However, they are made with toddlers in mind, and often have built-in side rails to prevent falls. Toddler beds are also more likely than twin size beds to come in fun designs to appeal to your child. Twin beds may be less imaginative in their design, but they can last your child throughout childhood.
You can also add safety rails to twin beds to prevent falls. Whatever bed you choose, it is best to purchase your mattress and frame at the same time to ensure they fit snugly together. A bed that sits low to the floor is preferable for young children. This way, it is easy for your toddler to get in and out of bed on their own, and there is less of a drop in case they fall.
Make sure the bed features a durable design that can handle typical toddler activity, with rounded edges to reduce the likelihood of injuries. You might also consider a convertible crib, which is a piece of furniture that can act as either a crib or a toddler bed. With these, you can remove one side of the crib, giving your child the freedom to get in and out of bed on their own, without losing the comfort and familiarity of the crib.
Transitioning to a toddler bed does not have to be a difficult change. Follow these tips to make the transition easier on both you and your child. Help your toddler feel excited for the change by reading books about sleeping in bed. You can also make up bedtime stories together about how heroic it is to sleep in a bed.
Collect photos of family members sleeping in their beds to help your child feel like they are a part of something bigger. You can even bring up the new bed in conversation throughout the day to help build excitement. Help your toddler get used to their new bed by introducing it during naptime and other quiet times during the day, when they are more relaxed. This can normalize the bed as a place for quiet and rest. Whether you listen to lullabies, have a bath, or read stories together, continue following the same activities in the same order every night.
Bedtime routines reinforce to your child that it is time for bed, even if they are sleeping somewhere a little bit different. Bedtime routines can also help strengthen your bond with your child and have been found to improve sleep in children and improve the moods of their mothers. To make the transition from crib to bed feel even more fun, invite your toddler to be part of the process when you choose bedding. It may help to go on a special shopping trip together to select sheets and blankets for their new mattress.
You can also encourage your toddler to choose which special stuffed animals will get to sleep with them in the new bed. If your toddler responds positively to rewards, try using stickers and verbal encouragement to help them transition to a bed. Give them a sticker for each night they go to sleep in their new bed. If they get out of bed during the night, give them positive reinforcement when they go back to their bedroom. Once your toddler transitions to a bed, you can not rely on a crib to keep them in place anymore.
With a bed, your toddler can climb out and explore around the house. You will want to ensure everything is childproofed, both in their bedroom and anywhere else in the house they may access, with these measures:. Once your toddler has more freedom, they may take advantage of it. It helps to be patient and stay consistent with bedtime rules.
Before bed, remind your child that now is the time to use the bathroom one last time or squeeze in one more hug. Even with these reminders, you will likely be greeted by your child coming into your bedroom after bedtime at least a few times. When they come in, it is best to stay calm and return them back to their bedroom without fanfare. The more boring sneaking out of bed is, the more likely they are to stop doing it. You can also rely on consistent sleep strategies to help your child sleep.
It may take anywhere from a few weeks to two months for them to settle into their new bed, but they will adjust with time. Pay attention to how your child feels during the transition from crib to toddler bed. It is normal for them to express some resistance along the way, or come into your room every now and then.
But, if your child is having significant trouble sleeping or throwing tantrums each night, they may not be ready to transition to a bed. It is okay to bring back the crib, and try the transition again in another month or two. Do not feel like you have to rush to transition your child to a toddler bed.
Making the switch anytime between 18 months to 3 years is considered normal. Gate…and he will help you stay safe and happy in your room all night. If your little gymnast climbs over the gate, you may need to close the door and put a doorknob cover on the inside of the door to her room.
Creating a bedtime routine can help your toddler wind down and learn they are expected to stay in bed. Here's some advice on bedtime routines.
You can also try Twinkle Interruptus , my favorite toddler bedtime "trick" based on patience-stretching. Good luck! Have questions about a Happiest Baby product? Our consultants would be happy to help! Connect with us at customercare happiestbaby. Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition.
It is only meant as general information. And you can put off the cost of buying a new bed and bedding for a while longer. It's also best to wait until your child is emotionally ready to move to a bed and physically able to get in and out of the bed safely. Sometimes the shift to a bed brings a few new bedtime challenges, and you might want to choose when you deal with these.
If you need advice, talk with your child and family health nurse. When children move from a cot into a bed, they can also get out of bed more easily. This means they can do whatever they want in their bedrooms.
You can read more in our article on home safety and in our illustrated guide to indoor safety. Whichever cot-to-bed option you choose, some simple precautions and planning can help keep your child safe:. Moving into a big bed can be unsettling for your child. A new bedtime routine might ease the change:. Some children will get out of bed , just because they can!
If this happens, help your child back to bed straight away. Then leave the room. You might have to do this several times until your child stays in bed or settles.
Skip to content Skip to navigation. Making the bedroom safe When children move from a cot into a bed, they can also get out of bed more easily. A safety check of the bedroom will help to prevent accidents. For example: Install safety locks on windows, so the window can be opened only a little. Wrap curtain and blind cords around cleats attached to the wall at least 1.
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