Getting Your Toddler to Sleep in a Toddler Bed

The move from a baby crib to a "big kid" or toddler bed can be, to put it mildly, memorable for parents and children. The child is likely to feel quite emotional about the change from "baby" to "big kid," a feeling Mom and Dad may share as they witness this major step in the growing-up process. It's possible, however, to get your toddler to sleep in a new bed without major trauma for parent or child.

Things You'll Need

  • Toddler bed
  • New bedding
  • Stickers
  • Poster board
  • New stuffed toy (optional)

Instructions

    • 1

      Let her help with the transition. If you don't have a crib that converts to a toddler bed, let your child help pick out her new bed--after narrowing the options to two or three choices. Let her choose new sheets and a bedspread for her big girl bed. Picking a favorite cartoon character or favorite color bedding will make it more "hers."

    • 2

      Maintain the bedtime routine. Toddlers find great comfort in routines, so keep bath time, story time and bedtime the same except for the addition of the new bed.

    • 3

      Reward him for a job well done. Make a chart on a piece of poster board and add stickers for every night he falls asleep in his new bed. After a full week of stickers, reward him with a fun family adventure or other special treat.

    • 4

      Add a new friend to the bed. Your daughter will likely want to bring all of her favorite bedtime stuffed animals with her to the new bed, but make the new space more fun by giving her a special new toy to keep watch over her.

    • 5

      Ease gradually into the new bed. This is especially important if you need the crib for a new baby. Set up the new bed long before the new sibling arrives, and let your son nap in it for a few days while sleeping nights in the old crib. Once naps in the toddler bed are routine, gently encourage your son to spend the night in his new big boy bed.

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