Simple Guidance for You in Baby Sleep.
A child can become a frequent guest in bed if they transition too quickly from a crib to a bed sleep. The toddler who climbs out of his crib will most likely climb out of bed. The crib is not a bed that your child must move to. Set the expectation that your baby will stay in the crib. This will ensure that your child is aware of the expectations and can transfer them to the bed if necessary.
We have tips to help your toddler stay in their crib for as long as possible.
If the crib has a higher back, you can turn it around. Your toddler won’t have the ability to reach high enough for their leg to swing it over the rail.
Consider lowering the mattress to the floor so there is no gap between the crib and the mattress. This will give you more height to keep your child from climbing on the crib. You should not leave any space that would allow you to wedge a body part in.
If the crib does not have a high back or you cannot lower it further, you might consider putting a sleep sack on your child so that he cannot lift his leg above the rail. It won’t be possible to unzip the sack if he turns it backwards.
Limits can help you stop your toddler from escaping. Keep an eye on your toddler and remind him that he should stay in his crib. Even though it might take you 20 times the first night to help your toddler learn, it’s not difficult for many toddlers to realize that trying to escape is not worth the effort.
When do I switch to a big child bed?
There is no right time, but there are some things to think about:
If you’ve tried everything to keep your toddler’s crib clean and comfortable, but it doesn’t work, you need to consider switching to a different method. If your toddler cannot get back in his crib, he cannot fall asleep on his own. It can be a problem for you to put him back in and cause power struggles and sleepless nights. In such situations, you need to act quickly and change.
When transitioning your toddler from a crib to a bed in a big boy or girl’s room because of a new baby, it is important to plan the timing carefully to ensure that your toddler does not feel overwhelmed by the new baby. To ensure that your toddler is ready for the baby, you should switch him to a big child bed at least two months before he arrives. Keep your newborn in the bassinet for a minimum of three months to help him adjust to his new sibling. It would be best if you allowed your newborn to adjust between the time you switch and the time you put him in the crib.
You may find that your toddler cannot get in and out of a regular-sized mattress if he’s too small or too young. For your toddler to have an independent sleep, he must be able to access his bed space. A toddler bed can be used, or you can place a mattress directly on the floor.
How do you prepare for a major move?
Your goal should be to inspire a desire in them to feel at home in their new space. Have a family gathering:
Discuss your family’s bedtime rules. For example, “eyes closed, eyes shut, mouth quiet, stay asleep” could be a poster or a picture of your toddler following the rules.
A haven is a place where your child can feel safe. You can let your toddler choose new sheets or a stuffed pet to go to bed with you. This is an important milestone, and it should be celebrated.
Transform the entire bedroom into a crib-like safe space. You can remove hazardous objects, secure your furniture, and take away toys.
What can I do so that we don’t lose our way?
Toddlers can’t control themselves to leave their beds, so it is up to their parents to support them.
Axe curtain calls. Many toddlers don’t know they can get out on their own. It is only when they do that, that they realize their independence.
Use a “T-O-T clock” or “Ok-to-Wake” clock. An excellent tool to help toddlers older than two years old know when it is okay to leave their bed. This clock is either green or gives a visual cue that the parent has set at a particular time. My favourite clock, the Amaroo “OK-to-Wake”, has a sleep timer. This can be helpful for older children who do not require a nap but would benefit from some downtime.
You can place a gate inside the door. It is not meant to be punitive. However, it can keep your child’s safety from leaving the house. It can even be decorated with stickers and markers. I was contacted by a customer whose son put stickers of soccer balls on the top and called it his goal.