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When
your child moves from the crib to a big-kid bed it’s a
milestone in his life as well as yours! There is no
precise time for making this move, and it is different
for every child, though typically it’s between your
child’s first and third birthday. The key to success
is to be patient and allow your child time to adjust to
the change.
What
are the reasons to move a child from crib to bed?
If
a child sleeps well in his crib, it’s best to wait
before making the change. Switching to a bed gives a
child new freedom and brings new issues for parents,
such as the yo-yo syndrome (in to bed, out of bed…) or
early morning wanderings. The most common reasons to
make the switch:
·
Your
child learns how to climb and could hurt herself by
falling out.
--- Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up
to the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more
possible.
·
Your
child outgrows the crib.
--- Don’t assume it’s time to move! You may think
that he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his
little nest.
·
Your
child asks for a bed.
--- If she’s old enough to handle it, then go ahead
and take the leap.
·
Your
child is learning how to use the toilet.
--- Even if your child uses the toilet during the day,
it’s often a long while before bedtime dryness
happens, so don’t feel you must push nighttime
independence.
·
A
new sibling is on the way.
---
If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to
make room for the newcomer may add stress. If, however,
you feel that the time is right, make the change two
months or more before the newborn arrives, so that your
older child doesn’t feel that “his” crib is being
taken over
Making
the move
Think
about how your child usually approaches changes or new
things. This will help you decide how to introduce a new
bed. If possible, arrange the move to occur when other
parts of your child’s life are fairly stable – no
vacations, moves, or other big events happening.
What
kind of bed should my child move to?
There
are a number of options for a child’s first bed:
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o
Toddler
bed
These
are small, low and toddler-sized. They have
built in guard rails on all sides, and come in
playful designs.
o
Regular
bed
A
mattress, box springs and bed frame is one
option. Make sure all sides are protected from
fall-outs. Consider a double or bigger size to
accommodate the night-reading ritual.
o
Mattress
on the floor
A
common choice is a mattress or futon on the
floor. This provides your little one with a
big-kid bed, but one that he is capable of
getting in and out of on his own and that
prevents falls out of bed.
o
Bunk
bed
Avoid
having a bunk bed in the house until your child
is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.
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How
do we make the change?
There
are many ways to make the transition. Which one
is best for you will depend on your reasons for
moving your child out of the crib, your
child’s personality, and the size of his
bedroom. Here are a few options:
o
Big-kid
bed hoopla
Some
children enjoy having an official Big Kid Bed
Day party. Set up the bed, decorate the room and
add a few sleep-related presents like books and
stuffed animals.
o
One-step-at-a-time
Take
the mattress out of the crib and place it on the
floor in the same place as the crib was. This
gives your child the same sleeping surface and
the same view of the room as he’s accustomed
to. Place guard rails around the sides to create
a crib-like enclosure. Use his usual bedding and
crib toys. This is a mid-step between the crib
and a real bed.
o
The
gradual introduction
Set
up the new bed in the same room along with the
crib. Allow your child to play on the bed, and
even nap there. Do your bedtime reading, night
nursing, or back-rub in the new bed. This will
help your child get used to the bed over time.
Patience
and encouragement
No
matter which path you choose try to be patient
and make it a pleasant experience for your
child. Keep in mind that big steps toward growth
sometimes happen in spurts, and your child may
be excited to welcome the change one day, but
wary of it the next. Maintain your nightly
bedtime routine and help your child develop a
positive association with his new bed, since
he’ll be sleeping there for many years to
come.
For more information
from Elizabeth
Pantley go to her website.
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This article is a
copyrighted excerpt from The No-Cry Sleep Solution
for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley
(McGraw-Hill, 2005)
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