From Crib to Toddler Bed

Nov 25
08:49

2010

Linda Aviles

Linda Aviles

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How to prepare your toddler for the new change.

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Many toddlers do not adapt well to change. Switching from a crib to a toddler bed can be exciting for some but scary for others. Children usually switch from a crib to a toddler bed around the age of 18 months to 3 years old. A sure sign that your toddler is ready for the big switch is if the toddler is too big (3 feet) or very active. The child may start to climb out of the crib or keep waking up in the middle of the night because he or she keeps scooting around the crib and bumping into the sides. Another sure sign is that the child is not able to stretch properly or has begun to potty train. Potty training means a lot of waking up in the middle of the night and climbing out of the bed. Some parents may feel that there children may not be ready for the switch because they have become to attached to the crib and may begin to cry at night. The crying may happen but it is only temporary. It is better for the child to be crying because of the change than to be crying because he was hurt climbing out of his crib.

Make the switch easier for your toddler by talking to him in advance about the change. Get him excited and involved with the switch. Take the child with you to pick out his new bed. Let him see all the different styles of sheets and let him be the one to choose the new sheets. Do not get rid of the crib just yet. Leave the crib in the room for a couple of days along with the toddler bed. The child can sleep in the crib at night and take naps on the new bed during the day. The toddler bed can also be used for several quiet play sessions. This will help your child feel more comfortable and safe in his new bed. Consider lowering the crib mattress as far as you can to make the rails higher during this process just to be safe. Child-proof your home once your child starts to sleep in his new bed. Your toddler may start to wonder once he is out of the crib and we would not want the child getting hurt.

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