Why
move a child from crib to bed?
If a child sleeps well in his crib, don’t rush the change.
Switching to a bed gives a child freedom and brings new issues
for parents, such as the yo-yo syndrome or early morning wanderings.
The most common reasons to switch:
1.
Your child learns how to climb.
--- Move your child out of the crib when the rail is up to
the level of his nipples, since climbing out is more possible.
2. Your child outgrows the crib.
--- Don’t assume it’s time! You may think that
he’s uncomfortable, but he may be content in his little
nest.
3. Your child asks for a bed.
--- If she’s old enough, then go ahead and take the
leap.
4. Your child is learning how to use the toilet.
--- Even if your child uses the toilet during the day, it’s
often a long while before bedtime dryness happens.
5. A new sibling is on the way.
--- If your little one loves his crib, then ousting him to
make room for the newcomer may add stress. If you feel that
the time is right then make the change two months or more
before your newborn arrives.
What
kind of bed should my child move to?
There are a number of options for a child’s first bed:
1.
Toddler bed
These are small, low and child-sized. They have guard rails
on all sides, and come in playful designs.
2.
Regular bed
A common choice is a mattress, box springs and bed frame (with
all sides protected from fall-outs). Consider a double or
bigger size to accommodate the night-reading ritual.
3.
Mattress on the floor
A popular choice is a mattress or futon on the floor. This
provides your little one with a big-kid bed, but one that
prevents any painful falls.
4.
Bunk bed
Hold off on a bunk bed until your child is 6 years old, when
it is considered safe.
How do we make the change?
Which approach is best for you will depend on your reasons
for making the change, your child’s personality, and
the size of his room. Here are a few options:
1.
Big-kid bed hoopla
Some children enjoy having an official Big Kid Day party.
Set up the bed, decorate the room and add a few sleep-related
gifts like books and stuffed animals.
2.
One-step-at-a-time
Take the mattress out of the crib and place it on the floor
in the place as the crib was. This gives your child the same
sleeping surface and view of the room as he’s accustomed
to. Place guard rails around the sides to create a crib-like
enclosure. Keep the same bedding and crib toys. This is a
mid-step between the crib and a real bed.
3.
The gradual introduction
Set up the new bed in the same room with the crib. Allow your
child to play on the bed and nap there. Do your bedtime reading
in the new bed. This will help your child get used to the
bed gradually.
Patience
and encouragement
No matter which path you choose - be patient. Big steps toward
growth often happen in spurts, and your child may be excited
to welcome the change one day, but wary of it the next. Maintain
your nightly bedtime routine and help your child develop a
positive association with his new bed, since he’ll be
sleeping there for many years to come. Excerpted with permission
by McGraw-Hill Publishing from The No-Cry Sleep Solution for
Toddlers & Preschoolers (McGraw-Hill 2005)
http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth
