Shifting your toddler from a crib to a big bed marks a significant milestone in both your lives. This change involves much more than simply moving toddlers out of cribs. It signals a new phase of independence for your child. Introducing a big kid bed too early or too late can lead to sleep disruptions and anxiety, both for the child and the parents. Therefore, recognizing the right moment based on your child's development and readiness is essential. This guide aims to assist parents through this transition. It offers practical advice and tips to help you and your toddler confidently embrace this new chapter.

Recognizing Readiness Signs

When should you transition your toddler from a crib to a big kid's bed? Look for signs like climbing out of the crib or expressing interest in beds. Physically, toddlers should be able to walk and climb with confidence. Emotionally, they might start asking for a larger bed or enjoy spending time in one at a friend’s or relative’s house. 

In contrast, there are indicators that your toddler may not be ready for such a transition. These include showing signs of anxiety about changing sleeping environments or having a recent regression in other developmental areas like toilet training. If they seem particularly attached to their crib or have major life changes like a new sibling on the way, it might be wise to delay the transition. Watching for these cues will help you choose the best time to move, ensuring it is a positive experience.

Moving Toddlers out of Cribs: A Smooth Transition

Moving toddlers out of cribs to a big kid bed should be managed with careful planning. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth adjustment:

• Introduce the New Bed: Place the new bed alongside the crib. Let your toddler explore and get familiar with it during the day.
• Start with Naps: Begin the transition by having your toddler take daytime naps in the new bed.
• Engage in Positive Reinforcement: Praise your toddler for spending time in their new bed. Talk positively about growing up and moving to a big bed.
• Make the Full Switch: Once your toddler seems comfortable napping in the bed, use it for overnight sleep. Initially, stay nearby until they fall asleep to provide comfort.

Above all, don't rush the process. Allow your toddler to move at a comfortable speed, and be patient and supportive throughout the change.

Setting a Positive Bedtime Routine

​Moving toddlers from cribs requires revamping the bedtime routine to ease the transition. A consistent bedtime routine helps toddlers predict what comes next, offering them security and stability. Start this routine at the same time each night and include soothing activities that signal that it is time to wind down. You should also integrate elements your child finds relaxing and enjoyable to create a comforting atmosphere. It could involve reading their favorite books or incorporating playtime with a beloved toy. These familiar items provide comfort and make the big kid's bed feel more inviting. These bedtime rituals can help your toddler settle into sleep more readily. They enhance the overall experience of moving to a new bed, making it something they can look forward to each night. 

Preparing the Environment

Setting up your toddler's new sleeping area involves careful selection and arrangement to ensure comfort and safety. First, choose a bed that suits your child’s current size and can accommodate growth over the next few years. Position the bed in a safe part of the room—away from windows and heavy furniture that could pose risks. A central spot where the room can be easily viewed is ideal, promoting a feeling of security. Making the bed visually appealing can significantly ease the transition. Use bright colors or themes that your child loves. Encourage them to spend time in and around their new bed. 

If you find that some old furniture or decor no longer fits as you reorganize your child's room, you can sell or donate it. However, if it holds sentimental value and you are not ready to part with it, you can simply place it into storage. In this case, Beltway Movers DMV can offer convenient storage solutions. Plus, this moving company can also help you transport these items to their new location.

Involving Your Toddler in the Process

Involving your toddler in the process of transitioning from a crib to a big kid bed ensures they feel comfortable and excited about the change. Allowing your child to have a say in selecting their new bed or bedding can make a significant difference. Encourage them to choose designs and colors that resonate with their interests, whether it’s a favorite cartoon character or a general theme like space or animals. During the shopping, you might suggest they pick a special comfort item, such as a new stuffed animal or a cozy blanket. This item will accompany them in the new bed, providing a sense of continuity and security. For this reason, actively involving them in these decisions makes the process fun while giving them a sense of ownership and control over the situation, drastically reducing anxiety associated with the change. ​

Dealing with Resistance or Regression

Transitioning isn’t always smooth sailing, and it is normal for some children to resist or regress during this period. One common challenge is nighttime visits to the parents' room. It can happen as your child adjusts to the new sleeping environment and may seek comfort from familiar surroundings. To handle these visits, first ensure you calmly lead them back to their bed, reinforcing that it’s where they sleep now. Consistency here is crucial. Nevertheless, remain patient and provide reassurance. A comforting word or a quick cuddle can help them feel secure. But, try to avoid prolonging these interactions to encourage independence. Another strategy is to make their room as inviting and comforting as possible. Use night lights, keep the door slightly open, or consider a sleep training clock that signals when it is okay to get up.

Safety Tips for the New Bed

Make sure your toddler's new bed is safe. Select a mattress that is firm enough to support your toddler adequately without being too hard. The fit of the mattress within the bed frame is also critical. It should snugly meet the edges without leaving gaps that could trap little arms or legs. To further enhance safety, conduct a thorough bedroom check for potential hazards. Secure furniture to the wall to prevent tipping, and make sure there are no loose cords or curtains near the bed where your child could get entangled. Further, remove small toys or objects that could be choking hazards, and ensure all outlets are covered. By taking these precautions, you can create a safe environment that allows your child to explore their independence while ensuring they remain protected.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our guide on moving toddlers out of cribs, it's important to remember the vital steps for a successful transition. From recognizing readiness signs to preparing the environment, involving your toddler in the process, and establishing a positive bedtime routine, each step plays a crucial role in making this shift as smooth as possible. To all parents facing this transition, take heart. This change, while significant, can be managed with care and attention. In short, maintaining patience and consistency throughout the process will support your child's adjustment. It ensures they feel secure and comfortable in their new bed.

Photos used: 
Pexels
Pexels
Pexels
Pexels

Having a child can be a pretty jarring experience. From pregnancy, to labor, to life with a new little human; realizing that you are responsible for another little life is a huge reality check. We make sacrifices for our children daily out of love and sometimes necessity. But having a child does not mean that mom and/or dad need to forget about their own needs. Parenthood is like a game where you need to find the perfect combo to meet everyone's needs sufficiently, including your own. Sleep is a huge necessity for parents! All humans need sleep to function and a lack of sleep can seriously impact your mood, ability to care for your family, and your overall well being. Having your child sleep in your bed may greatly impact the amount and the quality of sleep you are getting. What do you do when your child wants to sleep in your bed? 

Set a hard boundary.

This can be a tough thing to do but parenting is, quite frankly, not easy. The best thing you can do for yourself and your child if you do not want them sleeping in your bed is to simply not let them. Of course, I know this may result in tantrums and loss of sleep for the family at first. But holding this boundary will show your child that you value good sleep for everyone in the family and you prioritize taking care of yourself (which will teach them to prioritize their own needs in the future!). 

If you’ve decided that you no longer want your child in your bed with you, I suggest having an honest, open mindset. Accept that this transition may be hard for a while but will be worth it in the long run once everyone is sleeping well in their own space. During the day, offer your child lots of snuggles and physical affection so they can still feel close to you. Sleeping in their own bed takes away the feeling of physical closeness they enjoyed when co-sleeping with you. As you transition your child to their own bed, stay with them in their room and comfort them. This will help them to not feel completely abandoned. As time goes on, your child will get used to being in their bed by themselves. You can decide how long to stay in the room. Try making a routine of reading them a story before leaving or set a limit for how long you will be in their room. For the first night it may be necessary to stay until they fall asleep. Figure out what works best for both you and your child, but continue to hold firm to the fact that their bed is where they are expected to sleep. 

If you’re trying to transition your child out of your bed and having difficulty, book a 15 minute discovery call with me and we can troubleshoot together! 

​Here’s the scenario: you’ve all had a long day, you’re tired and you’re totally ready for your toddler to go to bed for the night. You do the bath, the PJs, brush teeth (maybe), read a story, sing a quick song, pick a new stuffed animal…then you go to put your toddler into their crib and your sweet child stands there and screams at the top of their lungs!

It might catch you off guard. It might be something new. Likely, you’ve entered a new phase of growth. I promise it’s normal, if only for a short time for a toddler to scream and protest at bedtime, but won't last forever. 

Why does my toddler scream? 

Here's what's going on: Your toddler is learning! Toddlers are learning how to do things, how to get things and what's expected of them. They want to have all the independence in the world, but have no idea what to do with it. For instance, your toddler wants to run free in a parking lot filled with cars...do you let him? Of course not! Your little one likely doesn't understand cause and effect...the same thing goes for bedtime when your toddler would rather be playing and having a good time with you than go to bed! Toddlers are also learning that their actions result in a reaction from parents. 

What do you do when your toddler screams at bedtime?

As parents, it's up to us to set limits.  We can fall all too easily into the trap of letting our child run the home. I mean, they are incredibly needy and can’t do much for themselves right? But as parents, we know what is best for our child (aka they need to sleep to function…) and we have our own sleep needs as well. Setting limits helps us to meet our own needs in addition to the needs of our child when they can’t recognize them on their own.

So how do we set these limits?

It can become a bit of a dance, but it all starts with a firm, predictable routine. Each night, do the same routine so it is clear to your child that bedtime is approaching and they will be sleeping soon. Taking a bath, getting into pajamas, brushing teeth, etc. are some things that can be a part of your routine. 

Here’s where the fun comes in! Since toddlers are discovering their independence, they are likely to want to gain control of every situation they can, which can be a part of the reason why they are struggling with bedtime. The key to dodging big power struggles is to give your child bite-sized bits of control throughout the evening. What do I mean? Consider this. Your child cannot choose whether or not they want to go to bed, but they can choose if they want the green pajamas or the blue pajamas. See what I mean? If your child is given the chance to make age-appropriate decisions, they will feel more in control. Let them choose the bedtime story or the song you sing to them. Allow them some independence in the smaller things while standing firm in the big picture. 

Once your child feels like they have some control, it will be easier to enforce the limits you’ve set surrounding bedtime. One of these limits should be a specific set bedtime between 7-8:00pm, and can also include expectations such as reading only one story, singing just one song, etc. Being firm, but gentle with your child will send the message that this is a solid rule that they are expected to follow. Of course, with each child and situation, it’s important to use your own judgment. Come up with a plan. Predict what may happen before it occurs and plan out your responses. What will you say if your child cries for you to stay with them? Maybe you settle them in and tell them you’ll check in on them in 10 minutes. Maybe you remind them of what a great day they had and encourage them to think about what to do tomorrow. Maybe you let them cry for a little bit to show them you mean business before checking in on them again. Whatever you choose to do, make the expectations clear. And remember that this is only a season and you won’t be dealing with this forever!

Have you ever been trapped by an overtired toddler? Are you stuck in a rut and can’t figure out what to do next? Schedule a free call with me and I’ll help you troubleshoot!

Bringing a new baby into the house is very likely to impact your older child’s sleep habits in one way or another, and there are two big reasons why;

1. Your toddler will likely hear the newborn’s cries and think they should help.
2. Your toddler’s wondering why he or she is no longer the center of your world and may be a bit jealous to share your attention.

The confusion of the upheaval of a once only kid household and jealousy will likely cause sort of a regression, prompting your toddler to want the ‘only kid’ attention they enjoyed previously, such as…

● Lots of requests for snuggles
● They may want to ‘act like a baby’ again
● Requesting to sleep in your bed or in your room
● Additional stalling, antics and tantrums during the bedtime routine

The biggest reason this can affect sleep is that parents start feeling guilty about the fact that they don’t have enough hands or time to be in two places at once, so they try to compensate by giving in to all those requests, and those requests frequently show up right at bedtime. You’ll likely hear everything from requests for extra stories, staying up later, laying with them, holding hands, etc. 

Parents… I totally understand. Guilt sucks. And when we feel guilty about spending so much extra effort on a new baby, we start to do anything to make sure our kiddos know they haven’t been forgotten, get extra time with us and feel all the love. 

So what’s the harm in a few more books and laying in bed with our kid to give some extra love and attention?  

“Children are as independent as you expect them to be.” ~Maria Montessori 

It’s likely this situation will happen at some point, so here’s what you do:

Keep everything around bedtime exactly as it was before the new sibling arrived; the same bedtime routine with the same limits you had before (ex: reading 2 books), sleeping in their own bed and sleeping there all night. 

Comfort and support, but don’t change the how, where and when. 

If you start changing what’s allowed around bedtime, such as adding a dance party and saying goodnight to every stuffed animal in your child’s room, it’s only going to tell your toddler that boundaries mean nothing and trust me, they’ll take 10 miles if you give an inch. 

Second, try to focus 15-20 minutes during the day where it’s just you and your toddler, one-on-one to do something together. Your kiddo will love the extra time and snuggles. 

Never apologize to yourself or your kid for setting boundaries. If the feeling of “oh no, I have to give everything” guilt starts to set in, remember that your toddler is simply working through some big emotions, which toddlers don’t know how to navigate. You are doing the best you can and holding to your boundaries to have a happy, attached and supported kiddo. You’re an awesome parent…don’t forget that. 

Within a few weeks, your whole family will have had time to adjust to the newest member of the family and you’ll find that new groove. You’ve got this!​

Planning to sleep a little longer this Sunday morning?

It’s time to spring the clocks forward for the annual move to daylight savings time. Have no fear! I’ll tell you exactly what to do to adjust your baby or child’s schedule in 3 simple steps. 

1. First, leave your clock alone Saturday night.  Wake up Sunday morning at your usual time, have your coffee, then go around your house and change your clocks that didn’t change automatically. 

2. Gradually move your child’s bedtime and nap times starting Sunday night.
Children who no longer nap: If your child normally goes to bed at 7:00pm, put him/her to bed at 7:30pm on Sunday night.  Do this for 3 nights, then on the 4th night put him to bed at 7:00pm or whatever is normal bedtime for your child.

Toddlers (12 months and older)- Start with naps on Sunday and put your child down for their first nap 30 minutes later than normal on the first night of the time change. If your child usually naps at 9:30am, naptime on Sunday is now 10:00am.  Do the same with the afternoon nap if there normally is one.  For bedtime on Sunday, if your kiddo’s normal bedtime is 7:00pm, you would put him down at 7:30pm.   Do this for 3 nights and then on the 4th night, put him to bed at 7:00pm. Within a week, you’re back to your child’s regular bedtime.

Infants (6-12 months with a predictable bedtime)- If bedtime is normally 7:00pm, move bedtime 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach the normal time.  On Sunday night, you would put baby down at 7:45pm, the second night 7:30pm, and so on.  In four nights you should be back to 7:00pm.   If their bedtime is not predictable (0-6 months old) simply jump to the new time Sunday night.

3. Make sure your child’s room is as dark as possible. Install blackout curtains if you don’t already have them. Your child may wake up too early with the sun rising so early now in the morning and may struggle to fall asleep while it is still light outside.  Even with the extra hours of daylight, your child sleep needs the same amount of sleep. It may take children and babies a bit more time to fall asleep or not seem to be as tired as usual, which is normal.  It usually takes about a week for children and babies to completely adjust to daylight savings time and some children may take up to 3 weeks to adjust.  Be patient and consistent, and your child will be sleeping in no time!
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If you have any questions about how the time change will affect your child or about your child’s sleep, please send me an email at [email protected]

Time to Fall Back and Say Goodbye to Daylight Savings Time

According to the calendar, this weekend we’re supposed to get an extra hour of sleep as daylight savings time ends…tell that to our kids! ​

​​Toddlers are fascinating creatures, aren’t they? Watching them develop into thinking, creative little people is such a fascinating time, and one that parents often wish would last a little longer. Of course, they usually wish that after baby’s grown out of the toddler stage, because along with that creativity and new found intelligence, we usually see a lot of boundary-testing, which can be a frustrating experience.