the ultimate guide to making the transition to a toddler bed
A large portion of my clients are families making the transition from a crib to a toddler bed. Working with toddlers is a whole different ball game than working with babies, as they can now talk, walk, and get out of bed, making this transition for a lot of parents a difficult one. However, it doesn’t have to be detrimental to sleep! I work with families to make this transition smoother and easier for all so you can get back to sleep!
To help you with this journey, I have put together a guide below to transitioning to a big kid bed, explaining the why, when, and how to do it.
How to know when your toddler is ready to make the transition
Let your child tell you! Every baby/child is different, for some families that’s at almost 3 years old and for other it’s not until 4 years old. Either way, wait to transition until closer to 3 years old or older! Not until then do littles have the ability to fully understand the concept of staying in an open bed on their own (nor the self control to do so). Aka if you wait, that transition is going to be MUCH easier for both you and your child.
The only time I consider transitioning a little one early is if they start climbing out of their crib, making it unsafe for them to be in it while sleeping unsupervised. However even before you switch out of the crib, try using a sleep sack as it will deter your little one from climbing out. If all else fails, it’s time to transition!
Why it’s important to childproof your toddler’s room
My goal when working with clients is to get their toddler to stay in bed throughout every nap and all night long. However, as they are learning they are likely going to get up. Now that they have free-reign of the room, it is extremely important to make sure it is safe. This includes, securing furniture to the wall, putting bumpers or rails on your child’s bed so they cannot roll off, keeping small toys that could be swallowed out of reach or out of the room altogether. Make sure you do all of your safety research before introducing a toddler bed.
How your toddler may handle the transition
Change is hard, especially for little ones. They get very comfortable with their current environment and are not always keen on things shifting. However, you know as a parent that it is your job to do what is best for them. To get your child quickly adapted to the new normal, keep things extremely consistent. Implement solid, soothing bedtime and naptime routines and stick to them. While I can’t give you an exact estimate as to how long it will take your child to adapt, I can tell you that things will be a lot easier and go a lot quicker if you are 100% consistent.
Getting your child excited and prepared
In order to make the transition smoother and happier, it’s important that you prepare your child for what is going to happen. Talk a lot about the transition and that they will no longer be sleeping in their crib, let them choose the sheets, where it goes in the room, and any other choices within reason as they relate to the bed. Do not give your child full control, but giving them little choices along the way can help them get excited and feel as though they had some part of the decision once the bed is actually there. For example, you choose a couple of patterns/colors of sheets and let your child make the final decision on which one they like better.
Why a toddler clock will become your (and your child’s) new best friend
A toddler clock is a fantastic tool when it comes to bedtimes and early morning wake-ups. They are fun for kids and make the rules less personal as it is the clock that decides when they can get up rather than the parent. You can set the clock to change colors when it is sleeping time versus awake time. For example, a stoplight toddler clock shows a red light when it’s sleeping time and a green light when it’s time to get up. This allows the toddler to understand when it’s time to be in bed and when it is time to be awake for the day. Here’s a few of my favorites:
When & why to get extra cuddles and one-on-one time
A lot of parents are hesitant to sleep train because they worry it means less snuggle time. However, I actually instruct clients to fit more cuddles in while sleep training so that the child does not lack those yummy, loving moments. I recommend parents get lots of hugs, kisses, cuddles, and one-on-one playtime during awake hours. If you would like to cuddle before bed and nap, I recommend you read a book or tell a story at the same time so that your child understands it as an interactive time, not a sleeping time.
Ready for a step-by-step plan to walk you through the whole transition and allow you and your child more sleep? Contact me to schedule a FREE assessment call to discuss your little one in more detail and find a sleep solution that works best for your family. Wishing you the best of luck in making this exciting transition. Stay snoozin!
