Article by littlebugstore.com
Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed can be daunting, especially if your little one has been in the crib since they were born. But it doesn't have to be! With some patience and preparation, you can make sure that your child is ready for this next big milestone. Here are some suggestions for making the transition go smoothly:
Make the transition slowly.
It's important to make the transition slowly, so you can help your child feel comfortable with the new setup.
Start by moving the crib from the child's room to another room (like a living room or den). Then move it back and forth a couple of times--first in one direction, then in another--until your baby gets used to seeing it there. Next, leave it in its new place for a few days before moving it
again. Repeat this process until you're ready to leave behind that familiar old crib forever!
Don't forget about your child's favorite blankets and toys.
When your child is ready to transition out of the crib, don't forget about his or her favorite blankets and toys. These items are important to your little one, so make sure they're safe in the toddler bed before you put it together. Wash blankets regularly (at least once every two weeks) so they stay clean and soft for baby's skin.
If your child has become attached to a particular comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket, consider buying another one just like it so you can keep both in rotation--that way when one gets dirty or lost during sleepovers at grandma's house, there will still be another one waiting at home! Little Bug lovies are great because they allow parents to stuff them with whatever objects help make them feel most secure during sleep time: whether that means putting their favorite blanket inside or a favorite toy.
Use a training mattress.
A training mattress is a foam mattress that fits on top of the crib mattress. It's made to be easy to get in and out of, so your little one can start getting used to her new bed while still feeling safe.
The training mattress should be firm enough to support her weight without sinking too much, but not so firm that she has trouble getting up if she falls asleep on it.
Make sure the training mattress is secure at all points before putting her down for a nap or bedtime: check around its edges for gaps where fingers could get stuck; make sure there are no gaps between it and other furniture such as dressers or wall hangings (these can also cause injury); place pillows around any loose areas to prevent accidents from happening when moving around in her sleep (see image below).
Teach your child how to get in and out of the bed safely.
Talk to your child about the transition.
Set a good example by getting in and out of bed safely.
Show your child how to get in and out of bed safely.
The transition can be hard, but with some patience and preparation, you can make it go smoothly!
The transition can be hard, but with some patience and preparation, you can make it go smoothly!
Prepare your child. Children don't naturally understand the concept of death or loss--they just know that their parents are sad. If you have an older sibling who has died and your child is aware of this loss (or any other traumatic event), talk about it ahead of time to give them some context for why they may feel sad during this time. You might say something like "I'm going to miss our crib too," or "When we move into a toddler bed together, I'll still love you just as much."
Prepare yourself: Your little one will need reassurance that everything's fine after the transition happens; don't forget about yourself during this process! Make sure that there are no other stressors going on in your life at the same time; if possible, try not to make major changes at home (like moving) during these first few months after making the switch from cribs to beds--you'll have enough on your plate without adding anything else into the mix!
The transition from crib to bed can be a difficult one, but it doesn't have to be. With a little patience and preparation, you can make the process go smoothly and help your child feel safe in their new space.
Comments