When you repeatedly hear the “thud” of your toddler landing on the floor after successfully crawling out of their crib, you know it’s time. Time to make the move to a big-kid bed; a move which can be stressful and involve a few sleepless nights. Taking the proper steps to make the relocation easier will alleviate everyone’s stress, and lull you into a peaceful sleep.
Putting toddler to bed image by abbybatchelder via Flickr.
Pick the Right Time
Knowing when it’s time to make the switch isn’t as easy as knowing when it’s time to potty train or start your child on table food. Parents.com indicates that often the decision comes down to safety. When your child is climbing out of the crib, or has the ability to do so, then the crib is no longer safe. For most babies, this occurs between 18 months and 2 years of age.
Find the Right Bed and Bedding
The next step is to find the bed. You can opt for a toddler-size bed, which looks like a big bed, only it holds a crib-sized mattress, or you can invest in a twin now that will last your toddler most of his childhood.
If your toddler is resisting this change, letting him have some say in the bed might help. Toddler beds shaped like princess castles or cars can make the change more enticing. Buying a new mattress and bedding, especially one that the child chooses, will also help create excitement about the change. Always compare mattress sizes to ensure that the bed, mattress and bedding will all fit the first time.
Prepare for Falls
Kids are going to fall out of bed a few times in the beginning. As you shop for a bed, make sure it’s low to the ground so he can climb in, and has rails and a simple design to keep your child safe. Use a baby monitor to listen for falls, and quickly come to their aid to make sure they don’t develop a fear of their new bed.
Plan for Escapes
Toddlers are well known for their desire to test their freedoms. Once your child figures out he can get out of bed without you, he’s guaranteed to make a run for it. so put up a gate to block the door. At this stage you will want to temporarily put his toys away in a different room, so if he climbs out of bed during the night, he can’t find much to keep him entertained and this adventure will soon be less enticing.
Let Him Help
If you find your little one resisting the change, consider letting him help construct the new bed. One mom on Babble.com found that this gave her son a sense of accomplishment and helped make the transition much easier.
Position It Well
If you’re wondering why your little one is having trouble with this transition, think about the fact that the average toddler spends 10-13 hours asleep, according to KidsHealth.org. This fact means that your child spends around half of the day in a crib. It is a main source of comfort and security to them. Realize that taking it away is a major life change. You can help ease this change by putting the new bed in the same place as the crib, with the same stuffed animals set up. Should you want to rearrange the furniture to accommodate the bed better, do it after they’ve adjusted.
The switch from the crib to a big-kid bed indicates the end of babyhood. It can be a bittersweet change for you as the parent, but it’s a huge upheaval to many toddlers. Make the transition easier by thinking from your child’s point of view, and you’ll find your toddler sleeping like a champ in mere days.
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Distress can be divorce, bankruptcy, lawsuits, and other events.
It is good to avoid moving during vacations and festival seasons.