There was a time when you could lay your child in his crib and go to sleep and not worry that he could possibly escape, however, if you have a walking baby, then those days are over! When your child can climb over the rails of the crib, then it is undoubtedly time to make the move to a toddler bed. Don't worry, this will actually help your toddler sleep better!
This move can be a big deal for a toddler. You can make the transition much smoother by implementing these four tips to help make that transition easier for you and, more importantly, for your toddler.
Dont take down the crib just yet
To make the move easier, do it slowly. Put up the big bed in the same room as the crib and encourage your toddler to sleep there for naps instead of night time at first. Spend time on the bed with your toddler. Play under the covers and read books there. Make it a fun place for your toddler to be rather than a scary place.
Make bedtime predictable
Every night your child should have a good idea about what is going to happen at a particular point in the evening. This creates an environment in which they are comfortable and secure. Your toddler will take this security with them when they transition to the toddler bed. Try incorporating baths, brushing teeth and a story into your bedtime routine.
Allow your toddler to choose bedding.
Make the move a fun thing for your toddler. A good idea is to redecorate your toddlers room buying a new bed, bedding and even a new paint job will do wonders to get your toddler excited about sleeping in his or her new bed. Even if you dont go the whole nine yards, even new sheets or rearranging the furniture can be exciting so make the most of it!
Don't go overboard with rearranging the furniture. When you lay your child down to sleep, you want them to look at the same things as they fall into dreams. So try and position the new bed in the same location as the crib was in. This will allow your toddler to sleep more comfortably and fall asleep more quickly.
Keep your attitude in check
Another mistake that parents make is *forcing* their toddlers to sleep in a new bed. In case you haven't noticed, it is nearly impossible to *force* your toddler to do ANYTHING at all! Don't fight with them about this. If they don't want to do it, then don't push it. It is important to encourage him or her, but at the same time if he gets up in the night and moves back to the crib or if he cries for the crib, then let your toddler sleep where he is most comfortable. It will happen eventually with enough positive encouragement.
If these things are still not enough to actually convince your toddler to sleep in his new bed, then by all means, feel free to resort to a negotiation. Since this isn't mandatory, it is okay to tell your toddler "When you sleep in your new bed all night then we will do something extra special the next day". It is important to be specific about what the reward is for accomplishing this new goal.
This move can be a big deal for a toddler. You can make the transition much smoother by implementing these four tips to help make that transition easier for you and, more importantly, for your toddler.
Dont take down the crib just yet
To make the move easier, do it slowly. Put up the big bed in the same room as the crib and encourage your toddler to sleep there for naps instead of night time at first. Spend time on the bed with your toddler. Play under the covers and read books there. Make it a fun place for your toddler to be rather than a scary place.
Make bedtime predictable
Every night your child should have a good idea about what is going to happen at a particular point in the evening. This creates an environment in which they are comfortable and secure. Your toddler will take this security with them when they transition to the toddler bed. Try incorporating baths, brushing teeth and a story into your bedtime routine.
Allow your toddler to choose bedding.
Make the move a fun thing for your toddler. A good idea is to redecorate your toddlers room buying a new bed, bedding and even a new paint job will do wonders to get your toddler excited about sleeping in his or her new bed. Even if you dont go the whole nine yards, even new sheets or rearranging the furniture can be exciting so make the most of it!
Don't go overboard with rearranging the furniture. When you lay your child down to sleep, you want them to look at the same things as they fall into dreams. So try and position the new bed in the same location as the crib was in. This will allow your toddler to sleep more comfortably and fall asleep more quickly.
Keep your attitude in check
Another mistake that parents make is *forcing* their toddlers to sleep in a new bed. In case you haven't noticed, it is nearly impossible to *force* your toddler to do ANYTHING at all! Don't fight with them about this. If they don't want to do it, then don't push it. It is important to encourage him or her, but at the same time if he gets up in the night and moves back to the crib or if he cries for the crib, then let your toddler sleep where he is most comfortable. It will happen eventually with enough positive encouragement.
If these things are still not enough to actually convince your toddler to sleep in his new bed, then by all means, feel free to resort to a negotiation. Since this isn't mandatory, it is okay to tell your toddler "When you sleep in your new bed all night then we will do something extra special the next day". It is important to be specific about what the reward is for accomplishing this new goal.
About the Author:
Looking for more information about toddler sleep patterns or problems? Check out Amanda's blog here. An excellent resource for those who are seeking advice about toddlers development. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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