My Child is scared of the Dark

Saying Goodnight to the Crib

Along with potty training and pre-school, one of the milestones of your little one’s newfound independence is the transition out of the baby crib. Nothing says, “I’m big now!” better than your toddler’s first real bed.

That said, it’s often hard to know when the time is right, now that they are sleeping through the night and most seem happily content in their crib. A sure tip is to follow your child’s lead, especially if they have already started to climb out of the crib on their own. The exploratory spirit here can also pose a safety risk and it should be time to consider a change.

It’s all in the timing

Children usually transition from their crib to a bed between the ages of 18 months and 36 months according to experts. If they are not climbing out of the crib yet, there is no need to rush it. Dr. Laura Jana, a general pediatrician in Denver, Colorado, and one of Dr. Spock’s experts says, “there is no definitive answer to the question of when a child should be switched from a crib to a bed. Each family’s situation is different, and in many ways this issue really boils down to a matter of opinion.” 

One thing to consider is that the longer a child stays in a crib, the more attached they may become to it and transitioning to a bed may be more difficult. This may be especially hard for first born children who aren’t looking to emulate their big brother or sister, and who may cling to their “baby” things even more with a sibling’s arrival.

Tips to comfort and protect

There are a variety of things that you can try though to make it easier on everyone involved.
One key step is to allow them to help create their own space. Take them shopping for the bedding and sleep accessories. If you are going to use a bed you already own, perhaps buying a supportive Blueflex™ gel memory foam topper will help get them excited and make the bed “new”.

Let them choose one special item that they can sleep with each night such as a new teddy bear or other soft cuddly item. Make sure that there are comforting items in the room, like a nightlight or favorite toy. These ideas will comfort them while they try to adjust to their new sleeping arrangement.

To prevent wandering around the house, a gate can be used to segregate them from the rest of the house, either by putting it in their doorway or by putting it in a hallway so that they can only access your room or their own room. Be sure that all precautions are taken with regards to child proofing your home. Newfound freedom shouldn’t come with any safety risks.

It is also important to be patient and give it time. Each child is different and will respond according to their rhythm and personality. If you are relaxed and loving throughout the process, your child will do fine and you will ALL get a great night’s sleep.