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:
-
Toddler
bed
These are small, low and toddler-sized.They have
built in guard rails on all sides, and come in playful
designs.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Bunk
bed
Avoid having a bunk bed in the house until your
child is 6 years old, when it is considered safe.
 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:
-
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.
- 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.
- 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.
This
article is a copyrighted excerpt from The No-Cry Sleep Solution
for Toddlers and Preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley, copyright
2002 Web site: http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth
(McGraw-Hill 2005)
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