| Many parents wonder when is the right time to move | | | | move. This allows your toddler to get used to the sight |
| their toddler out of her crib and into a toddler bed. Like | | | | of the new bed, and even try it out on her own a few |
| most things relating to small children, there is no specific | | | | times. As the bed becomes a familiar object, it |
| age when this should happen. Every child is different | | | | becomes less scary. |
| and every parent faces unique situations in their | | | | Another way to ease your child into her new bed is to |
| homes. There are some signs that it is time to make | | | | let her keep her crib bedding. This brings something |
| the move, however. | | | | familiar into the new situation. This is an easy thing to |
| When a child stops rolling all around her crib, chances | | | | do, since many toddler beds use crib-sized mattresses. |
| are she is ready for a bigger bed. Another sign that | | | | Just continue using the same sheet and blanket until |
| indicates that your toddler is ready for a bed is when | | | | your child feels comfortable. |
| she starts climbing out of her crib. This can be very | | | | One thing you should avoid is making the transition too |
| dangerous and you will find it much safer to put the | | | | quickly or during a time when you are facing a lot of |
| little monkey into her own bed. Also, once the child is | | | | stress. If, for example, you are expecting a new baby, |
| around three feet tall, the time is usually right for a | | | | take the time to make the transition well before the |
| toddler bed. | | | | baby arrives. This will keep your toddler from feeling |
| Many parents are surprised when they find that their | | | | as if her new sibling has displaced her from her crib. A |
| little one is afraid or anxious about the transition. These | | | | move would be another stressful time when you |
| parents assume that their child will be as excited about | | | | would not want to make the transition from a crib to a |
| the milestone as they are and are disappointed at the | | | | toddler bed. |
| fits and tantrums that ensue when the new bed is | | | | Finally, keep the child's bedtime routine in place when |
| assembled. | | | | you introduce the new bed. This helps your child to feel |
| Parents in this situation need to stop and think about | | | | secure even with the change. She will know that |
| how many hours of their child's life have been spent in | | | | mommy and daddy are still there to care for her, even |
| the safety of the crib. Most children spend the majority | | | | if the security of her crib is gone. Give her any extra |
| of their first year sleeping in their cribs. The child feels | | | | attention that she seems to need during this time, and |
| safe in her crib and thus moving to a new bed is | | | | keep in mind that the stress she experiences is |
| scary. | | | | completely normal. With time, you can successfully |
| One way to ease the transition is to set up the bed in | | | | transition her into a toddler bed! |
| the child's room for a few days before making the | | | | |