As soon as you notice your child climbing out of their crib, it is already a sign that they are ready for the transition from baby crib to toddler bed. Although there is no specific age when a child moves on from a baby crib to a bed, the usual age where they switch is between 18 months to 3 years old.
Although children love their freedom, being in bed with no sides can be overwhelming and scary for them. In fact, they may even find their way into your room and wake you up or climb next to you for assurance and comfort. So how do you prepare your child for the next stage?
Transitioning from crib to bed
First things first, you need to find a bed fit for a toddler. There are beds that are enticing to toddlers because they are shaped like race cars, trucks, princess castles or they are filled with cartoon characters. These kinds of beds can help make them look forward to bedtime. Aside from an enticing bed, you also need to make sure that the bed is sturdy, has rails, low to the ground and is Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certified.
It is also best to let your child choose the bed, the sheets, the pillows and everything that he wants on it. This can get your child excited about sleeping on it. You can also teach your child how to personalize his items, so the transition won't be too confusing and overwhelming.
If possible, place the bed where the crib was and do not change your child's sleep routine. Switching from crib to toddler bed is already a massive move on their part, and changing everything at once can be too much for them to handle and it may result in sleepless nights and child anxiety.
Also, review the room and childproof what needs to be childproofed. Your toddler can now walk around and go from room to room, so make sure that there is a gate on your stairs to prevent them from falling. Also, you can put a gate in their room to prevent them from going out in the middle of the night. Also, make sure that the toddler bed has no sharp edges, as toddlers who are new to walking often trips.
What not to do
The first night in a new bad can be scary for children as they are not used to sleeping without corners. If your child cries, comfort him. do not leave your child crying but do not give in either. If your child cries, let him cry until he gets comfortable enough in his bed and lets you leave after expressing his emotions.
Do not leave your child crying in his room, it will just add up to the negative feeling that he already has. If you leave your child to deal with his emotions, he will dread bedtime because you gave the assumption that you will leave them alone. This may result in difficulty in sleeping which is not good for a child that is developing. Make sure to calmly explain to your child that you are just nearby and that you will come to them if they need you.
ALSO READ: Top 3 Reasons Why Toddlers Resist Bedtime, In Random Order
