Your baby will not stay in the crib forever. He will soon find comfort sleeping in bed. Though your toddler is safe in the crib with its four trails, you still need to introduce him to a wider sleeping space. Some kids find it difficult to get used to bed quickly, so you need to help your child to learn how to transition from crib to bed. Once they feel the importance, they will eventually understand that bed is more appropriate in their age.
When to move your kid from crib to bed?
Movement from crib to bed doesn’t happen naturally. The parents initiate the change of sleeping space. Learn how to transition from crib to bed, so you can also guide your toddler with the transfer.
Most babies are likely to feel comfortable in their crib, while others love to get into the bed and love the thrill of climbing and rolling into a wider sleeping area. But as much as you want them safe in the crib, you have to remember that keeping them longer in it may increase their emotional attachment to the crib, and it will then be hard to convince them to let go. Thus, it is recommended to move them to a bed at an early stage.
Things to Consider Before Transferring your Baby to a Bed
Before teaching your toddler how to transition from crib to bed, you must plan it wisely and follow some necessary steps and tricks for a smooth transition.
Choose the Right Bed
Babies are naturally restless and playful wherever you put them. And it is perfectly normal to worry about them falling whenever you transfer them to a bed. So, as a starter, you can place the mattress on the floor. When you see him ready for bed, you can let him climb to it. Use the same mattress and put it into the bed. In that way, your baby won’t feel the difference. You can place a barrier to make sure he won’t fall while he’s asleep.
Have the same bedtime routine
Make sure not to alter the sleeping routine of your baby. A consistent bedtime routine helps the baby feel more grounded. Let your baby sleeps on the same spot every night, and he will climb to bed when it’s about time to lie down. It is also a good thing because his body clock will recognize it and register on his system. He will then get to bed on his own and settle on the same spot.
Place a Barrier or Rail Guard
Some toddlers could find a way to scape at night to play. And that usually happens when you are deeply sleeping. Since you are just starting to teach your kids on how to transition from crib to bed, you should place some barrier or rail guard. This is to ensure he can’t get out of bed without you noticing it. Rail guards are also for his safety that in case he keeps rolling in bed while sleeping, he won’t fall to the floor.
Baby-Proof your House
You have to consider the possibility of your baby roaming around at night. To make sure he will not expose himself to any danger, you need to baby-proof your house. You can start by covering your doorknob in the bedroom, making it hard for him to squeeze it open. Secure cabinets and closet so he won’t end up ransacking it.
Practice Good Bedtime Habits
Your baby needs to practice some good sleeping habits as it will help them stick to a regular bedtime pattern. Try following some tricks to make your baby interested in following them each night. You may try giving a star when he sleeps on the bed and give him an extra bedtime story. This will make your baby feel more excited, and he will eventually get used to following good practices over time.
Make a Safe Shift from Crib to Bed
Whatever the type of bed you prefer, following a few simple strategies will help you keep your baby protected. It is recommended that you place the bed apart from shutters to minimize unnecessary risks. Keep in mind that placing a pillow is hazardous for babies under 24 months because it can lead to suffocation. Check whether the chosen bed has rails or frame gaps and change it to a safer bed.
Conclusion
When your baby grows or outgrows his crib, it is about time you transfer him to bed. But this isn’t as easy as ABC. Your baby may or may not like the idea of sleeping in bed, especially when he used to stay in the crib most of the time. That is why you need to learn how to transition from crib to bed. Understanding the concept will help you convince your little one that the bed is a good space for sleeping after all. Know more about baby cribs.