We finally had perfected our nighttime routine. My son would be placed in his crib and lay there quietly until he fell asleep…….and then we decided to switch to a toddler bed.
So long peaceful bed time!
Instead, I soon had a little man wandering down the hall every 2 minutes.
I admit we probably made the transition to this “big boy” bed a littler early. He was only 22 months. I know many parents who let their little ones sleep in their cribs, not making the transition until they were much older.
I thought he was ready. I guess I thought wrong. Admittedly with our schedules my poor husband has had to take the brunt of this nocturnal nuisance.
To make sure you don’t have to go through these sleepless nights like us, here are some tips to help make your little ones transition easier:
Tips For Transitioning To A Toddler Bed:
Consider The Timing – Are you moving your child out of the crib due to a new baby? If so, your little one already has enough excitement in their life. No need to cause any more disruption with a new bed.
Look Into Convertible Beds – The crib we own can change to a toddler bed just by switching out the railing. This easy adaptation allows them still to have a familiar feel with the new sleeping arraignment.
Let Your Child Help – Take your little one to the store and help them pick out the bedding set.
Don’t Change Your Bed Time Routine – Children do best when they are on a set routine. Chances are, if you keep that routine, they’ll adapt to the new bed easier since it’s only one change in their evening ritual.
Keep Bed Placement The Same – Now is not the time to redecorate you little one’s room. Keep the location of the new bed the same as the old one. Remember, kids love routines!
Allow Comfort Items In The New Bed – Does your toddler need a stuffed animal for favorite blanket to fall asleep? If so make sure and have them bring that into the new bed each night.
Re-Examine Your Childproofing – Your little one will not have free range of their bedroom should they chose to wake up in the middle of the night. Make sure outlets plugs are covered and nothing is within reach that they can hurt themselves on.
Patience, Patience, Patience – This will take time (at least that’s what I keep telling myself). Your child will not master sleeping in their new bed overnight. If they awaken, make sure to quietly walk them back to bed. You may be doing this several dozen times a night, but they will begin to understand.
Consider Giving A Reward – I don’t want to say bribe your child to stay in bed. However, you can find creative solutions. If they can do this for a full night or a couple nights in a row, make sure to find a special way to acknowledge their accomplishment.
The TV Mommy 