How-to: Transition to a Toddler Bed
Thank you Pediatric Sleep Coach, Liz Harden from Little Dipper Sleep for collaborating on this blog!
Transitioning to a toddler bed is a big event in a little one's life. If we prepare kids well enough, it doesn't have to be a big deal (or pain) in parenthood. But here are some tips that we’ve come up with to support you.
If you can help it, don't go cold turkey! Try not to spring this new transition on your little one, instead, prepare them as best you can with the following strategies.
Wait until your child is 2.5-3 years old, at least, your child will have impulse control that will help them stay put. Even if your little one is 2.5-3 years old, if parents force it before the child is ready, they may find themselves with a big problem with night waking or bedtime/naptime resistance. The change, while seemingly so small to us, can cause attachment and insecurity issues in a child. Little ones crave firm (and loving) limits and the freedom provided by the toddler bed can be overwhelming.
Little ones crave firm (and loving) limits and the freedom provided by the toddler bed can be overwhelming. There is no longer a physical limit keeping them confidently contained. To help, keep it all really positive and encouraging, refrain from pressuring (don’t you want to be a big kid?)
Spend extra snuggle time and one-on-one time to fill their child’s security buckets, and involve their kiddo as much as possible in making the bed cozy and safe feeling.
Unless parents intend to co-sleep, it’s better to walk their child back to their own bed and bedroom without fanfare (keep it calm and collected), than let them into their own bed.
Read more on our free download below and reach out for help if you need it, we’re here!
