Transitioning your toddler from crib to bed can be a major milestone in their development. While some children might adapt quickly, others might struggle with making the switch.
Timing is key when transitioning your child to their new bed, especially if they are already overwhelmed with other life changes such as potty training, having a baby sibling or attending school. Otherwise it could prove challenging to adjust.
1. Educate Your Child
Your toddler’s reaction to transitioning to a bed can often depend on their mood. If they are enthusiastic, settling down and sleeping through the night should be easy; otherwise it may be best to wait and let them adjust naturally rather than forcing any sudden change on them.
Before making the change, if there’s a major event looming like marriage or parenthood, take some time for transition. This will prevent your toddler from reacting negatively and may make convincing them of sleeping in their new bed easier when the time comes.
Toddlers may experience developmental regression when transitioning into their beds for the first time, especially if this coincides with dropping napping or other major life changes. While this is natural and will usually resolve itself over time, regressing may still result in nighttime awakenings if your child isn’t fully ready.
White noise, healthy bedtime routine and lullabies can help ensure a successful transition for toddlers, so be sure to maintain these elements. In addition, help prepare them by taking them shopping for their “big kid” bed and allowing them to select sheets featuring characters they enjoy. Whenever possible, ensure their mattress is away from any windows so their toddler cannot climb out!
2. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Parents of toddlers know the challenges associated with bedtime are many. Children often resist it, refuse to stay in it and may escape due to excitement, confusion or simply curiosity. Therefore, it’s essential to establish a consistent bedtime routine, such as bathing together before getting cozy pajamas on and reading together a book before transitioning them from crib to bed.
Maintaining a regular schedule is key to helping your child adjust to a new bed and remain there throughout the night. Address any negative behaviors without anger or frustration – responding negatively may reinforce their behavior and cause them to leave the room more often. Consider using a sticker chart or providing rewards after every night they sleep in their own bed.
Transitioning can be made easier if you talk with your child about their growth and development from an early age, such as 18-24 months. Doing this will help them understand they’re no longer babies and it is time for a change – this may include having them sleep in their new beds during nap time and then bed time to help ease them into it gradually.
3. Set Up the Room
Around 18-24 months, you should observe signs that your toddler may be ready for bed. If they appear eager to climb out of their crib or are close to making a break for freedom, now may be the time for transition.
Start off by placing their new bed where their crib used to be and making sure it’s safe. Allow them to keep any favorite comfort objects, like blankets or stuffed animals, that help them sleep in bed with them – this will allow your toddler time to adjust! Keep in mind that toddlers cannot self-soothe on their own, and require something calming such as this blanket or animal to help keep them sleeping through the night.
Once your toddler has become comfortable sleeping in their new bed, you can gradually remove their crib. Whether storing or selling it will depend on your plans but being informed will make them feel involved with their transition into bed sleeping.
Decoration can also play an integral role in helping your child remain in bed at night, which requires using soft neutrals and pastel hues that create a soothing environment where they can relax before falling asleep. Avoid high-contrast color palettes and patterns which overstimulate them, leaving them unable to relax themselves and thus leading them into insomnia.
4. Don’t Give Up
Your child may be ready to transition into their first “big kid bed.” When they begin asking to sleep in an adult-size mattress or showing interest in climbing out of their crib (even once or twice), that should serve as an indicator that it’s time.
If your older sibling is an older kid, sharing a room together might help your toddler understand that sleeping in their bed at night is the norm and to foster pride in what they have accomplished. This strategy may also instil feelings of achievement among both siblings.
Do not rush this transition. It is essential that both you and your child feel ready, as forcing the switch prematurely could cause them to dislike their new bed. Also, wait until major life changes have happened such as moving, welcoming a newborn baby or potty training before making changes in bedtime routines.
If your toddler is still reluctant to sleep in their new bed, giving it another month or two may help ease them in more comfortably. They will become used to their big bed eventually and may feel secure enough in returning back to their crib if desired – just ensure a consistent routine during this period for an easy transition!
