Sooner or later your little one is going to get too big for her crib, and you'll have to start thinking of moving her into a bed. Perhaps she's trying to climb out of the crib and you're afraid she'll get hurt. Or maybe you have a second child on the way who will need to use the crib.
Whatever the reason for the switch, moving from a crib to a regular bed can be a traumatic experience for child and parents alike.
Your little one may have trouble adjusting to a bed. Not only does it not offer the protection of a crib, it is also much lower. Things will look much different from her new point of view and it may take a little bit for her to get used to it.
Parents will face a new challenge too as their little one now had freedom to get in and out of bed during the middle of the night. No more dropping them into the crib at bedtime and saying goodnight until morning.
When should I move my toddler from a crib to a bed?
Every child is different, but most kids make the switch between 18 and 36 months. If they hate going into the crib and try (possibly successfully) to climb out, they're ready for a bed. You don't want them to fall from the crib and hurt themselves trying to get out.
You can purchase guard rails that install on the sides of the bed to keep your little munchkin from falling out. Or you can purchase a toddler bed that is much smaller and lower to the ground. If a child falls out of a toddle bed, they will only drop about eight to ten inches instead of a couple of feet.
The transition to a bed can be especially traumatic when the child is forced to move to make room for a younger sibling. A child who likes her crib and is not ready to move may not handle it well.
Give it a few days and see how she does. If you see no signs of improvement you may have to go back to the crib for a bit. Perhaps the baby can sleep in a bassinet for awhile until the older child accepts her new bed.
Some more advice on moving your child from a crib into a bed:
Don't spring the change on her. Start talking about it weeks in advance. Talk positively and she may look forward to the change.
If possible, let her come to the store to help pick out the new bed, blankets, pillows, etc. Make her feel like she is a part of the process instead of just forcing it on her.
Take baby steps. Set the bed up and let her see it for a few nights before putting her in. You want her to feel comfortable with it in the room. Let her sit in the bed and take afternoon naps in it before putting her in the bed at night.
Stay patient. There will undoubtedly be some tough nights with little sleep. Try to be understanding don't get mad at her if she gets upset. It's a big adjustment for a child and after all, she is just a little girl herself.
Whatever the reason for the switch, moving from a crib to a regular bed can be a traumatic experience for child and parents alike.
Your little one may have trouble adjusting to a bed. Not only does it not offer the protection of a crib, it is also much lower. Things will look much different from her new point of view and it may take a little bit for her to get used to it.
Parents will face a new challenge too as their little one now had freedom to get in and out of bed during the middle of the night. No more dropping them into the crib at bedtime and saying goodnight until morning.
When should I move my toddler from a crib to a bed?
Every child is different, but most kids make the switch between 18 and 36 months. If they hate going into the crib and try (possibly successfully) to climb out, they're ready for a bed. You don't want them to fall from the crib and hurt themselves trying to get out.
You can purchase guard rails that install on the sides of the bed to keep your little munchkin from falling out. Or you can purchase a toddler bed that is much smaller and lower to the ground. If a child falls out of a toddle bed, they will only drop about eight to ten inches instead of a couple of feet.
The transition to a bed can be especially traumatic when the child is forced to move to make room for a younger sibling. A child who likes her crib and is not ready to move may not handle it well.
Give it a few days and see how she does. If you see no signs of improvement you may have to go back to the crib for a bit. Perhaps the baby can sleep in a bassinet for awhile until the older child accepts her new bed.
Some more advice on moving your child from a crib into a bed:
Don't spring the change on her. Start talking about it weeks in advance. Talk positively and she may look forward to the change.
If possible, let her come to the store to help pick out the new bed, blankets, pillows, etc. Make her feel like she is a part of the process instead of just forcing it on her.
Take baby steps. Set the bed up and let her see it for a few nights before putting her in. You want her to feel comfortable with it in the room. Let her sit in the bed and take afternoon naps in it before putting her in the bed at night.
Stay patient. There will undoubtedly be some tough nights with little sleep. Try to be understanding don't get mad at her if she gets upset. It's a big adjustment for a child and after all, she is just a little girl herself.
About the Author
Megan Fitzpatrick writes articles on all sorts of parenting topics. Check out her new site where she spills the beans on baby monitors. Learn about the long range baby monitor as well as the latest fisher price monitor.
