How to Transition your Toddler from a Crib to a Toddler Bed

It is super common for a toddler to be a good sleeper until the transition from a crib to a toddler bed.

There is so much new freedom!

There is so much space to explore!

In order to make the transition smooth, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. It is normal for them to want to explore their new room. I don't personally recommend making the toddler stay in their bed since we as humans need to make the choice to fall asleep.

It is totally okay if your toddler falls asleep on the floor or in a random place in the room. Just make sure that the room is baby proof so that you feel safe about it.

2. It is good to have a boundary in place. I am a big fan of using a baby gate on the door to contain this new level of freedom. This way the toddler can explore the bedroom and feel comfortable in this new space. But also not leave the room and get out of the "sleepy" environment.

It is okay to have pillows, blankets and books in this new sleepy space. What I don't recommend is light up toys, loud toys, or things that they want you to join and interact with. The room should be dark with a very dim nightlight- and only red or orange in color. This way there is nothing preventing your toddler's body from producing melatonin in order to fall asleep.

3. Try not to backtrack your habits. If you used to give your baby a snuggle then place him in bed to fall asleep, try to do this same procedure for the toddler in the toddler bed. Treat the new baby gate boundary the same as the crib boundary before. If we were not snuggling in our baby's crib while the baby fell asleep then we would not snuggle in the toddler's bed while he fell asleep.

If you want to join a community where you can ask questions about toddler sleep and learn and grow then join the Secrets to Sleep: Baby and Toddler Sleep Help Group here

Or book a Free Sleep Strategy Call to uncover the culprit affecting your toddler's sleep and hear my recommendations here

Sincerely,

Your Pediatric Sleep Consultant

Courtney Giesbrecht