Change can be daunting – for parents and toddlers alike. I get asked a lot about how I transitioned my twin toddlers out of cribs and into their big kid beds. Here’s my advice on how to make it a smooth transition!
1. HYPE IT UP
Before transitioning your little one from a crib to a big kid bed, an essential first step I took was to hype it up to my twins and get them excited about the big change. Talk to your toddler about how “it is time to get rid of their crib and get a new big bed!” I talked to my twins about this change for a week or two leading up to it. If you want to take it a step further - let them pick out their own new bedding, a new stuffed animal to sleep with, or new decoration for their (now) “big kid” room. This can help your little one know that a change is coming, and they can start getting excited about it!
2. TIMING IS KEY (BUT MAYBE LATER THAN YOU THINK)
Think about timing when it comes to transitioning your toddler out of a crib. We made this transition a little after the twins turned 2 – mostly because they were starting to climb out of their cribs occasionally. However, my advice would be to keep you toddler(s) in a crib for as long as you can safely do so! Once safety becomes an issue with climbing, or your little one seems to be physically outgrowing their crib – it is time to make the big switch to a big kid bed (usually between the age of two and three).
3. ENSURE SAFETY
With the transition to a big kid bed, comes freedom to anything and everything in their room that was once out of reach within the four walls of their crib. Take time to anchor any large furniture to the wall, cover outlets, and keep things you don’t want your toddler getting into out-of-reach. We chose to have the twins switch to twin-sized floor beds (with their mattresses sitting directly on the ground), but if you have a bed that is off the ground, install a bed rail or toddler bed bumper to prevent falls. I also suggest having a baby monitor installed in their room so you can keep an eye on them while they adjust to their new sleeping arrangements.
4. BE CONSISTENT
With any big change, I try to keep everything else in my toddlers routine consistent. Stick to your same bedtime routine as you make the transition from a crib to a big-kid bed. Ours looks something like this: bath, brushing teeth, go potty (or new diaper/pull up, if applicable) bedtime stories, and snuggles. Find a bedtime routine that works for you, and stick with it!
5. EXPECT A CRAZY FIRST NIGHT (OR MANY!)
The first night, or even many nights, can be a bit wild with your toddler’s newfound freedom. For example, my twins ran around their room for 2 hours the first night. Just keep going in, laying them back in bed, and trying again. If they are feeling scared or nervous, ensure them that they are safe and that mommy and daddy are just a room away! This only lasted the first night or two as the twins were getting used to being able to get out of bed for the first time in their lives. Be consistent with putting them back in bed and telling them that it is time to let their body rest.
6. BE PATIENT
Transitioning your toddler out of a crib and into a big kid bed is a big change for a little kid! It may take some time for them to adjust and get used to their new sleeping arrangements. Be patient and stay consistent with bed time routines, and helping them settle in their bed for naps and nighttime. My husband and I liked to take turns putting the twins back in bed, which worked well for us. I promise, soon, your little one will adjust to their new bed and sleeping arrangements!
I hope these tips help make the transition from cribs to big kid beds a smooth one for you and your little one! Remember to hype it up, stay consistent, expect a little chaos ;) , & be patient as you make this big change. Good luck!
Opmerkingen