If you're using a twin bed, you may not want to make an immediate switch to grown-up sheets and blankets that are tucked in. Your child may find it soothing to continue to sleep with his old crib blanket, even if it's too small. Don't forget to put up a guardrail to prevent your newly liberated toddler from falling out of bed.
Get your toddler excited about having a "big-kid bed" by taking him with you to pick it out, if you're buying it new, or by emphasizing its previous owner if that person is someone your child knows. For example: "This was your cousin't bed, and now it's yours!
You're almost as big as him now! Another tactic, although it requires a little more work, is to throw a "big-kid bed" party. Choose a date to unveil the new bed, and talk up the event a week in advance. On the big day, have a party and invite friends and grandparents. Another strategy is the use of specific "toddler beds.
Many come with built-in guardrails, and some are made in very appealing themes and shapes, such as cars, trains and pink four-poster beds. If you find that you've made the switch too soon and your toddler is upset, don't give up right away. Encourage your child to try out the bed. If he's still distraught after a few days, bring the crib back. Some toddlers simply aren't ready for a bed. It takes a certain amount of cognitive development for your child to understand that a bed has imaginary boundaries that he must stay within.
Their newfound freedom may also lead them to take lots of excursions. You put your child to bed and they come out. You put them back in bed and they come back out. Just calmly return them to bed and leave the room as quickly as you can. Since there's a chance they can't quite handle a big bed yet, it's a good idea to hang on to the crib. A temporary return to it, if necessary, is no big deal: Toddlers mature quickly , and your child might be ready in another month or two.
Be patient, and don't rush this important transition. By Laura Broadwell Updated December 17, Save Pin FB More. Credit: Shutterstock. By Laura Broadwell. Be the first to comment! No comments yet. Close this dialog window Add a comment. Add your comment Baby care — moving from a cot to a bed. Better Health Channel. How do I introduce sleeping in a bed? Show references Hide references. Enter your due date or child's birthday dd 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 mm Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec yyyy Trying to conceive?
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Join BabyCentre. Praise them for being grown up and making the move. Find ways to celebrate the move. For example, you could have a family trip to the zoo or an afternoon tea party. Problems moving from cot to bed Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a bed. Allow your child to stock their new bed with the items they find reassuring, such as soft toys. Your child may want to sleep with an item from the cot such as a special blanket.
Try not to be impatient or cross if your child keeps getting out of bed. Be loving and reassuring. Accompany them back to bed. Offer lots of hugs. Be prepared to go through this routine quite a few times over the next few nights, if necessary. Remember that arguing with your child and punishing them for getting out of bed will increase their anxiety and prolong the difficulties.
Remind your child that the cot is packed up if they ask for it back. Let them know that their new bed will soon feel familiar and cosy. You could also tuck extra toys in their bed for reassurance. Try to be patient and reassuring if your child calls out in the night. Remind yourself that this rocky period will soon be over, and that staying calm and loving will speed your family through the transition. Preparing your toddler for the new baby , , Australian Breastfeeding Association.
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