Things You'll Need:
- toddler bed
- bed rail
- lots and lots of patience!
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Step 1
Once you decide to switch your child from a crib to toddler bed, be firm with the change. Don't give in and let her go back to a crib. It will only confuse them and make the switch harder.
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Step 2
Make it a big deal, celebrate that he/she is a big kid and make it fun. For my son we got him a new poster to put up over his new big boy bed and he loved it.
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Step 3
Don't make other changes. Don't try to change a lot at once. Let them sleep with the same blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, etc. If you change too much at once it can be overwhelming. Having something that they liked about their crib, such as a stuffed animal or blanket will help them feel safe and secure in their new bed. Also don't change any bedtime routines. If you took a bath & read a book before bed before, make sure you do the same thing in the big bed, again, just to reassure them they are safe and its not a major change.
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Step 4
If they get up during the night, take them back to their bed and get them back in bed. Don't talk a lot or read more stories, or you will be up all night. Just reassure them they are fine in the new bed and try to go back to sleep. It may take several days to week for them to start sleeping in their bed without waking up. Also, if you are worried about them rolling out of bed. They make rails that fit to the side of the bed to keep them from rolling out. This also may make them feel more secure like they are still in a crib.
Comments
Bfastattiffanys said
on 9/13/2008 fabulous article. i am just about to deal with this myself and this is great advice.
Psalmist4M said
on 9/13/2008 Any change in a little ones life can be more traumatic for the parents but consistency is a must. It does pay off. Thanks for the article. Blessings,