BEDTIME STORIES

SLEEP COACH KATHY SINCLAIR TALKS ABOUT THE BIG TRANSITION FROM CRIB TO BED

MOVING TO A BIG-KID BED

There is no set time to transition your toddler from
a crib to a regular bed. However, for most, anywhere
from 2 to 3 and a half years old is an appropriate age.
Although, in my experience, the closer to 3 years old,
the better, because many children younger than 3 just
aren't ready for the added independence that a big-kid bed gives them. I suggest making the transition when your toddler is either too big or too active for the crib, or, of course, if he has been potty-trained, as he will need to be able to get out of bed during the night to use the bathroom.

Another reason most parents are eager to transition to a big-kid bed is because they fear their toddler jumping out of the crib. While this is a great safety concern, I don’t recommend that you run right out and get a regular bed for your toddler the first time he shows any interest in getting out of his crib—or even if he does get out. He may not be ready for a big-kid bed, and transitioning him too soon may not be safer for him.

Also, parents often make the switch to a bed is the arrival of another baby. If this is your situation, make the switch at least three to four months before you're due. You want your toddler well settled in his new bed before he sees the baby taking over "his" crib. You could also consider delaying the switch until the new baby is 3 or 4 months old. Your newborn will probably spend those months sleeping in a bassinet, anyway, and your toddler will have time to adjust to the new baby, making the transition to a bed easier when it does happen.

A word to the wise: Be sure to base the timing of the switch on your child's readiness rather than on the need to free up the crib. Many parents find out too late that it would have been easier to borrow or buy another crib rather than move their older child to a bed before he was ready.

When it comes time to make the transition to the bed, get your child excited about his new big-kid bed by having him help you pick it out. Also, allow your child to pick out his own sheets and comforter cover in the patterns or characters that he wants. He can even help you pick out the bed rail for his safety, too.

Regarding the nighttime routine, it's important to stick with the same one that you've always done—which means that after you put your child to bed, he is likely still going to be awake. If your child gets up and comes into your room, calmly lead him back to bed and remind him that he must stay there. When he does get back into bed, tell him how cooperative he is and how pleased you are, and then leave the room. You may have to repeat these last two steps over and over, but if you stay calm, eventually he won't be so excited by the prospect of getting up and coming into your room.

Two of the biggest mistakes parents usually make when their kids move from the crib to the big-kid bed are suddenly changing the routine, such as lying next to your child until he falls asleep, and rewarding them by letting them climb into your bed or join the rest of the family in another part of the house when they can't (or won't) sleep.

If you give in, you'll be dealing with this issue night after night for weeks or even months, and no one wants that.

This is a big transition for your toddler and you, so think before jumping into a bed!

Kathy Sinclair, CNCS, CPD, CLE, CHBE, graduated from Australia’s prestigious Charlton Brown Nanny College and began her professional career as a nanny in 1993. Kathy developed her specialty with infant sleep while working as a newborn care specialist in Los Angeles. Currently the founder of Baby Sleep Solutions, Kathy provides one-on-one individualized sleep consultations, leads Mommy & Infant groups for new moms, and lectures on sleep in and around Los Angeles. She lives in Ventura, Calif., with her husband and three dogs. She may be contacted through her website at www.babysleepsolutionsla.com.