It might be a difficult milestone for you as a parent, but the time will come when your child is ready to change from a crib or toddler bed to a “big kid” bed. Doing so can help them to sleep better, and it is a great way to let their personality come through.
When your child is old enough to transition to a ‘big kid’ room, they can help you through the process of changing things up based on their interests and likes. That can make the transition easier on both of you.
But, whether your child is struggling with the idea of changing their room, or you feel like you’re not emotionally ready for that change, it’s okay! Let’s cover some tips you can use to make the transition easier on everyone.
1. Don’t Rush It
Every child is different. Some little ones stop sleeping in a crib at around 2 ½, while others may not until they’re 3 ½. You know your child better than anyone, so look for some of the most common signs that they are ready for a bigger bed, including:
They can climb out of their crib on their own
You’re trying to potty train them
They are too big for their crib
You have another baby on the way
If your child shows an interest in getting out of their crib because it’s too small or they want a bigger bed, then it’s definitely time to make the switch.
2. Make a Few Safety Changes
When your child does transition to a larger bed, especially one without guardrails, you may want to make a few changes in their room in order to keep them safe.
The idea, of course, is for your child to remain in their bed all night. But, kids do occasionally get up and might think it’s fun to explore. You will need to make sure their room is safe if they decide to do some of that exploring when you’re not in the room with them. That includes things like:
Covering the electrical outlets
Using guardrails on the bed or positioning it against a wall
Installing gates on the stairwells in case your child gets out of their room
Securing large pieces of furniture
Keeping the room clean and free of clutter
Anything you can do to keep your child from falling or tripping when they get out of their new bed should be one of your top priorities. If you’re in the process of potty training, they may get up in the night to use the bathroom or they may call for you. Give them a safe, clear route to the bathroom so they don’t risk running into anything and getting hurt.
3. Let Them Help to Design the Room
If your child is having a hard time with the idea of getting rid of their crib, you can entice them with a full room ‘makeover’. By now, your little one certainly has a personality of their own and they likely have several interests. So, talk to them about changing to a ‘big kid’ room and what they might want it to look like.
For example, if your child is into sports or cars, you could easily decorate with that theme. Or, maybe they like a specific color that you could paint the walls with. You could even surprise them by working on their room for an entire day and showing it to them when they return home. Do your research on everything from paint colors to window coverings to find the best options for your child. You can find beautiful shutters that will block out the light in your child’s room at Shuttercraft.
While it might be a hard pill to swallow, it’s the normal progression of things for your child to grow out of their crib or toddler bed and transition into a big kid room. You certainly don’t have to rush the process, and don’t make the changes before your child is ready. But, if they have started to show some of the signs listed earlier, then do what you can to make the process as smooth as possible for both of you.
These tips can help to ensure that your child stays safe, and that they love spending time in their new room. The more they enjoy it, the more likely they are to want to stay in their ‘big’ bed and not have a hard time falling asleep at night. So, make sure to share your excitement with them, in the hopes that they will become just as excited for the transition, themselves.
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