To Do's: Before You Switch Your Child Into a Big Kid Bed
Transitioning to a big kid bed is no small adjustment. Parents often transition their kids into a big bed long before they’re ready. And so the story goes… the child sleeps great in their new bed for a couple of weeks and then all heck breaks loose. Here is my most straight forward and simple advice:
WAIT AS LONG AS YOU CAN TO TRANSITION
I recommend as close to age 3 as possible, if not, after. If your child’s been sleeping in their crib for most of their childhood, it is their familiar place; switching things up can be overwhelming and the more they understand, the easier the transition usually is. Don’t fix what isn’t broken! It’s a LOT of responsibility to ask of a child to expect them to stay in a big bed. By waiting until closer to 3 years old or after, they’re able to understand “sleep rules” or “sleep expectations” such as staying in bed.
Here is a list of things to implement before you transition your child to a big kid bed:
1. Get a Toddler Clock
Toddler clocks are designed to glow a certain color when it’s time to get up. This encourages children to stay in bed until they see their clock glowing their good morning color! Click here for directions on exactly how to implement a toddler clock!
2. Have a Family Meeting
Talk with your kiddo about sleep! Read books about sleep! When you’re sitting down at dinner time talk about all the fun things you can do when you’ve had a good night’s sleep and stayed in your bed through the night; you grow taller and stronger, you can run faster and have energy to do fun things. When you’re winding your child down for bed, practice closing your eyes and hugging a lovey. Talk about how we stay in our beds during bedtime.
Click HERE to download a free bedtime chart and bedtime tips guide! If your child is too young to understand a family meeting, they’re likely too young for a big kid bed!
3. Include a Lovey
Incorporate a lovey into your child’s bedtime routine. Invoking empathy can help children navigate expectations. My daughter loves her stuffed rabbit, and telling her that her rabbit is sleeping can help settle her down during bedtime. When she wakes up at night, we tell her to lay down and hug her bunny.
4. Be Consistent
Try and offer your child a very consistent, early bedtime and a lot of routine before and while you transition to a big kid bed. Children thrive off of predictability and love to know what is happening next in their day. The more consistent you are, the easier it will be. Avoid transitioning during times where you might be traveling, or during potty training.
5. Get Some New Bed Sheets
Consider letting your child pick out some new bed sheets! Take them to the store and let them choose something exciting!
Parents, remember, this may be a tough one, but with these easy tips, practice makes “perfect!”