Transitioning Toddler From Family Bed To Crib

It s a slow process and it has to be in order to preserve the trust kids have in their parents.

Transitioning toddler from family bed to crib.

The ages for making this transition vary from family to family. There is no best time to move your toddler from a crib to a bed. The transition from a crib to a toddler bed is a special milestone so make it special for your child. If your toddler seems keen on the idea of transitioning from crib to bed by all means jump right in.

Your best bet is to buy the bed and mattress together so you can be certain of a snug fit or buy a toddler bed that s designed to be used with a standard sized crib mattress. If a child is comfortable in a crib there s no reason to move to a bed just because your child turns two or even three doesn t mean it s time to make the switch. While most little ones begin transitioning to a big kid bed somewhere between ages 2 3 there really are no rules about making the switch. First let s talk about when to transition your toddler from crib to bed.

Settle on one that can be performed in the same order each night and that s very soothing and sleep inducing. Take it a step at a time. Have the crib and bed in the room at the same time. With over 10 years of experience working with families i recommend you try to wait until between 3 and 4 years old to transition from crib to bed.

Parents should make it clear to the kid what transitioning to a toddler bed means and let them help pick out the bed the bedding and the transitional objects that can help them self soothe. The leap from a crib to a toddler bed is a big step and not just for your toddler. For example try a light snack with milk teeth brushing warm bath quiet story time saying good night to toys and so on. Toddlers at this age are routine oriented so when you re transitioning from a crib leave everything else the same.

Check for a sticker from the juvenile products manufacturers association jpma on the bed and any portable rails you purchase. There s no right or wrong answer. Moving from a crib to a bed is a huge transition for little ones that can result in night wandering new fears and new insecurities. It s also something predictable and toddlers find predictability hugely comforting.

In fact it s best to wait until your toddler is at least two to transition to a toddler bed or a twin but the closer your child is to three the better. Talk about it openly with your child and show excitement about the big switch yourself. If however your toddler seems worried unsure or balks at the very mention of the big bed then give it a try at naptime first. Keeping the bed in the same spot as the crib leaving the rest of the room the same and always ensuring the presence of stuffed animals will help ease your toddler into the transition.

While there s no set age at which a child makes the transition there are things you can do to make the. Then the sleep training begins.