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For first time parents this is always a hardship. It is hard
for parents to let go of the safety of the crib. However,
with the right equipment a parent can sail through this phase
of their child’s life. The first hurdle is buying your
new toddler bed.
The best toddler bed to buy is one that has guardrails to
help your child from falling out of their bed. Make sure that
it is sturdy. Remember that there is a huge chance that you
will walk into your toddlers room to find them bouncing on
their bed with silly little grins. Sturdy beds are good beds.
In addition, you want to make sure that it is not more than
two feet off the ground. Make sure to place the bed away from
electrical sockets, windows, dressers, and anything else that
is considered dangerous.
The second hurdle is to help your child want to give up
their crib. Some children have a hard time with this. The
thing for a parent to do is try to make this a positive experience
for them. You should talk to them about how exciting it will
be to get a big boy/big girl bed. Stress that this makes them
older, and what a wonderful thing it is to be older. Take
them shopping with you. Let them pick out their new bed sheets
and comforter. That will help make their bed more of their
own.
If you can, take out the old crib before you set up the
new bed. Let your child be part of this process. Make comments
like, “Say goodbye to your baby bed. You don’t
need it anymore because you are such a big girl/boy.”
If you are excited about this process, so will your child.
Being positive is contagious.
The first night of your child sleeping in their toddler
bed has arrived. The first thing you need to know is that
your child will probably spend the next couple of nights jumping
out of their new bed. Do not lose patience with your child.
This is a very normal occurrence. Just pop them back in their
toddler bed, and explain to them that just like in their crib
that they are expected to stay in their bed.
Some other things might make your child more comfortable
in their new surroundings. One of the things that you can
do is to let your little one bring their favorite stuffed
animal, blanket, or anything else that they were used to into
bed with them. Some children also feel safer with a nightlight
in the room. It might take a tiny bit for your child to transition,
but once they do all will return to normal. They will be safe
and sound again.
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