How To Transition Your Child from Crib to Bed

Making the transition from a crib to a bed may be a difficult task both for the child and the parents. But this should not be if you take heed of some of these tips to make the transition happen as smoothly as possible.

Know when it is ready to make the transition from a crib to a bed. A child who is two years of age or older may need to be transferred to a toddler bed already. Kids this age tend to be more adventurous. They climb, jump and squeeze their way out through spaces you cannot imagine to be possible. Transitioning from a crib to a bed at this stage will help your child deal with the perks of growing older. This is because he gets to be more uninhibited in his movements within his designated space. Also, transitioning from a crib to a bed saves you from the worries of whether your child has fallen off since the rails are just not enough to keep him in the confines of his crib anymore.

Provide sufficient amount of time for the transition. The best way would be to start out by preparing your child's toddler bed with him. If you need to acquire a new bed and mattress, then by all means bring him with you. This way, he gets excited about the fact that he has a hand at choosing his own things. Let him help in setting up his new room. Have him select his choice of blankets. If need be, do this activity with your child a month earlier than your planned transition from a crib to a bed. This way, you provide him with some time to get used to the idea that he will soon have his own room and own bed to sleep in.

Provide the same routine even when the transition from a crib to a bed has already been made. The best way to ease your child through the transition from a crib to a bed would be by keeping the same bedtime routines he had. Is he used to being read a story before bedtime? Then keep this practice even after the transition.

Changes such as these take a toll on our children's minds. This is why we should provide them with plenty of support and love. This way, they know that no matter how big the changes in their lives will be, that you will always be there to guide, nurture, and love them.