Is your toddler trying to climb out of the crib? Or perhaps a new sibling is on the way and you’ll soon need the crib for a baby? Whatever the case, when it’s time to switch your toddler from crib to toddler bed, it can be a stressful time for everyone. But it doesn’t have to be if you take care to follow these tips that will make it a smoother transition for the whole household.
- Timing is everything
When a new baby is on the way, you want to be careful how you make the change so that your child doesn’t feel like they’re being ousted from their space. And children that are climbing out of their cribs most definitely need to be moved to a toddler bed. But the key here is to not make the switch when things are already changing. So if your child is getting a new sibling, it’s important to begin this transition before the new baby arrives. And if not, just make sure nothing else is going on, like having visiting relatives over or any travel plans.
- Have the talk
Whatever the reason is for moving your child into a toddler bed, it’s important to talk about it well before the move takes place. Get books on the topic and be sure to point out other big kids in books or on TV shows who are sleeping in big beds. It will make the change much less scary.
- Take them shopping
When your child gets a say in something, even if it’s a small decision, they feel like they have a lot more control than they do. Giving them a choice about something like the sheets and bedding is going to help them feel much more excited about this switch which is exactly what you want.
- Secure the room
Once you start putting your child in their toddler bed, they’ll be able to get out of the bed themselves. Unless you want your child getting into the kitchen or coming into your room every 5 minutes, you should take precautions to make sure they stay in their room. A great solution is to get a child safety gate and put it at their door. Your child’s room should already be a safe place with outlet covers on the plugs and furniture that’s bracketed to the walls. If not, make sure it is.
- Stick with the routine
If your bedtime routine always worked to get your child to sleep, don’t change anything now. Stick to it and be consistent.
- Be patient and kind
Expect there to be bumps in the road as you make this transition. Of course it will be frustrating but you’re the adult and your child will soon get used to this new sleeping arrangement. Offer lots of hugs and kisses especially when things are tough. And when your child makes progress, praise like it’s the best thing ever. Before you know it, your child will be happy to climb into their own big-kid bed and go to sleep.
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