You might be thinking about moving your tot up into a big-kid bed now they have turned 2. While this is a common age to move your toddler out of the crib, not all little ones are ready as soon as their 2nd birthday. Most toddlers will move into a bigger bed between 2 and 3.5 years old. There are a lot ways to help make the transition out of the crib easier of your little one, most importantly, making sure to wait until they are ready for such a big change. Check out some of our other tips on how to make the transition easier on you and your toddler.
1. Check They Are Ready
While you might be excited for your tot to graduate to a new bed, you will find that it will be a tough transition if they are not ready. Sometimes the signs of readiness are clear, climbing out of the crib is a not-so-subtle sign, while other times they may be ready but haven’t vocalized how they feel. You can show them what a big-kid bed will look like at the store and judge whether they are excited or not so sure about the idea. Often if your toddler has an older sibling they may feel ready to move out of the crib earlier as they want to be just like their big bro or sis. Keep an eye or for signs or readiness and it will make the whole experience enjoyable for you both!
2. Time It Right
If their is a lot of change happening all at once, consider a delaying the transition to toddler bed until you can focus on only that. Too much change will bombard your tot and make them feel overwhelmed, making the whole transition difficult and not fun for either of you. If you have a new baby on the way, make sure to start the move at least 8 weeks before you are due so they have plenty of time to get used to their new bed before their new sibling arrives.
3. Child-Proof… Again
Their new found freedom will most likely come with some night time wandering and exploration, which means it’s time to child proof, again. Make sure before the first night in their big-kid bed you have check to make sure their isn’t anything they can get into if they wake in the night.
4. Keep The Routine
They have a brand new bed to sleep in, but everything else about their nighttime routine should stay the same to help the transition be a smooth as possible. You can build up the excitement but reading their stories in their “special new bed” or have a favorite toy snuggled up in the covers waiting for them. Keeping the routine will help focus on the good part of the changes and not overwhelmed them with too much “newness” all at once.
5. Explain The Changes
Take the time to sit down and explain the changes to your toddler, and allow them to ask any questions they might have. Their interest and questions will help you put to rest any fears or concerns they might have about the changes to the sleeping arrangements.
6. Get Them Involved
When it comes time to picking out the new bed, sheets, blankets and whatever else you need have your toddler tag along to help. They will be so excited about their new bedding they will
7. Comfort
The new bed may be exciting and fun, but they will still want the comfort of something familar with them at night. Whatever their special item is, make sure it goes into the new bed with them so they feel safe and comfortable.
Ellice Vargas
Latest posts by Ellice Vargas (see all)
- 9 Delicious Christmas Candy Recipes - November 6, 2018
- 10 Fabulous Fall Porch Decor Ideas - August 7, 2018
- Why The DockATot Is My Favorite Baby Product - June 1, 2017
Related Images:
Ellice Vargas
Latest posts by Ellice Vargas (see all)
- 9 Delicious Christmas Candy Recipes - November 6, 2018
- 10 Fabulous Fall Porch Decor Ideas - August 7, 2018
- Why The DockATot Is My Favorite Baby Product - June 1, 2017
