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Are you fretting about the thought of shifting your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed? Be assured, that you are not alone in this. It is normal but is doable. Handling a toddler can be a tad bit difficult. They are in an age of exploring. They are mini adventurers. Vibrant colors, books, curtains, sounds, and hearing the parents talk intrigue them.
The crib has been their home. They had a deep attachment as it was their place to sleep, talk to fairy angles in sleep, and have blurry dreams. So, it will be difficult for your toddler to leave the crib and move to a toddler bed. So read on to know how you can help your toddler have a smooth transition from a crib to a toddler bed.
When and why you should move your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed?
There is no rule of thumb that you should do this at a particular time. It is a natural part of growing. Change is a part of embracing new things in life.
The following are situations that can lead you to decide to shift from a crib to a toddler bed:
Your toddler is slowly turning into a sneaker and adventurer. He/she keeps jumping out of the crib even after keeping the mattress at the lowest.
Your toddler is growing fast and the shoulder height is above the crib rails.
You’re about to welcome a cute sibling to your toddler.
Your toddler is above 18 months and below 3 years.
How should you move your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed?
All humans resist change. Toddlers aren't new to this. The crib has been their home from the time they started seeing and sensing things. Hence, the toddlers will not easily adapt to a toddler bed. They may keep running in and out, sneak out at night, explore the room, keep calling you, and keep you on your toes.
I have covered you on this. Listed below are great tips to help you and your toddler
Have a consistent and effective bedtime routine:
Make sure you set a time and follow it every day. Dinner, bath, stories, feed, and tug them to sleep. It will make the toddler understand what he/she is expected to do. It will help in setting a routine for them.
Turning the crib into a bed:
As your toddler is already attached to his/her crib, the best is to turn it into a bed. It’s simple. Just remove the side rails and keep the crib attached to a wall. Setting up small handrails that will help the toddler stay in place at night.
Using the crib mattress either on the floor or on the new toddler bed:
The toddler likes his/her crib and all things related to the crib. So it’s recommended to use the crib mattress on the new toddler bed. This will help the toddler feel safe and reduce the feeling of newness and change of bed. Also, using a low toddler bed is suggested. Placing extra mattresses and pillows around the bed is good. It will protect your child when they slip out of bed during the night.
Letting the toddler select the mattress and other stuff:
Including your toddler in buying stuff for the bed will make them feel appreciated. It will help in understanding that it’s their stuff and they will feel more attached.
Childproof:
Make sure you cover sharp corners, electrical sockets, bookshelves, and drawers. Also, put a door lock so that your little one doesn't go to other rooms in the quest for self-exploration.
New Sibling:
It is recommended to move the toddler from a crib to a toddler bed a few months before the arrival of the newborn. The toddler in no way should feel that he/she had to leave his crib for the baby. There will be a disconnect between the toddler, the baby, and the bed. Also, dismantle the bed or cover it with old toys and keep it out of sight of the toddler.
Other pro-tips:
Keeping a baby water sipper near the toddler at night.
Having plenty of his/her favorite soft toys. Being surrounded by their friends at night will help in sleeping.
Having storybooks in their bed. Even if they wake up at night they can explore the books.
Have a night lamp/bulb so that they are not scared of the dark. Even when they explore the room at night they can see things and not fall and get fatal injuries.
If you are potty training, it’s not a good time to move to a bed. It will be too much for your toddler. Try to do one thing at a time.
Be patient. Your toddler will keep moving in and out of the bed multiple times. But you still have to tug them to sleep with the same level of calm and patience. The toddler will get tired and understand that it's time to sleep.
Mammas, you have got this! This transition can be difficult but possible. You will have to be a strict mommy and make sure your toddler listens to you. Your toddler is graduating from a crib to a toddler bed. It is a milestone.
If you have any issues transitioning your toddler from a crib to a toddler bed, book a FREE 15-minute consultation now!