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In Transition: A Guide to Big Baby Changes

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To be a parent to a baby or toddler is to be a pro at change. Rolling over, first words and laughing are the easy ones. The rest…not so much. Here’s how to handle the bigger transitions headed your way in the coming years.

Drop the bottle

It isn’t that the bottle is bad, but who wants to wash and sanitize all those parts and pieces? Plus, you finally can get that plastic grass bottle dryer thing off your countertop.

Around the 6- to 7-month-old mark, give your babe a sippy cup in the bathtub so she can play with it and, eventually, take a drink. In the bath, the cup will seem more like a toy and not as threatening.

After some time, offer the sippy during a meal, like lunch or breakfast.  As time progresses and your baby gets used to the sippy, try using it for all meals and, finally, at nighttime. Don’t make a big deal out of it; reinforce that your child is a big kid and needs a big kid cup. Take the process in phases and, once she’s moved on, get rid of all bottles so you (and your baby) aren’t tempted to go back.

No more parties at the crib

Perhaps Baby Number Two is on the way, or maybe your 2-year-old is starting to climb better than a chimpanzee. Either way, out with the crib and in with the toddler bed.

Shopping for all things new bed can help smooth the transition. Let your child pick out “big kid” bedding and select his favorite stuffed animal to sleep with. Then triple check that the room is baby-proofed. He’ll have a new ability to roam around after lights-out, so long cords should be snipped, outlets blocked and heavy objects anchored securely to the wall. Decide whether putting a baby gate over the door threshold is the right choice to cut back on attempted escapes throughout the night.

Keep his bedtime routine exactly the same as it’s always been, then tuck him in, say good night and brace for impact. The first few nights might present tears and confusion—or a slap on your face at 2:00 in the morning with a request for water. As with anything difficult, hang tough and remain calm. Take your child back to his room without speaking, tuck him in and return to your bed. The more boring you are, the faster he will realize you mean business and it isn’t playtime.  You may be in for a few sleepless nights as he settles in, but if you’re consistent, he’ll figure it out that much faster.

Paci goes bye-bye

As with any transition, the age is up to you, but the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends limiting the use of a pacifier after 6 months of age. In the world of reality, many parents rely on it for sleep and occasional soothing until the age of 2 or 3.

The most important word in axing the paci is consistency. Pacifiers have a habit of multiplying rather than disappearing, so discard every pacifier in your home except for one. Then, it’s time to begin the countdown. Here’s how:

Baby transitions are no walk in the park, and they will require patience and consistency on your part. Be brave, be steadfast and, above all, be a loving support system to your child and you will make it through. As every wise grandparent in the history of the world has said, “This too shall pass.”

 

Three No-No’s for Any Transition:

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writers and interior design sales rep for KC and surrounding areas. She lives in Liberty with her husband, stepdaughters and toddler son.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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