How to Transition from the Zipadee-Zip to a Toddler Bed with the Flying Squirrel Pajama

Quick Answer

Start the transition when your toddler shows signs of readiness, typically between 18 months and 3 years. The Flying Squirrel pajama from Sleeping Baby offers a wearable blanket that provides comfort and warmth without restricting movement, making it an ideal next step after the Zipadee-Zip. Keep using a sleep sack until your child is consistently sleeping in the toddler bed without climbing out.

Moving your little one from a crib to a toddler bed is a big milestone, and it often comes with questions about sleepwear. If your toddler has been sleeping in a Zipadee-Zip, you might wonder when to stop using a sleep sack and how to keep them comfortable in a bed without sides. The good news: a wearable blanket like the Flying Squirrel pajama can make this transition smoother.

The Zipadee-Zip provides a cozy, secure feeling while allowing movement, which is great for the crib. But once your child moves to a bed, they have more freedom—and more chances to kick off blankets. The Flying Squirrel pajama offers a practical solution: it's a wearable blanket that stays on, no matter how much your toddler tosses and turns. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to transition from the Zipadee-Zip to a toddler bed with the Flying Squirrel pajama.

When to Stop Using a Sleep Sack

There's no one-size-fits-all age for stopping sleep sacks, but most toddlers are ready between 18 months and 3 years. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that once your child can climb out of the crib, it's time to move to a toddler bed—and that's often when parents start thinking about transitioning away from sleep sacks. If your toddler is still content in the Zipadee-Zip and not attempting to climb, you can wait a bit longer.

Signs of readiness include your child climbing out of the crib, showing interest in a bed, or consistently breaking free from swaddles. The Zipadee-Zip is designed for babies 3 months to 3 years, so you have time. But once they're in a toddler bed, the Flying Squirrel pajama becomes a great option because it provides warmth without the restriction of a sleep sack, and it's designed for ages 12 months to 5 years.

• Watch for climbing behavior—it's a clear signal to move to a bed and consider a wearable blanket like the Flying Squirrel.

Introducing the Flying Squirrel Pajama

The Flying Squirrel pajama is more than just pajamas—it doubles as a wearable blanket. Its loose fit and gentle stretch allow plenty of room to grow, and the ribbed cuffs at wrists and ankles prevent the fabric from hiking up during sleep. This design is based on safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, so you can feel confident using it for your toddler.

When you first introduce the Flying Squirrel, treat it like any new sleep item. Let your toddler wear it during playtime for a short period so they get used to the feel. Then, use it for naps before trying it at night. The transition from the Zipadee-Zip to the Flying Squirrel might take a few nights, but the familiar comfort of a wearable blanket can help ease the change.

• Start with naps to build familiarity before switching to nighttime sleep.

Setting Up the Toddler Bed for Success

A successful toddler bed transition involves more than just changing sleepwear. Make the bed inviting and safe. Use a firm mattress, fitted sheets, and keep pillows and blankets minimal until your child is older. Since the Flying Squirrel pajama acts as a blanket, you may not need additional bedding, which reduces the risk of your toddler getting tangled.

Place the bed in a safe spot away from windows and cords. Consider using a bed rail if your toddler tends to roll. The Flying Squirrel's loose fit provides freedom of movement, so your child can safely push themselves up or shift positions without getting stuck. This is especially important in a bed without crib sides.

• Keep the bed area clear of pillows, stuffed animals, and loose blankets to reduce suffocation risks.

Step-by-Step Transition Plan

1. Step 1: Recognize Readiness: Watch for signs like climbing out of the crib, showing interest in a bed, or consistently breaking free from the Zipadee-Zip. If your toddler is content and not climbing, you can wait. Don't rush the transition—wait until your child shows readiness to avoid unnecessary sleep disruptions.
2. Step 2: Choose the Right Sleepwear: Select the Flying Squirrel pajama in the appropriate size for your toddler. Its loose fit and wearable blanket design provide warmth and comfort without restricting movement, making it ideal for a toddler bed. The Flying Squirrel is a great next step after the Zipadee-Zip because it offers similar security but with more freedom.
3. Step 3: Introduce Gradually: Start by letting your toddler wear the Flying Squirrel during playtime, then for naps, and finally at night. This helps them get used to the new feeling and reduces resistance. Patience is key—gradual introduction helps your toddler accept the change more easily.
4. Step 4: Prepare the Toddler Bed: Set up the bed with a firm mattress and fitted sheets. Since the Flying Squirrel acts as a blanket, you can skip loose blankets. Use a bed rail if needed for safety. A safe, inviting bed environment supports better sleep and reduces the chance of your toddler getting tangled.
5. Step 5: Maintain a Consistent Routine: Keep the same bedtime routine you used with the Zipadee-Zip. Consistency helps your toddler feel secure during the transition. Use the Flying Squirrel every night to reinforce the new sleepwear. A predictable routine eases the change and helps your toddler adjust to sleeping in a new bed.

Product Facts

• Sleeping Baby Classic Heather Flying Squirrel Pajama - Fleece: The Flying Squirrel pajamas double as a wearable blanket, keeping your little one cozy no matter how they toss and turn. Breathable fabric with gentle stretch. Loose fit for plenty of room to grow. Ribbed cuffs at wrists and ankles prevent hiking up during sleep. Designed based on safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Suitable for little ones 12 months–5 years. Fabric: 100% polyester. This wearable blanket is perfect for toddler beds because it stays in place, provides warmth without loose bedding, and allows the freedom of movement your child needs as they adjust to sleeping without crib sides.
• Sleeping Baby Bedtime Stories Zipadee-Zip Swaddle Transition: The Zipadee-Zip’s unique starfish design provides the cozy, secure feeling of a swaddle without limiting baby’s range of motion. A safer alternative once baby starts to wiggle and roll. Keeps them comfy and covered during naptime and nighttime. Designed based on safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Suitable for little ones 3 months–3 years. If your toddler isn't quite ready for the Flying Squirrel, the Zipadee-Zip can still be used in the toddler bed for a while. Its design allows safe movement while providing a sense of security, which can be helpful during the initial bed transition.

Transitioning from the Zipadee-Zip to a toddler bed is a significant step, but with the right sleepwear and a patient approach, you can make it a positive experience. The Flying Squirrel pajama offers the comfort and safety your toddler needs, allowing them to sleep soundly in their new bed. Remember to watch for readiness signs, introduce the new pajama gradually, and keep the bed environment safe. Before you know it, your toddler will be sleeping peacefully in their big-kid bed.