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How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds

Even with all the sleep advice out there, it can be hard to know how to transition your little one from the crib into their big-kid bed. Looking out for signs of readiness, safety and the set-up of your home are all considerations when making the switch. This blog, How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds will help you identify when and how to make this milestone a healthy and happy one.

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds by Let Mommy Sleep

Key Takeaways of How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds

  • There are clear signs, such as climbing out of the crib, that your older baby or toddler is ready to leave the crib.
  • The “stay in bed” instruction can be too abstract for children under age 3 so there’s no need to rush.
  • When they’re ready follow the 5 Steps of Sleep for a smooth transition.
  • Every child is different and there are many options for how to ease toddlers into big-kid beds

When is the Right Time?

While creating a “big kid” room can be exciting, research consistently shows that waiting until close to age 3 to transition to a toddler bed leads to better sleep outcomes. That’s because in the late 2’s and early 3’s, most toddlers are physically outgrowing the crib, while at the same time, are developmentally able to understand the expectation of staying in their own bed for the night.  Therefore, timing the switch around your child’s readiness means fewer bedtime battles, fewer night wakings, and longer stretches of consolidated sleep.  

There are a few clear signs that your older baby or toddler is ready to leave the crib:

  • They’re climbing out of the crib consistently: This simply becomes a safety issue. Before transitioning, try lowering the mattress, using a sleep sack, or placing the crib in a corner to prevent climbing.
  • They’re asking for a big kid bed: Some kids express this readiness themselves, usually after age 3.
  • Your toddler is able to comprehend instructions such as “stay here” or “stay in your room while the light is red” if you’re using visual cues.
  • And of course, if baby is too big to fit in the crib, it’s time to move them to a more appropriate space.

If none of these signs are present, there’s no need to rush the transition.  Most 2-year-olds are still learning impulse control and rule-following, so the “stay in bed” instruction can be too abstract for children under age 3. On that note, if you’re expecting a new baby soon, don’t add stress by forcing an early transition just to free up the crib. Consider using an infant safe sleep space like a bassinet or play yard for the newborn instead.

On the other hand, even if your child is exhibiting all the signs of readiness, it’s important to remember that the actual transition time may take several nights or even a few weeks. Your child may need to practice staying in the bed or getting comfortable and that is perfectly fine!

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds: 5 Steps of Sleep

If your toddler is ready, here are 5 steps of sleep to ensure a smooth. peaceful transition:

  1. Make the room safe: Anchor furniture, remove hazards, and think from your toddler’s perspective.
  2. Involve your child: Let them pick sheets, try out a single size mattress or choose a stuffed animal to bring to bed.
  3. Set expectations: Practice staying in bed and use visual cues like OK-to-wake clocks.
  4. Stick to routines: Keep the bedtime routine familiar and calm.
  5. Have a plan for boundary-testing: What will you do if they get out of bed? If you prefer them to stay in their own bed for the entire night, you can gently but consistently return them to bed if they get out.

There are Plenty of Options

There’s no rush to transition into the big kid bed. You can also skip a toddler bed altogether and move straight to a twin bed. A larger bed can grow with your child for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment and one less transition down the line. To make the twin bed extra safe, you can include a guardrail or keep the mattress low to the floor without a boxspring.

As you move through this milestone, remember that every child is unique, and there is no one ‘right’ timeline for making the switch from a crib to a bed. And while there are many night nannies, doulas and toddler experts out there, you’re the expert in your child. What matters most is creating an environment that is safe and inviting for your little one.  Whether the transition happens in 1 night or over the course of a week or 2, the change from crib-to-bed isn’t just about a bed. It’s about nurturing your child’s growing independence and setting the stage for restful, happy sleep.

Infant Pulse Oximetry: Owlet and More

Updated, July 2, 2025 – Wearable devices for newborns notify parents and caregivers if babies’ heart rates or oxygen levels are out of the normal range. While many parents report the devices give peace of mind, some were pulled from the shelves in 2021 and many are still for sale. So should you use one for your newborn? We break down Infant Pulse Oximetry below.

Infant Pulse Oximetry: What is it?

A pulse oximeter is a small device that measures how much oxygen is in the blood and how fast the heart is beating. Parents of NICU babies might use a pulse oximeter at home because a premature baby’s lungs are often underdeveloped in the early weeks. Here’s what parents of newborns and infants should know about infant pulse oximetry and wearable monitoring systems for newborns:

  • What do Pulse Oximeter’s do? They monitor a baby’s breathing and overall oxygenation, which is especially important for: premature infants, those with respiratory issues, or baby’s recovering from illness.
  • Prescription Based– Many are available by prescription only. Prescriptions are for babies who may benefit from additional monitoring at home with a medical grade device.
  • Physician Supervised – A physician sets the range of normal for pulse rate and oxygen saturation level. An alert sounds when your baby’s reading falls outside of these levels.

A pulse oximeter for a newborn is usually a wearable “sock” style device that wraps around baby’s foot and remains on while baby is asleep.

Proud To Be A Cribs For Kids Safe Sleep Partner!

What About Safe Sleep Recommendations?

In the past doctor’s have cautioned against using wearable devices to monitor our babies’ vital signs. Medical grade devices are used in hospital NICU’s of course, but home monitors were not recommended because of little regulation and false alarms. In 2022 the American Academy of Pediatrics also amended Safe Sleep recommendations stating that parents should avoid commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. AAP further states that the use of products claiming to increase sleep safety may provide a false sense of security and complacency for caregivers.

For these reasons, infant pulse oximeters should be medical grade and used under a physician’s direction.

Popular brand Owlet explains:

The AAP recommends avoiding the use of commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. BabySat is a prescription-only, medical pulse-oximeter device that is intended for babies that a healthcare provider determines could benefit from at-home monitoring while under the supervision of a physician. It is not intended to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths, but will notify parents in real-time if their baby needs assistance and their pulse rate or oxygen saturation level falls too low or too high based on ranges set by their physician.

Infant Pulse Oximetry are wearable monitoring systems
courtesy of CMI Health

Remember to Use These Items Correctly

Pulse oximeters are essential for tracking your baby’s oxygen levels, but using them on a restless infant can be tricky and exhausting. Challenges like keeping the sensor in place and avoiding false alarms are common, especially when sleep-deprived. Safe, accurate pulse oximeter readings are just as important as the devices themselves and it’s important to know how to place them.

As always, decisions about your infant’s health should be made by you and your child’s primary care doctor.

Infant Pulse Oximetry- But What About Other Sleep Items?

Parents as well as postpartum doulas, night nannies and nurses want facts when it comes to safe sleep. So you should know that any product intended or marketed for infant sleep must meet a federal safety standard. While some have this standard, it’s important to note that rockers, pillows, nappers and inclined sleepers have not. These items have been banned for sale and recalled. This is because the product’s incline enables infants’ heads to slump forward. This compresses the trachea and blocks airflow. This leads to lack of oxygen.

Whether parents choose to use monitors or not, the safest way for your baby to sleep is alone, on a firm flat mattress without anything else in the crib. If you are hiring a postpartum doula, night nurse or newborn caregiver, ensure that they understand safe sleep practices.

The BabySat and corresponding app measuring pulse and oxygen saturation.

CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers


Last updated May 1, 2025– As the Trump administration continues massive cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, we will continue sharing evidence-based information that directly affects the safety of newborns and their parents including this reminder not to use inclined sleepers for infant sleep.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inclined Infant Sleepers which do not meet federal safety standards are still sold. Products made outside the US willingly sell unsafe products until the US steps in. Even then the order to stop selling infant sleepers is ignored.
  • Many products are still sold on secondary markets such as Facebook Marketplace, TJ Maxx or via consignment shops.
  • Infant deaths from CPSC data were not caused by parent misuse of the products.
  • With the Trump Administration gutting health and safety agencies, new safety data will not be available.

Beginning in mid 2022, any product intended or marketed for infant sleep must meet a federal safety standard.  This is a result of years of ongoing recalls, complaints and government intervention and affects baby rockers, pillows, nappers and other sleeping devices.

CPSC Ban on Inclined Sleepers – A Quick History

In January 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Fisher-Price re-announced the Recall of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. The announcement originally happened in 2019 and soon extended to other brands of newborn and infant items.

Since the 2019 recall, approximately 70 more fatalities have been reported. How could this happen?

  1. It’s almost impossible to enforce recalls at secondary retailers like TJ Maxx, Amazon resellers or Facebook Marketplace. Seeing these items for sale, it’s fair that parents would assume the problem was fixed, or for a different product.
  2. People who didn’t have babies in 2019, were unaware of sleepers being pulled from stores.
  3. Some products re-branded. In one instance, the manufacturer Baby Delight continued to sell its Nestle Nook. They simply changed the name. The Nestle Nook went  from a ‘napper’ to a ‘lounger.’

Whatever the reason, it is crucial to know that while the CPSC cannot confirm the circumstances of every single fatality, the recalls happened because products marketed as “infant sleepers” are inherently unsafe.

On June 7, 2021, Fisher-Price was finally made to answer for keeping the RocknPlay on the market. A bi-partisan House Oversight Committee asked company officials how the products could remain on the market, after not only ignoring safety warnings, but also knowing that infant deaths occurred as a direct result of using their product. Additionally, Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Tex.) pointed out, Fisher-Price only consulted with “one doctor with a checkered past before marketing the Rock ’n Play.”

These findings resulted in the ban on products being marketed as infant sleepers.

CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers – Now What?

  • Incline sleepers like the RocknPlay are banned for sale as sleep devices. They have been since 2019. 
  • There are options to get more sleep without these devices though.
  • Consumer Reports explains why it’s okay for baby to fall asleep in a car seat but not a sleeper, below:

To learn how these products came to market and stayed there for 10 years, see the continuing must-read Consumer Reports research

Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Deputy of Special Projects at Consumer Reports answers your questions.

Why are sleepers being banned now, specifically? Did parents not follow product directions?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned against using infant inclined sleepers, and the agency has voted in favor of banning the entire category because the products increase the risk of infant suffocation and death- -NOT because the sleepers were misused by caregivers. Infant inclined sleepers have been linked to deaths even when the products were used according to the company’s instructions—and even in cases where the baby was buckled into the restraint system and did not roll over.

The products are inherently unsafe for infants due to their design:

  1. First, the products go against the safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which state that babies should be put to bed alone, unrestrained, on their backs, on a firm flat surface that is free of soft padding. Inclined sleepers like the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper are not flat, they have restraints, and they have padded sidewalls.
  2. Second, babies heads are heavy in proportion to their body size and neck strength, and the product’s incline enables their heads to slump forward—often chin to chest or chin to shoulder—which compresses the trachea and blocks airflow. The lack of oxygen can lead to suffocation.
  3. Third, the shape of many inclined sleepers enables babies to roll over earlier than they would typically on a flat surface (see below). And once they roll over in an inclined sleeper, they typically end up with their faces pressed against the soft sidewalls of the sleeper or pressed against the padded headrest of the sleeper, both of which can block airflow to the nose and mouth. Infants don’t have the strength or coordination to turn themselves around and move into a safe position that allows them to breathe.

We will continue to share and update infant health and safety evidence via our website.

newborn safe sleep demonstrated by infant boy in crib

Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny

A lot of people ask if a night nanny is worth it if their breastfeeding, because what’s the point of help if you’re already waking up to feed the baby? It’s also common for parents to feel that if 1 of them is nursing there’s no need for both parents to be awake overnight. And of course families should do whatever works for them! But the fact remains- if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you can use more help overnight, not less. We did the math and in Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny, you can see exactly how sleep adds up. Both parents benefit when you’re nursing and use a night doula.

Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny

Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny

During the “sleepy newborn” phase, babies go right back to sleep after eating. Sometimes they even need help staying awake when nursing. These first weeks mean that a night doula can help by doing all of the diaper changes, soothing, cleaning, lactation support and more. As your baby grows and matures, you’ll see they get much more wakeful around 6-7 weeks old. Now your night nanny is still doing all the usual tasks, but is spending a LOT more time holding and soothing your baby. That sleepy newborn is now awake and alert and rarely ready to go right back to sleep after feeding.

Here’s the breakdown of how much more sleep a nursing mom receives when the other parent or a night doula takes on newborn care aside from the feeding. Note that this does not include washing and sterilizing a breast pump, and labeling and storing pumped milk.

  • Burping and diaper change ~10 minutes, this might include a change or clothing or new sheet in the bassinet
  • Soothing back to sleep ~20-40 minutes, the amount of time awake increases with age
  • Settling back down yourself ~10 minutes, getting yourself a drink or snack, using the restroom and switching gears to sleep mode takes time too.

The total time saved here is 40-60 minutes which might not sound like much. But when you remember that the feeding cycle happens 2-3 times per night, those 40-60 minutes multiply to 2 1/2 to 3 more HOURS of sleep per night!

How much more sleep you get with a night nanny when breastfeeding

How else do night doulas help when you’re breastfeeding?

More sleep for both parents means a healthier family overall. Sleep means stronger immune systems, less chance of accidents and being present for work and older kids during the day. For nursing mothers, here are 3 more ways your night doula benefits you:

  • You Stay in Sleep Mode – Bringing baby to you to nurse and then doing all the baby care after the feeding session means that you never have to leave your bed. Eliminating getting up and down means that your body is given more chance to heal. And while you stay cozy and focused on nursing, a night doula handles the cleanup and prep for the next wake-up. It’s real rest and recovery.
  • Lactation Support for Baby and for You – The night nanny will have experience with breastfeeding support and in the early days can help with latch and overall support. This support includes ensuring that you have the healthy snacks, water and anything else you need within arms reach.
  • Dealing with the Pump and Milk – If you’re pumping overnight, a night nanny helps make the process smoother and less exhausting. While you pump, we handle bottle prep, labeling and storing milk, cleaning pump parts, and caring for baby in between. You don’t have to get out of bed and you can use the time you’d spend cleaning on SLEEP.

We hear it all the time but just because you’re feeding baby doesn’t mean you have to do everything overnight.  Babies do a lot more than just nurse overnight especially as they get older. If you’re nursing it shouldn’t be seen as a luxury to have a helping hand. You are literally in charge of keeping another human alive, and being healthy and rested is a great way to do that!

Looking for more resources?

Was Breastfeeding? Yes You Get More Sleep with a Night Nanny helpful? Sign up for our free Newborn and Postpartum Care Guide ! We’ve got more tips and evidence-based information on baby care and sleep.

If you’re an aspiring postpartum doula you can also check out our online newborn and postpartum care courses.

Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know

last updated, 4/28/2025 – This post, Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know was written by Laura Hegarty-Moore, RN, MPH, CIC. Laura is an Infection Preventionist at Baystate Health as well as a Registered Nurse, mother of 2, longtime LMS contributor and a member of our Advisory Board serving in the role of Public Health Advisor. With measles cases on the rise in the US, and infants age 6 months and younger being a vulnerable population, Laura answers parent FAQ’s below. For the most up to date measles information please visit the CDC.

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Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know of. It can be serious and even fatal, especially for children younger than 5 years old. Fortunately, it’s easily preventable. The single best protection against measles is vaccination. 

Vaccination remains the best strategy to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles.

Laura Hegarty-Moore, RN, MPH, CIC

Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know

What does it mean to be “up to date” for measles vaccination? Being “up to date” means you’ve had two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. Most of us got this as a child. The MMR vaccine series is 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is 93% effective. If you’re fully vaccinated, you can be confident that you’re very well protected. Failure to vaccinate is playing the biggest role in the spread of measles.

Do I need a booster? You most likely do not need a booster. If you’ve had two doses of MMR or you were born before 1957, you’re good to go. There is one exception: If you received the inactivated measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, you may need a booster. Most people received the more effective live vaccine during that time period, but if you’re not sure, you can check with your doctor. Getting a booster poses very few risks, but unnecessary boosters could contribute to a vaccine shortage for the children who haven’t received any doses yet.

Measles can be life threatening, especially for children. It can also lead to severe complications like pneumonia, dehydration, and brain swelling. So, it’s essential we save these doses for those who truly need them.

Can I still get measles if I’m vaccinated? The measles vaccine works extremely well- you’re 35 times less likely to get measles than someone who is unvaccinated. However, no vaccine is perfect. Among those who develop breakthrough cases (about 3%), the illness is typically mild and is less likely to spread to others.

Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know

What about Masks?

Should I wear a mask to prevent measles? No. Masking is not an effective strategy against measles, for a couple of reasons:

  1. Vaccination is the best strategy against measles. The MMR vaccine is extremely effective and long-lasting. The measles virus doesn’t mutate very often, unlike the flu virus, which mutates frequently. That’s why we need a flu shot every year, but the measles vaccine works just as well now as it did in the 1960s.
  1. Measles is highly contagious. and can spread through the air and on surfaces. Every 1 person with measles will infect, on average, 12-18 people. In theory, you could try to protect yourself by wearing an N95 respirator, but you’d have to wear it everywhere at all times- because you can catch measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. In fact, this can happen up to 2 hours after the person has already left. Plus, the measles virus can also live and spread on surfaces, which means you’d still be at risk, even if you wore a mask. As you can see, masking is not a viable strategy.

However, if you have measles, or have been exposed to it, you certainly should wear a mask to minimize spreading the virus to others. But if you’re looking to protect yourself from measles, a mask just won’t cut it. Vaccination remains the best strategy to protect yourself and your loved ones from measles. – Laura Hegarty-Moore

International Travel and Measles

Since the introduction of the childhood and adolescent immunization program in 1963, measles cases in the United States have declined by more than 99%. However, travelers visiting or returning from other countries can still bring measles into the U.S. This puts vulnerable individuals at risk and potentially triggering outbreaks. Vulnerable individuals include: babies too young to be vaccinated, immune compromised and elderly persons.

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Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know- A Message from Let Mommy Sleep

As an evidence-based company, all Let Mommy Sleep night nannies, night nurses and postpartum doulas are vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR). This is for overall health but also to best protect the newborns and infants, who are too young to be vaccinated, in our care. Therefore the risk of exposure, or spread of measles is minimal. Safety and minimizing the risk of illnesses are always our top priorities however.

Here is how we respect and promote overall health and hygiene in the family home:

  • Handwashing – caregivers always wash hands upon arrival into the family home and continue handwashing before and after handling baby, bottles and pump parts or interacting with pets.
  • Shoes are Removed –  upon arrival into the home.
  • Masking –  is always an option. 
  • Sanitize – Surfaces are cleaned and sanitized throughout the night. (Sanitizing cleans just about everything except Norovirus. You can learn how to get rid of that one here!)
  • Err on the side of caution – If a caregiver is feeling unwell, whether it’s allergies or just not 100%, they will communicate this to you, empowering you and your family to decide if she should visit. If someone in the family home is unwell, we kindly that families please let us know, so the night doula can take extra precautions such as masking or using gloves if she wishes.

But as contagious illnesses are a constant, LMS will remain a point of evidence-based information for parents and the public. If you would like to learn more beyond this blog, Measles: What Expecting & New Parents Need to Know, please visit the AAP. And if we can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.