Transitioning Your Growing Child From Crib to Bed

The big migration from the crib to the bed is a definite milestone for kids and parents alike. This transition can be difficult if handled poorly, so I’m here to help. I’ve put together a few tips, based on my years of experiences raising six kids, to help make your child’s transition run as smooth as possible.

Communicate: It’s very important to keep an open and two-way line of communication with your children at all stages. Be sure to tell your child what to expect, what’s going to change, while giving them an opportunity to share their feelings about the situation. Give your child time to reflect upon the changes before implementing them, so things will be a little less shocking or in some cases scary.

Make Preparations: Encourage your child to be involved in the process. Whether you’re buying an entirely new bed or picking out new sheets, let your child have a say in what they want – this involvement might stimulate excitement for the upcoming change and transition.

Stick to Routine: In my house, routines work wonders. For peace of mind and comfort, stick to your routine after the new bed is assembled as to alleviate any extra sense of chaos.

Safety First: Safety rails will need to be installed to prevent your child from falling off the new bed and injuring himself. And don’t forget to double-check all of the outlets behind the old crib to ensure they are covered to prevent any electrical hazards, etc.

Pick Up Something Special: Change can be hard; we all know this to be true. It doesn’t, however, have to be negative or scary. If necessary, purchase a special “big kid” toy or stuffed animal for your child to ease into this change, a little something special could mean more than you know to your growing child.

Whatever happens, remember to be patient with your child as you’re changing their comfort zone completely.

Today’s guest post is from Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell. He is a father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.