It's a big deal for a child to switch from his beloved crib to a bigger bed. No wonder toddler beds are designed to catch their fancy! Saying goodbye to the good old crib can trigger unpleasant bouts of caterwauling at bedtime.
How to Make the Transition Easy
Crib And Changer
The crib is the most comfortable spot in the house for baby - everything in it, including the lumpy blanket, which must not be washed - are his favorite things. Any change or a missing something spells disasters; can you imagine what it would be like to get rid of the crib and hustle your kid to one of those unimaginative toddler beds? This would instantly trigger a tsunami of protests.
Easy does not do it. Before you plop him on his new but bigger bed, there are things you must know - kids won't budge if they have not been primed for the eventual change. Those cute toddler beds may be tantalizing to you, but for your child, it means sleeping away from mom and dad, and going without the familiar sight and smells of his beloved crib.
He may not sleep on the big bed the first night but sleep between mom and dad; the second night he may still struggle and opt to sleep on the floor; eventually he'll decide the new big bed might be more comfortable.
Toddler Beds and Bedtime Routines
The first night he decides to take to the new bed, your problems aren't solved yet. Expect those some mommy and daddy SOS during the night. As much as you'd want to rush to him, stay put but you may want to check if he has been wakened by a bad dream or he is not feeling well.
Part of transition period is establishing a bedtime routine. No matter how much you're itching to watch CSI or 48 Hours, you have to stick to the set schedule. Bedtime routine starts with the bath after dinner, a glass of warm milk, and a bedtime story. He may want you to stay with him for some cuddling - but be firm when it's time for him to sleep.
Make your child feel safe in his room. Although those toddler beds are adorable, your son will still want his lumpy blanket and stuffed toys. These familiar things can calm his anxieties. Never force a child to sleep on his new bed but be persistent with the bedtime routine.
Each night until he becomes accustomed to his new bed and the idea of sleeping in his own room, entertain him with bedtime stories on his new bed. Eventually, the big night will come when he'll nod to sleep in the new big bed.
Keeping Your Child Safe in His Room
Toddler beds have been designed with the child's safety in mind. But upon assembling the whole thing in your room, make sure all nuts and bolts are properly installed. Apart from the bed, check other children's furniture; is the bookshelf stable? Are electrical outlets covered? Are small toys lying around? Children love to poke and put things into their mouths while exploring their rooms, so beware.
Install a night light in the child's room to keep the "creeping monsters" away. The younger the child is the brighter the light he demands. Well, the night light can show him what a delight toddler beds can be.
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