A sleeping child is one of the most beautiful things in the world. Getting enough sleep is essential for a toddler’s development. Toddlers 1-2 years old need a total of 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. Easier said than done, right?
Moving toddlers from a crib to a bed can be a huge transition. It can cause bedtime struggles, sleep problems, and copious amounts of anxiety for both parents and children. I promise, however, that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
If you’re looking for ways to help your child transition to a toddler bed, you’ve come to the right place. I’m sharing practical ways to help make the transition go as smoothly as possible.
How To Transition To Toddler Bed
Transitioning a child to a toddler bed too early can be detrimental to their well-being. It can cause sleep issues or bedtime resistance, costing you hours of much-needed rest. Learning the signs your child is ready for a toddler bed can make the entire process easier.
Signs Your Child Is Ready For A Toddler Bed
The following signs suggest your toddler is ready for a toddler bed.
- Consistently climbing out of the crib
- Asking for a big kid bed
- Outgrown or too big for their crib
- Understands simple instructions
- Effectively communicates with parents
- Already sleeping soundly through the night
- Maintains a solid bedtime routine
- At least started to potty train
10 Tips For Transitioning To A Toddler Bed
Consider the timing
Every child is different, which means not all toddlers are ready to transition out of their crib at the same time. Look for the signs mentioned above to know when your little one is ready, but also consider other factors that could affect their transition to a toddler bed. For the best chance at success, avoid attempting the transition in the middle of other big life changes, such as the birth of a new sibling, moving into a new living space, or starting to potty train.
Get your toddler involved
It can be really special watching your child get excited about their new bed, and also a little emotional for parents who are seeing their young one grow up. Make the transition even more special by getting them involved in the process. Have them help you pick out a bed or bedding. This way they are more likely to be excited about the transition.
If you are planning to redecorate your child’s room, check out these toddler room ideas for some fantastic ways to transform the space.
Begin with naps
One of the best ways to help a toddler smoothly transition to a new bed is to start with naps. Encouraging them to take naps on their new bed will help them get accustomed to their new sleep environment. Not only are naps shorter, but this saves you from having to deal with their initial apprehension at the end of the day when you’re running low on energy and patience.
Stick to a bedtime routine
Consistency is key when it comes to working with kids. It’s especially important during transitions. Your child finds comfort in their bedtime routine and it lets them know when it’s time to wind down and get ready to go to bed. Follow a routine that works for your family, whether it involves reading a book, cuddling and singing a lullaby, or saying their goodnight prayers. As these things become familiar to your toddler they will feel more at ease drifting off to sleep in their new bed.
Create a safe sleep environment
A toddler bed gives your child more freedom, and with that comes the need for new safety measures. Childproof the entire room. If you are using a twin bed, use a guardrail to make sure they can’t fall off the bed. If you are using the crib mattress for their toddler bed, make sure it fits snuggly, with no gaps between the mattress and the bed frame.
Also, secure furniture to the wall so it can’t topple over and cover all electrical outlets. Keep potentially problematic items, like small objects, electrical wires, and strings and cords for window treatments, out of reach. You might also consider using a door alarm that will alert you if your toddler leaves the room. This will give you peace of mind knowing your child is safe in their new environment.
Patience is key
This is a big change for a toddler. Naturally, they are going to feel a little anxious and they may struggle with the adjustment. Don’t be surprised if they repeatedly get out of bed in the beginning. As best you can, stay calm, reassure them, and gently help them go back to bed. Try to remember that this is a temporary phase.
Encourage them with positive reinforcement
Every child wants to be seen and appreciated. Use positive reinforcement to help them feel good throughout the transition. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small. Praise them when they stay in bed and remind them how proud you are of them. If your toddler is reward-motivated, use a reward system to encourage good habits, this way you’ll both reap the benefits.
Use familiarity to provide comfort
A new bed, new bedding, and maybe even a newly decorated room can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming for a toddler. It’s a good idea to keep some familiarity, like their favorite stuffed animal or the same nightlight, to provide them with comfort and a sense of security and help them fall asleep in their new bed without a struggle.
Clearly communicate your expectations
Talk to your child about your expectations as they’re transitioned to a bed. Set clear, simple rules regarding bedtime, getting out of bed before morning, etc. Make sure they understand your expectations, and then stay consistent when enforcing them.
Be flexible but stick with it
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Remember, every child is different and every child responds differently when transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed. Monitor them throughout the transition to see what’s working and what isn’t. If things aren’t going the way you expected or hoped, don’t give up. Stick to it and try to keep the experience positive for everyone.
Some cute toddler bed ideas
- Platform full size bed
- Sydney toddler bed
- Bodhi toddler bed
- Uma toddler platform bed
- Bodhi toddler bed
Transitioning to a toddler bed doesn’t have to be stressful and difficult.
Transitioning to a toddler bed is a major milestone for a child and many parents approach it with hesitation. It requires time and patience, and it’s okay to feel anxious about it. But much like motherhood, it’s a beautiful learning process. View this milestone as something to be celebrated with your child and enjoy all that it brings into each of your lives. You got this!
If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, even when your toddler is sleeping soundly through the night, check out my post on how to prioritize sleep.
