But it is also a chance to pause and celebrate who your child is becoming.
So when you are shopping for a toddler/kids first bed, planning the crib to mattress transition, or choosing a kids mattress brand, remember this: you are not just buying a mattress. You are creating a bedtime chapter your child will grow into, one story, one snuggle, and one sleepy smile at a time.