Parenting: Making the big move from crib to bed | 6abc Philadelphia

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By 6abc

Thursday, May 19, 2011

May 19, 2011

It's a problem a lot of parents face. Deborah Lin-Dyken, a pediatric expert writing on BabyCenter.com, says technically most kids are ready for the transition closer to three. But many parents, making room for a new baby, start earlier than that age. Some kids handle the shift easily, while others are really troubled.

Lin-Dyken has lots of helpful tips:

Don't move to quickly to get your toddler out of the crib, even if a new little one needs it. Most newborns spend some time in bassinets. That can buy you three or four months as your elder child gets a little older and readier for a big kid bed. And if your elder child still isn't ready, look into borrowing or even just flat out buying a second crib. It's better than forcing your toddler into an experience before ready.

If you are trying to transition before the arrival of a new child, start the process six to eight weeks before the arrival of the newborn. That will give your older child time to get acclimated.

Try to put the bed in the same place as the crib.

Put some thought into the bed. If you go for a twin bed, BabyCenter suggests letting your child bring over the bedding from him crib for a few days, even though that blanket will be too small. And make sure you put up a guardrail.

You can also go for a toddler bed, which are a little smaller. In fact, you can buy cribs that convert into these kinds of beds. Or you can purchase one outright, often in fun designs, like princess carriages or race cars.

But another option may be a hand me down toddler bed from an older cousin or friend. In this case, you may be able to mimic an effect you'll see with your later children, who may have an easier transition in an effort to be like your first born. "Look, you're going to have a big boy bed, just like cousin Adam!"

Get your kid involved by taking him to pick out the bed or special bedding. Some people even through big bed parties, a little cake and ice cream creating a positive association for your child and his new bed.

Be flexible. Don't be surprised if your kid wants back in the crib for a few days after a new baby arrives, just one of many moves he may make in response to his world being rocked by the presence of the new little person. But in most cases, your toddler should finally be ready to go back into the bed.

Still, some kids really aren't ready for the transition. So don't trash the crib and be ready to bring it back for a little while, until your toddler is ready for a second try to move to a real bed.