Crib To Bed Transition Can Be Fun!

For whatever the reason you have decided to move your toddler baby from a crib into a bed. Now you are wondering how to go about doing this with the least bit of resistance. You want the transition to be an easy one that does not involve tears. There are many ways to go about it but you need to find one that fits your child's unique personality. Children adjust differently, some adapt quickly without a care in the world, while others may have a more difficult time.

I believe it is all in the approach. By actively involving your child in changing over to a bed the change should go smoothly. Prior to getting a bed, Talk it up, make it exciting, kind of like Christmas, or their birthday. Make it something they can look forward to. Depending on the age of the child when you begin this transition, they may or may not completely understand what's going on. But they should have a general idea. Once they catch on that something exciting is going to happen take them shopping with you for a bed. Make it an event.

Before the big shopping event you need to do some homework ahead of time. Decide whether you are buying a toddler bed, or a regular bed and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Once you have those two decisions made, decide which stores you want to check out. This is an important step as you don't want your child to fall in love with a specialty designed bed at a price you cannot afford.

Once you have your homework completed you are ready to take your child shopping for a bed! Make it a special fun filled day that involves both mom and dad if at all possible. Pick a time that is most conducive to your child's daytime schedule. You want them to be well rested and excited since this is the big day!

Because you have done your homework, you know how much you can spend and you need to stick with that. As you are looking around at all the beds figure out which ones your child likes the most. Some kids are a bit picky while others like the majority of beds. Narrow it down to three beds that all of you like within your budget and let your child choose. I know that sounds a bit drastic letting a toddler make that kind of decision, but you have already decided upon the three best beds for your child, so you know that whatever bed is chosen will be a good one. Plus this lets them feel like it was their decision not yours.

Now that the decision is made it's time to celebrate! Go to lunch, dinner or just for ice cream depending on the time and budget.

Most likely the bed will need to be assembled, unless you have paid extra. If this is the case you can involve your child in helping you put it together. You know your child's abilities better than anyone, and you know what they can and cannot do safely. So you just need to know going into this that you will need to be patient and not to expect a lot of help. Just be careful they don't get into the nuts, bolts, screws, or washers as this could be a choking hazard. If your child doesn't show any interest in helping that's okay, you don't want to force them into helping as that will take all the fun out of getting a new bed.

Once the bed is set up take pictures to remember the special day spent shopping for your child's first bed. Keep in mind this time is not only for your child, but for you. This is a milestone in your baby's life, and in your life. Time passes much too quickly and we need to take time to celebrate those passages of time.