How Can We Make The Transition To A Toddler Bed?
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Making the transition from a crib to a toddler bed can be difficult. Your toddler will often revel in his newfound freedom; he now has instant, 24-hour access to his toys, his room, and to you. At the same time, making the transition to a toddler bed is a significant milestone in his development. It means that he is mobile; it means that you are trusting him with newfound responsibilities. It also may be a bit scary for him, as he is losing the security of the bed that he has had since he was brought home from the hospital.
One major sign that your child is ready to make the transition to a toddler bed is that she is able to climb out of her crib on her own. This is just as much for safety as anything else; if she can climb out of her crib in the night, she could very well hurt herself from the fall. If your child can’t climb out of the crib yet but is 36 inches tall, it is probably time to move her to a toddler bed as well. Typically, a child will reach this stage sometime between the ages of eighteen months and two years.
If your toddler is climbing out of the crib or trying to climb out of the crib, you may be able to hold off the transition to a toddler bed by lowering the mattress. If you are expecting another baby and will need to move your toddler out of the crib to make room for his new brother or sister, you should try to move your toddler at least a couple of months before the new baby is due. This will help prevent your toddler from seeing his new brother or sister as the reason that he lost his old bed.
There are things that you can do to make the transition to a toddler bed easier. For example, many toddlers enjoy helping you to select their bed. If this is not possible, allowing her to pick out a new set of sheets or other bedding might be just the thing to help her transition to a toddler bed. Of course, familiarity can help as well; it may be that your toddler will adjust easier if you can use some of the same bedding as in her crib.
For some toddlers, a slower transition to a toddler bed is necessary. You might start the transition by having him take naps in his toddler bed, but sleeping at night in his crib. Some parents will start the bedtime routine with the toddler in his toddler bed for a few minutes, and then move him to his crib afterwards. This, however, can sometimes be confusing rather than comforting to your toddler.
If at all possible, you should make the transition to a toddler bed during a time when there are no other major life events happening. If you are expecting a new baby, try to transition your toddler to her toddler bed at least a couple of months before the new arrival. If you are moving or if your toddler is starting a new child care arrangement, try to hold off the transition to a toddler bed until she adjusts to the other changes.
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