Moving to a big kid’s bed is a major milestone in the life of your toddler. But it can also be nerve-wracking for you as their parent.
While each child is different, and the time to move them from the crib may vary with each child, you need to understand that this can be a very traumatic experience for your child.
Here are eight tips you to make the transition safer and more comfortable for both of you.
1. Think about safety first. Of course you know to use guard rails to keep your child from rolling out of their new bed, but now that your child has the freedom to get up on their own you should think about extra child-proofing in their room, and adding safety gates at their door, as well as at the top or bottom of stairs.
2. Plan the transition. Many parents find that placing the crib mattress on the floor or building a sleep pallet for naptime before the big move can help you child adjust more easily to the open feeling they will experience in a big kid’s bed.
3. Don’t change their nighttime sleep routine. Toddlers don’t like changing their routines, so make sure that you stick to the same bedtime and pre-bedtime routines as they adjust to the new situation.
4. Don’t try to change too many things at once. Moving to a big kid’s bed is an exciting time for your child, and they may be get so excited that other changes, like potty training, become too much for them to handle. Recognize that your child’s focus will be on the new bed situation, and postpone other major changes for a few weeks.
5. Make the change a fun event for your child. Some parents find that using a daily countdown to "Big Boy Bed Day" by checking off days on the calendar gives their child time to transition mentally. This is a good time to go shopping for new pajamas, sheets, and a night-light together. If you get them involved in the decision making process they will be more willing to accept the change (many become reluctant at the last minute). Send pictures to grandparents and other family members so your child can show off and be proud of his new situation.
6. Be aware that you may face more anxiety from your child. It’s not uncommon for a child to be frightened of their new freedom, even though they don’t realize that they are. Many children begin to have nightmares for the first time. This is a time when reassurances of their safety and your closeness if needed may be more important than ever.
7. Use a night light to ward off monsters
in the dark. Children who have never shown a fear of the dark may now be more aware of their bedroom and the uncertainties and fears that darkness can bring. One great way to solve this is the Good Nite Lite, a combination night light and clock that glows blue for sleep time and changes to yellow when it’s time to get up. This is especially good for children who wake too early to teach them to stay in bed until it’s time to awake.
8. Don’t let your child talk you into sleeping with you to make them feel more comfortable. The first few nights may mean that your child gets up and down until they get used to their new bed. Sometimes an extra story or a simple back rub can help them to relax, but try to resist their pleas to sleep in your bed. This can be an easy habit to start and a tough one to break.
Remember, each child is an individual and it's important to listen to the verbal and non-verbal cues they are giving you. What worked for one kid doesn't necessarily work for another. Setting limits, clear rules and a consistent approach are essential for transitioning from the crib to a bed.
