Parents often have concerns when it is time to introduce their children to new things, such as food, clothes, toys, tools, and even a new toddler bed when it’s time to transfer from a crib.
Lots of problems may appear when transferring to the bed from the crib without following proper guidelines.
To minimize transition difficulties, firstly, parents should know the signs that their child is ready to get a new toddler bed.
If ready, they need to prepare a toddler-friendly bed; if not, they should wait until their child is ready for it.
Signs Your Toddler Isn’t Ready for a Bed
They have sleep issues:
Your children are not suitable for a bed if they have sleep difficulties like night walking, nightmares, repeated or early waking, and struggling to fall asleep during naps and nighttime.
Your toddler may be unable to fall asleep without your help and call out in the middle of the night without a clear reason.
You should first fix these problems to successfully transition to a bed from a crib.
Your toddler is younger than 3 years old
Most parents try to transition to a bed before 3 years, and they have to suffer from many problems for this, including repeated night waking, calling out, crying in the middle of the night, and trouble occurring in the room.
These problems occur because children under 3 years old are not developed enough; they need more time to move out of a crib.
For this reason, sleep consultants suggest waiting at least 3 years for a toddler crib transition.
Your Child is Afraid to Sleep Alone
If you notice that your child is scared to sleep alone, don’t give them a new bed because they may not be ready for it.
To reduce loneliness and fear in your child, inspire them to develop bravery. Consider providing toddler sleeping toys or tools that help them feel more secure, leading to a more restful sleep.
Your toddler likes to push boundaries
If you struggle to maintain discipline with your children, it’s clear that they are better suited to a crib rather than a big toddler bed.
If you transfer them, they may not go to bed at the proper time and may avoid the rules and regulations that you have set for them.
In their new bed, they would be a freedom explorer, which may create a lot of trouble.
You should wait for the toddler bed transition until they follow your boundaries to prevent any risky situations.
Your Child is Unable to Self-Soothe
If your child is unable to control themselves when they feel discomfort or fussiness at night, they may not be ready for a new toddler bed.
Very often, toddlers begin to cry and call out continuously, and in such cases, they need support to calm and relax themselves.
Therefore, parents should teach their children self-soothing and self-control, as these skills are crucial when transitioning.
Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed
Here, I’ve listed some specific signs that indicate your toddler is ready for a new big bed.
- Your child is 3 years old or very close to it; they are developmentally well advanced and understand the concept of sleep very well.
- They are 35 inches tall and can easily climb out of their crib, which is unsafe for them.
- They start to avoid their crib and show interest in a big bed, and ask for one.
- Your baby is good at communication and can express anything clearly.
- You already set up a sleep schedule, and they follow it properly.
- They do not have any sleeping issues, nor do they wake up repeatedly in the middle of the night.
- They are not afraid when they sleep alone.
- They do not wake up repeatedly.
- They have a stable mentality for accepting anything new.
- They are completely potty trained, which is most important for the transition.
- They can control themselves in any situation and do not rely on others.
How to transition to a toddler bed:
If you notice that your child is ready for a new toddler bed, don’t wait; switch them as soon as possible from their crib.
To make this transition easier, follow these tips-
Let your toddler pick their bed or decor:
Decorate a bed with your child’s help to make them feel satisfied with their new bed. Allow them to choose the color of the bed sheet, comforter, and pillow cover.
Let them choose their sleeping products and other necessary accessories to provide them peace and excitement.
These activities enhance their interest in their new big bed, leading to a smooth transition from the crib.
Toddler-proof the entire room or Prepare the room
Preparing a hazard-free room should be the first priority for parents when transitioning their toddler to a bed. As they are not very old, they may encounter an unexpected accident.
To protect your child, consider preparing a safe and secure bed. Make their bed in this way:
- Attach heavy furniture with wall brackets.
- Put out any objects that are at risk of choking.
- Remove long objects through which they may climb up.
- Don’t forget to add safety locks to the window.
- Remove any chemical substances and cleaning products from their bedroom.
- Put the bed near the wall.
- The bed should be kept away from the window to prevent climbing up.
- Clean the whole room properly.
- Cover all electrical outlets to prevent any potential accidents.
- Keep a mattress or pillow on the floor near the bed, just in case they fall out.
Maintain a consistent sleep routine
Although it’s necessary to change their bed, avoid altering their existing sleep routine, as this may disrupt their sleeping habits.
Let them perform all normal activities before bedtime, including taking a bath, drinking some milk, and brushing their teeth, which helps them to calm and relax.
These activities also signal to them that it’s time to sleep.
By maintaining sleep consistency, you can successfully transition to the toddler bed.
Give your toddler tons of encouragement
If your toddler remains in their new big bed all night, you should praise or reward them so that they are inspired to do it again.
You can reward them with special food and attractive gifts or praise them by expressing joy and pride in their activities.
Return your toddler to bed if they get up or call out
At the beginning of the bed transition, they may exit their new bed or call out to you. Don’t be upset; it may take a few days to adjust, as they are not accustomed to it.
Be patient and return them to their bed without any harsh reactions.
If your toddler refuses to go there, you should calmly and smartly convince them to stay in their bed.
Start by using the toddler bed for naptime only
To ease this process, let them use their new big bed for daytime naps only instead of the whole night.
It could help them to recognize their sleeping place and get used to it gradually.
