Steps To Help Your Child Transition From Their Crib To Their Own bed
By: Naomi Harrison
Tags: Baby Sleep Routine, Baby Sleep Training, Baby Sleep, Babys, Baby Sleeping

Steps To Help Your Child Transition From Their Crib To Their Own bed Naomi Harrison Apr 1·3 min read

Your toddler may spend the first few years in the crib, or it may just be time for him to say goodbye. It is likely that he will talk or behave in a way that expresses his unhappiness with the crib, or he may simply climb out.

Then what should we do?

Most experts suggest removing them at around 3 years old when your child’s body is able to accommodate bigger spaces and to feel safer.

By doing this, your child can go through giant developmental leaps during the day but revert to the comfort of sleeping in his old bed at night.

Additionally, children younger than 3 years of age are very impulsive, and this makes it difficult to understand and follow directions or rules (containment for example). you can expect to be waking up to a little visitor next to your bed pretty much every night if you transition to a bed before the age of 3.

It is essential, however, that you support your child along the way in making a smooth transition from sleeping on the floor to a bed. Here is a guide to help you do so:

1.Provide a safe environment:

Make sure the child’s bedroom is secure and that no other rooms where your child might be tripped over can be open. Secure windows, the top of stairs, and all stepstools to prevent injuries. Your child’s door may need a safety gate, and in his room, you may install some small night lights to increase his sense of security.

2. Choose the mattress:

Take your child to the mattress store or any other seller of mattresses and have him or her help you choose the mattresses and beds. With safety being the prime consideration, you’ll only need a twin-size mattress, a box spring, and side rails. Get some fun new sheets and special pillowcases, and you’re all set. Just remember to adjust the height of this new bed accordingly until your child gets used to it.

3. We recommend taking the crib apart (together):

Take your child’s crib down after the new bed arrives home so that he or she feels part of the transition process to the new bed and can also say goodbye to the crib.

4. The bed — Setting it up:

You can add a safety rail to the exposed side of your child’s bed so they feel safe. Put the bed in one corner of their bedroom so that the head and side of the bed flush against the wall and side panels. Their cribs provided them with this same level of protection.

5. How do bedtimes work?

It is imperative for your child to know that sleeping in the bed as a baby will soon cause him to be unable to wake up until the sunlight is bright enough to see.

6. Don’t forget to go to bed early:

In the first few nights in his new bed, if you read to him for an additional 10 minutes while he sleeps, he will feel more comfortable in his surroundings. You can make a child feel safe by making him or her feel secure in his or her environment. If your child appears enthusiastic, then you may have successfully maneuvered through this transition.\

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