How to help a toddler transition from a crib to bed when a toddler

For toddlers, switching to bedtime is just one of many milestones. While this may seem like a fun baby-to-big jump for you, your toddler may feel differently. A new bed means new rules, new freedoms, new bedtime and napping habits, and potentially, new fears. Check out the article below to learn how to help toddlers transition from crib to bed.

To help navigate a smooth transition to a large bed, Lori Strong, a certified sleep consultant and owner of Strong Little Sleepers in Austin, TX, answers seven common questions about the performance. convert.

When should we move toddlers to bed?

If a kid feels comfortable in a crib, there's no reason to switch to a bed just because your baby is two, or even three, doesn't mean it's time to switch. In fact, it's best to wait until your toddler is at least two years old to switch to a toddler (or twin) bed, but the closer your baby is to three, the better.

You should not move your baby to bed too suddenly. Plan and execute slowly. Even if your child climbs out of the crib, you don't need to move to bed immediately.

Remember that if your child is facing other turning points, such as the start of kindergarten, the arrival of a woman, it is not a good time to let your baby sleep alone in the car. new bed. If you need a crib for your new baby, make the switch a few weeks before birth. Or buy a second crib; it can be valuable if it helps your baby sleep better when you take care of a newborn all night.

How to help a toddler transition from a crib to bed when a toddler

It doesn't take weeks to prepare toddlers for a new sleep arrangement, but you do need to set expectations before you make the transition. Leaving cribs without warning can injure a child unforeseen that the place where they slept for two years or more will suddenly disappear.

Strong recommends giving it at least a couple of days to sink in. "A few days before you move from crib to bed, talk to your child. Let's say, 'Now we're going to put him to bed, and that's a big deal, but there are some rules we have need to obey by lying in bed ".

Tell your child exactly what will happen. If the crib is to be converted, if your baby will get a regular sized bed, or even if you're planning to just put one mattress on the floor, explain the impending transition to your baby, Therefore, the change will be surprising.

What else should we consider before moving to bed?

It seems as easy as moving a bed in and out, but once the bars are gone, the entire room, for all purposes and purposes, becomes a crib. You need to ensure the space is safe, so think about what needs to be proven for toddlers, such as whether there are objects that need protection on the wall or completely removed from the room.

Some toddlers have the option of switching back and forth from bed to crib in the short term (of course, this is not an option with a convertible crib). For others, the transition will be smoother if the crib is out of view.

How do we manage a child's sleep with a large bed?

The basic rules are required, but let your child feel empowered. Anything you can do to guide a toddler, but then give them a bit of control over the situation so they don't feel like they are powerless during this transition, will be very helpful Manh said.

She suggests talking to your child about your bedtime habits. Ask your child, 'When we go to bed, we will go through a nightly routine. What do we do? We said good night, we covered the blanket, we lay down, we closed our eyes and we stayed in bed until morning. 'Going over those rules every night for a while is very helpful as you will reinforce it each time. "

Little people struggle with impulse control, so repetition is important, because remembering that understanding rules and being able to obey them are two different things.

What if your child refuses to sleep in bed?

Continue to reinforce the fundamentals and often, it will become easier. Meanwhile, create a physical barrier if your toddler won't be in bed. Strong recommends using the baby gate at the door, which will set boundaries, but also allow the child to more easily reach the lock on the door.

Some children will wake up and immediately come to you. As much as you can love your new wake-up call, 5am is early. Try using a special toddler watch that turns yellow when you get out of bed.

Or, if you don't want to buy a new watch, Strong recommends using a regular digital watch. "Teach toddlers number seven or six, then cover up the last two digits, so you only have the first digit shown.

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