Watching your child grow is an exciting time full of transitions and milestones. One day your sweet little peanut that used to fit in the palm of your hands is now an energetic, babbling toddler. One of the many transitions they'll experience is graduating from a crib to a 'big kid' bed. While it is a thrilling milestone for parents, the change might be a bit daunting for your child. Here is how you'll know when they're ready and ways to help make the switch.
Determine if They're Ready
The first step is to determine if they're ready. There is no set age when a child is supposed to stop using their crib. Some children are prepared to move on as early as 18 months, and others aren't ready until they’re four years old. What other factors determine it's time? You might want to consider disassembling their crib when they start climbing out, go through a growth spurt and no longer fit, or if they are potty training as they'll need to get out of bed to go. The easiest way to know for sure? They’ll tell you.
Keep Their Routine the Same
Changing from a crib to a bed is a big deal. To avoid your child from feeling overwhelmed by this change, keep every other aspect of their bedtime routine the same. If reading a story before bed is part of their routine, there are many children’s books on what it’s like to have a 'big kid' bed that can help.
Make it Fun
Getting a new bed should be an awesome experience. If your child seems less than thrilled, show your excitement (yes, literally talk about how exciting it is). Hearing and seeing your excitement will make them realize this is fun. Let them pick out the shape of their bed, the headboard, sheets, and pillows. There are so many themes, patterns and colors to choose from superheroes to princesses, dinosaurs, stars, cars, animals, hearts and more. They're sure to find something they love.
Create a Secure Space
A new bed will feel a lot different from their crib, so it might take a while for them to get used to it. It's understandable that they no longer have that same sense of security that the tall walls their crib offered. If they're nervous about falling out (and you are too) purchase rails to attach to the bed.
Make it Feel Familiar
If you have space, and your child is having trouble adjusting, don't ditch the crib just yet. Let them sleep in the crib a while longer, and use the bed for reading or napping so they have time to get used to it. When it's time to get rid of the crib, put the bed in the same place if possible, so the view looks the same.
Transitioning from a crib to a bed might take a few weeks, so if your child is struggling, don't lose hope. It won't be long before crying for their crib is a thing of the past, and they are fast asleep in their new 'big kid' bed.
Disclaimer: PerkinElmer and ViaCord do not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medications or treatment. All information is provided for informational purposes only.
Resources:
National Sleep Foundation. Is Your Toddler Ready for a Big-Kid Bed? https://www.sleep.org/moving-toddler-crib-to-bed/
Sleep Advisor. When to Convert Your Child from a Crib to a Toddler Bed. https:/
