It's time!
You're ready to move your toddler to a bed and you're wanting to make sure you've considered all the things!
Here's a quick read to help you have a smooth transition!
How old is your toddler? We're aiming for at least 3 years old.
Is your child close to age 3 or 3 already?
Great!
Around age 3 is a good time to make the transition!
3-year-olds do better at understanding rules and boundaries as compared to a 2-year-old.
Research also shows that children who sleep in a crib until age 3 tend to have fewer sleep disturbances and the caregivers also get more sleep.
Are they climbing out of their crib? Then consider switching!
Is your child climbing out of their crib? Then it's likely a good time to switch for safety reasons.
The standard is that if your child is 36 inches tall, they've 'outgrown' their crib.
Though I've heard of a lot of 18 month old's who are very agile and are able to ninja themselves out of the crib.
If that's the case, you can lower the mattress to the floor (if your crib allows for it), make sure they wear footed pajamas (and a sleep sack!) and limit how much stuff is in their crib.
Think that lots of blankets and pillows make for a great stepping stool!
Childproof their room!
Take some time before the transition to childproof your toddler's room!
Think bolting furniture to the wall, or removing it altogether.
Remove or elevate blind cords, and check the plugins and other furniture or decor that your child could play with.
Oh, and this goes without saying, adding a door handle cover, or gate at the entrance of their room will also help with keeping them contained (and safe!).
A new sibling is on the way? Delay the transition.
But what if a new sibling is on the way and your toddler is only 2 years old?
Let me introduce to you the idea of purchasing a second crib!
Online markets are full of great quality cribs at a bargain and in the end, a second crib will be less expensive than hiring me to help you get your toddler to stay in bed:)
Don't underestimate the power of containment!
Convert crib or new bed?
When it comes to deciding on converting your child's crib or buying a twin mattress, here are a few things to consider:
If your child is 3 years old, and you need the crib for a new sibling, consider buying a twin bed instead. It will last them a looooong time!
If you have a second crib and/or don't need the crib yet, converting your crib (if it's that style) is a great option. Your child is already familiar with their bed!
If converting the crib or buying a twin bed, consider adding a toddler railing to help them stay in bed.
Get them involved in the transition!
Get your toddler involved in the transition process by allowing them to pick out their bedding (within reason) and get them to help set it up!
New bed, same bedtime routine
When you're ready to make the switch, keep the bedtime routine the SAME.
No need to switch up the order of things and hold firm to your bedtime boundaries.
It can very quickly become a negotiation that lasts forever. You can read more about managing toddler bedtime in this blog here.
Put the bed in their room!
When prepping for the transition, consider placing the new bed in your child's room and let them practice napping in it.
It will help them become more familiar with it and ease them into the transition.
Delay other transitions
Do consider delaying other changes, such as potty training, so that you can focus on one change at time!
Toddler not sleeping well no matter what you do?
Let’s talk!
Here for you,
Melody Patton
PSST.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS IS COMING!
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