Today is
By: Ikedi Ani-okoye
It is a heavy deal for a child to switch from his beloved crib to a bigger bed. No wonder toddler beds are contrived to catch their fancy! Saying goodbye to the adept old crib can trigger unpleasant bouts of caterwauling at bedtime.
How to Make the Transition Easy
The crib is the most comfortable spot in the house for baby - everything in it, including the lumpy blanket, which must not be washed - are his favourite things. Any change or a missing something spells disasters; can you imagine what it would be like to get rid of the crib and hustle your kid to one of those unimaginative
toddler beds? This would immediately trigger a tsunami of protests.
Easy performs not do it. Before you plop him on his new but bigger bed, there are things you must know - kids won't budge if they have not been primed for the eventual change. Those cute toddler beds may be tantalizing to you, but for your child, it means sleeping away from mom and dad, and going without the familiar sight and smells of his beloved crib.
He may not sleep on the big bed the first night but sleep between mom and dad; the second night he may still struggle and opt to sleep on the floor; finally he'll decide the new big bed might be more comfortable.
Toddler Beds and Bedtime Routines
The first night he decides to take to the new bed, your troubles are not solved yet. Expect those some mommy and daddy SOS during the night. As much as you'd desire to rush to him, stay put but you may hope to check when he has been weakened by a bad dream or he is not feeling well.
Part of transition period is establishing a bedtime routine. No matter how much you're itching to observe CSI or 48 Hours, you have to stick to the set schedule. Bedtime routine begins with the bath after dinner, a glass of warm milk, and a bedtime story. He may want you to stay with him for some cuddling - but be firm when it's time for him to sleep.
Make your child feel safe in his room. While those toddler beds are adorable, your son will still desire his lumpy blanket and stuffed toys. These familiar things can calm his anxieties. Never hurl a child to sleep on his new bed but be continuous with the bedtime routine.
Each night until he becomes accustomed to his new bed and the idea of sleeping in his own room, entertain him with bedtime stories on his new bed. Eventually, the heavy night will come if he'll nod to sleep in the new big bed.
Keeping Your Child Safe in His Room
Toddler beds have been planned with the child's safety in mind. But upon assembling the whole thing in your room, make sure all nuts and bolts are properly installed. Apart from the bed, check other children's furniture; is the bookshelf stable? Are electrical outlets covered? Are small toys lying around? Children love to poke and put things into their mouths though exploring their rooms, so beware.
Install a night light in the child's room to keep the "creeping monsters" away. The younger the child is the brighter the light he commands. Well, the night light can show him what a delight toddler beds can be.
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