Transitioning from children’s crib to a toddler bed should be an exciting experience.
However, this process somehow becomes difficult for both the toddler and the mother, because the child is attached to their crib, and taking them to a whole new sleeping area can pose challenges.
Some children adjust readily to this change, while others struggle with it. Every child is different.
Below are some tips to help you move your toddler from their cribs to a toddler bed without a struggle.
Allow your toddler to help in choosing the bed if possible
The more involved the child is in the mechanics of the transition, the more likely she is to cooperate and handle the move well.
Choose a few beds that you can absolutely live with, find or take pictures and let her choose which she likes most.
If possible, go to the store with her and allow her to choose, constantly aware that her reaction may tell you a lot more than her words.
Try placing the bed exactly where the crib was positioned
Do not shift the rooms or position of the sleeping section abruptly because this will lead to the toddler being hesitant to accept the transition.
It would take them longer to adapt to a completely different environment. Placing the bed where the crib initially was might reduce the adaptation period.
Ensure comfortability and ease of access to his toys
Make sure the bed is completely comfortable, equal to the crib the toddler was used to, or even more to make it easy to transition.
Let her keep anything that she uses for comfort and self-soothing like special blankets or stuffed animals she sleeps with regularly in the crib.
Place his or her toys close enough for reach in case he/she needs them. This will cause them a feeling of comfort and easy adaptation and soon enough they’ll love their new beds.
Design, decoration, color, and features
Based on your child’s personality, interests and passions, you’ll b in a good position to pick a toddler bed that suits your child’s interests.
Pick a design, color, and decor that will excite your child and make them long for naps and bedtime in general.
Switch the bed but not the bedtime routine
Stick to the Old Routine. If you have a bedtime routine that works, it’s best to continue that routine as she moves to the new bed.
You want to make the transition as complication-free as possible so that if everything is business as usual, your toddler will feel more secure and accept the changes more readily.
If there’s a certain way you’re used to getting your child to sleep be it reading a storybook or singing a lullaby, continue during the transition.
Take it slow
You don’t want to surprise your child with a new bed and force them immediately to switch to the bed. Take it to step by step to allow the child time to accept and take the change positively.
For example, you can start with daytime naps alone. Once she seems comfortable with sleeping in the bed at nap, set a date to say goodbye to the crib and help your toddler count down to that date.
You can mark off days on a calendar or move one stuffed animal per day from crib to bed until everyone has moved.
Set bedtime rules and let your child understand them
For most kids, the newfound freedom to roam will be irresistible. It’s up to you to reinforce bedtime rules.
Request last calls for water, stuffed toys, and trips to the potty before the final tuck-in, and make sure your little one understands it’s final.
Practice patience throughout the process
It takes a certain amount of cognitive development for your child to understand that a bed has imaginary boundaries that he must stay within.
If they suddenly start taking a long time to fall asleep at night, get out of bed too many times, or wander around the house, they’re probably not ready for their own bed.
As with potty training, sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and bringing back the diapers — or in this case, the crib — and trying again later.