By the time our little ones are two to three years old, moms hope to have a sleep routine firmly in place. While you would think that moving your toddler from a crib to a big kid bed would be a piece of cake, in reality, it can be one of the hardest things you have done thus far in his little life. There is really no best time to move your child from his crib to a bed; you just have to judge when he’s ready and go from there.
With that being said, there are a few tips you can follow to make the switch a little bit easier on not only your child but yourself as well. If you’re looking for an in-depth guide do visit: https://www.
Make Sure to Buy “Big Kid” Bedding Supplies
In order to get your child excited about moving from an enclosed crib to a “big boy” bed, it’s important that you by “big kid” bedding supplies to go along with that move. Letting your little one be in on the process of picking out his own toddler bed and even the mattress you choose will go a long way towards him not giving you a problem later.
Make sure that you let him pick out the bedding that goes on the bed as well. For example, if your little boy loves cars, then don’t hesitate to let him choose sheets, pillows, and even comforters that have cars all over them. If the bed feels like something that he created, it will be easier to get him to sleep in it when bedtime comes.
Don’t Make the Move to Early
Sometimes no matter what sheets you choose or what favorite image is on the comforter, a child just isn’t ready to move from their crib to a toddler bed. If your little one is trying to climb out of his crib, then, of course, it’s time to make that transition. However, kids become extremely attached to their cribs and are comforted by them at night. It is better to wait until your child is closer to three years of age than force them at two to move to a bed that they aren’t going to feel safe and comforted in.
Make Sure to be Consistent
It isn’t going to be fun to switch a toddler from the crib to the bed. You have to be consistent when they are in their beds about making sure they stay there. If you let them crawl into bed with you one night or put them back in their crib just because you are fed up, then the child is going to learn that he can cry or plead and get his way. This is going to make it even harder when you decide to put your foot down and make him sleep where he is supposed to.
When it comes to switching a child from a crib to a toddler bed, any parent who has ever done it will tell you that it’s hard. Make sure that you follow the tips above, and soon your little one will be sleeping like the baby he is in a “big kids” bed all of his own.
Heather S says
This post is so timely. We are just re-decorating my tween daughters room 🙂
VICKIE L COUTURIER says
yes moving from a crib to a toddler bed is a big deal,,but there are ways to do this that isnt so scarey to a little one,,love the information you provided
Debbie Welchert says
Thanks for the great tips. I really like the tip of letting them pick out their own bedding.
Dana Matthews says
This is adorable! And I agree, being consistent is the BEST piece of advice on this subject!