The moment I had been dreading for months had arrived. I could no longer contain my triplet 2-year-olds in their cribs. Two-thirds of them were climbing out of them and destroying the room. The one child who couldn’t climb out declared her crib party central. The two monkeys went straight into her crib after they had destroyed their entire bedroom with the fun activities of opening the shades, emptying drawers and dumping diapers. I found them like this on a daily basis. Screaming and cheering as they bounced up and down in one crib together. This is how I knew I could no longer wait to make the transition to toddler beds. Here are some toddler bed transition tips from a triplet mom.
Wait as long as possible
If your child is climbing out of her crib and wandering the room, the time has arrived to switch to a big kid bed. Climbing in and out of her crib puts your child at a higher risk of falling and getting hurt. However, if your child is content in the crib and has made no attempt to escape, don’t rush to make the switch. My oldest son slept in his crib without trying to climb out until he was almost 3 years old. Eventually, he became too tall for a crib and he had an easy transition to a twin bed.
Choose the right time
Many parents will transition their kids to a twin or toddler bed because they need the crib for a soon-to-be-arriving younger sibling. If possible, try to make the transition to a big kid bed when your child has few other transitions going on. Starting a new school, potty training, moving or welcoming a new sibling all can be reasons to delay the switch. If you do have a new baby arriving and need the crib, consider starting the transition shortly after you find out you are pregnant, using a bassinet for Baby for a few months or purchasing a second crib.
Make it their own
If you have decided the time is right to make the switch, get your child excited about his new bed. Purchasing new bedding and pillows can make your little one’s new space more welcoming and exciting. Consider updating his room with new big kid decorations or buying fun pillowcases with a favorite cartoon character on them.
Create a safe environment
Whether your child was climbing out of bed before the switch or not, the new bed grants more freedom in the bedroom, so updating safety measures is important. If a child were to climb on her dresser or bookshelf, it could tip forward and cause serious injury or death. Bolt dressers, bookshelves, changing tables or any other furniture to the wall to make the safest environment for your toddler. Put away breakable items, cover outlets and clear the room of any hazards. If your child can open the bedroom door, consider installing a doorknob safety cover or gate so he cannot wander the house freely if he wakes up earlier than Mom and Dad.
Be consistent
Transitions can be difficult for toddlers but they are easier when you are consistent and stick with it. Most parents worry that once their child does transition to a big kid bed, he will stop sleeping well. For the best results, lay your child down when he is tired and ready to rest. If you followed a daily routine before laying your child down in the crib, continue it. If you didn’t, try starting a daily routine that might look something like this: take a bath, put on pajamas, read a book, brush teeth and visit the restroom, have some snuggles and then get in bed. When your child knows what to expect, he will know that bedtime is not playtime but rather time to rest.
Transitioning from a crib to a big kid bed is a big deal! The experience is exciting, fun and sometimes challenging. Parents can help their kids with this milestone by being supportive and giving positive reinforcement. Praise and reward your child for making it through each night, for taking a nap and for following rules. Before too long, the crib will be a thing of the past.
Sarah Lyons is an Olathe mom of six children, including triplets.