Miriam Rachel

From Crib to Toddler Bed: 4 Tips to Successfully Transition Your Child You have probably discovered that your baby is not so tiny anymore, or you have caught your toddler making an attempt to climb out of the crib. That being said, you have made the decision that now is the time to move your child from the crib to a toddler bed to sleep. Yet, at the same time, you are unsure of how to make this major transition. Just keep in mind that making this kind of transition is a huge one for not just your child, but for you too. That means, moving your child to a bed from a crib is not an ideal thing to do when you are actively potty training your child, planning to move to a new home, or a new sibling is on the way. Otherwise, making this huge change while other major things are happening will only add more stress to your and your child. However, if none of that is an issue right now, then here are 4 tips on how to make this major transition for your child moving from a crib to a bed as smooth as possible. 1. Talk About Moving To a Bed Days in Advance.​ If you use simple language and explain to your toddler that he or she will have a brand new bed very soon to sleep in, then it won't be a shock. Your toddler will know this ahead of time and prepare him or herself for this change. You can also talk about why having a bed is great, and make the new rules about being in a bed clear to your toddler as well. 2. Place The New Bed in the Same Spot The Crib Was at In the Room​. It doesn't matter whether you decide to move your toddler to a twin bed or a toddler bed. The bed has to be at the same spot where the crib was in the bedroom. This will make the adjustment and acceptance of being in a big bed easier. Placing the bed in a different spot will only overwhelm and distract your child, and that will disrupt sleep. That is the last thing you want to see happen. 3. Allow Your Toddler To Try it Out During Nap Time Initially​. The fact is that a new bed can be really exciting for your toddler, but at the same time scary. This way, if your child is able to nap in the toddler bed during the day before using it for bedtime, it is a great way to help make the transition smoother. That is because it is still light outside during the day. Therefore, a new bed may seem less intimidating as a result if the toddler sleeps in it during naptime. 4. Stick To The Same Bedtime Routine​. In order to make your toddler understand clearly that the new bed is for sleeping, then it is crucial to stick to the same bedtime routine that was used while he or she was in the crib. Not to mention, kids feel safe while they are on routines. Therefore, putting your child to bed at the same time each night will help the transition happen smoother. One thing to keep in mind that your toddler will discover that there is freedom when it comes to being in a bed. Therefore, he or she will get out of bed at times when he or she should be sleeping. When that happens, just put your child back without reacting. If you react, the child will enjoy your reaction and will continue with the behavior. Only say to your child that "it's bedtime" while putting him or her back to bed, and nothing more. Eventually, your child will stay in bed and go to sleep other than needing to go to the bathroom. If you are getting ready to transition your child from the crib to bed, be sure to utilize the tips mentioned above and best of luck with the change!