From cradle to bed

The transition from the crib to the bed is a necessary transition for him; It is a sign that he is growing up and that he is getting older. This is an important step so it is a matter of choosing the most appropriate moment and following some tips that will facilitate the change for the child.

When is the time to make the change?

The transition from crib to bed is not governed by inflexible rules or is determined at a precise age. Most parents decide that it is time to make the switch between 18 months and three and a half years. Many times, what prompts them to do so is the feeling that the baby crib is too small for them. Although the child fits, he no longer sleeps as comfortably as before, especially if he moves a lot at night. In addition, it is dangerous because you could hurt yourself when hitting the headboard or the sides.

Other times, on the other hand, it is the child himself who expresses whether or not he is ready for the change and usually does so around the age of three. Many children, especially those with older siblings, tend to take this big step even before the age of two, out of the simple desire to imitate, want to do and be the same as their older brother. They are more encouraged to climb this great stepping stone to independence.

If he is already able to go to the bathroom by himself or you find that he is too big or too active to be in the crib, that must be the time for a change.

Hasty or premature change

Many parents remove their child from the crib for safety reasons, as they fear that the railing will jump. This should not be the only reason, because if the child is not prepared to sleep in bed, the change would be even more dangerous: he could go in and out of bed at will and walk around the house uncontrollably while everyone is sleeping.

If this happens, and the child is immature for the change, the crib mattress should be lowered as far as possible, so that the rails are higher and the child has it more difficult to jump. You can also place some nets or nets for cribs that are fixed with velcro to the railings, creating a kind of awning that keeps the baby safe in his crib.

Prevent it from coinciding with the arrival of the little brother

Another wrong reason for moving the child's resting place is. If it is a logistically necessary change, it should be done about two months before the birth and not make it coincide exactly with their arrival as it is already too important a change to add another.

The idea is that the child is completely used to his new bed before the new baby takes over "his" crib. If the older brother is still too young for the change in the baby's date of birth, the transfer to bed may be delayed at three to four months after the birth, since the baby will be in a bassinet while the baby will be. Make sure to schedule this transition based on the child's needs and not just because of the need to make room for the baby to come.

What if it's not ready yet?

Some kids just aren't ready to make the transition to the big bed. The crib has visible barriers in the form of rails, but the bed does not. For a child to understand that a bed has "imaginary walls" within which one must stay, it is necessary that they have reached a certain level of cognitive development. If your child takes a long time to fall asleep or wakes up many times during the night, chances are he or she is not ready for bed yet. If a return to the crib is necessary, it is important not to consider it as a setback in the child's development and to ensure that he does not see it as a punishment.

Adapting to bed

Each child is different, so there are children who adapt very well and others find it a little more difficult. A frequent situation is that first-borns tend to have more change than children who already have older siblings. It is possible that the child is really attached to his crib and all the feelings associated with it (comfort, security, protection ...). In addition, the change to a large bed is just one of many changes that often occur at this stage in your life, and it may coincide with your potty training, starting kindergarten, and other social pressures to behave like you. an "older child." If, in addition, there is a baby brother on the way, the child may feel very possessive in relation to the objects of his property, including his crib.

Children born in second or third place, on the other hand, find it less difficult to adapt to change because they have the older brother as an example and want to be like him.

How to make it easier?

To facilitate the transition for the child, it is advisable to take into account some practical tips:

• While he continues to sleep at night in his crib, let him play or nap in bed, until he feels more secure in it and makes the final change.
• Explain the reasons for the change, always assessing its growth and size.
• Try to place the new bed in the same place where the crib was.
• Maintain a bedding set or crib blankets to promote the child's safety towards "the old known."
• Put a guardrail or protective barrier on the bed to prevent it from falling to the ground if you move a lot at night. The barrier must have a free place to go in and out in case the child wants to go to the toilet.
• Let him choose the bed model, the sheets and the decorations. You can choose the color or the pattern with your favorite character.
• You can celebrate the “day of the change of bed” to motivate the child and remind him that he is “getting older”.
• Take into account that there are specific beds for young children with the appearance of a normal bed and that they may even have protective rails or be decorated or have the shape of a car, a train ...
• Let him sleep with his doll, blanket or toy that he slept with in the crib.
• Maintain a safe home, as the child is able to get up and roam the house at ease.

How to choose the best bed?

There is no ideal bed, so the best one will be the one that adapts to the space available in your room. In addition, it will help us to choose the fact that its price is within expectations, and that it is functional. However, there are also some tips to keep in mind for your safety:

• That a handrail is placed on the bed on one or both of its sides, to prevent the child from running the risk of falling.
• Make the headboard as simple as possible, avoiding the bars.
• That between the bed and the mattress there are no spaces where the child can put a hand or foot.
• That the bed is not too high to avoid major falls.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW