All About Shifting Your Child From Crib To Bed

The transition from the crib to the bed in case of toddlers is both difficult as well as easy; it depends on the temperament of the baby, with some wanting to get out of the crib early because they have grown in height, with others stubbornly resist the move and requiring careful coaxing. This is a very big move as far as toddlers are concerned and has to be done with tact in most cases.

Some tips that could help make the transition from crib to bed easier:

The transition from the crib to the bed should be made at the right time and not when the toddler’s life is undergoing a lot of change like a new brother/sister, new school, weaning, and toilet training and so on. You could wait before introducing your toddler to a big-kid bed; this transition should not be overwhelming or scary, but one that is exciting to everyone.

Parents like us should read about this great change in books or on the net and try to share how exciting it is with the toddler. It would also help to point out brave characters in their story books that moved to kid beds and initiate the child to also make that move.

If your child is excited about the change remove the crib right away and shift the child to the bed, but if he/she is hesitant then leave the issue alone for some time. Let him play on his new bed, nap there during the day, and snuggle there with you for story time, without insisting that he settle in for nighttime. He probably needs the comfort of his crib for a few more days along with your patience and reassurance.

First go pick out a few suitable bed models and then take your child to go select the one you both like the best. Involving your child in the whole process of also picking new sheets and a quilt would help him/her feel important. Ensure that you also get a waterproof pad or rubber sheet to avoid accidents. Enlist your child’s help to put the bed together and decorate it with his/her favorite books, stuffed animals and toys.

Ensure the safety of your child especially if he/she is a restless sleeper by installing guardrails on both sides of the bed; it is necessary even when one side is pushed against the wall as the child could push the bed away from the wall and get wedged between the wall and the bed. Also make sure you cushion the floor around with pillows, a plush rug, blanket, sleeping bag, or old mattress to guard the child if he/she falls to the floor.

Watch out for nighttime wandering; your tiny tot may take advantage of his/her freedom and may go out of the room under some pretext or the other either to have a drink of water, or have a snuggle from mum or some other excuse. It would help for parents to tuck their child and bid good night and not make a fuss or any protracted conversation or lie down with him.  

All these tips could help you as a parent to make a smooth transition from the crib to the bed.

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