Sleeping is something that can be so delicate when it comes to our babies and children.
Anything from a slight routine time change can for some create big issues in the night time peace and it is something we learnt fairly early on for our boys.
The Importance Of Sleep
Boy our boys are the kind of kids that need a good 10-12 hours a night and routine has been ‘THE’ most important factor in anyone having decent sleep at night so any changes have had to be well thought through.
We kept Jacob in a cot for as long as possible. But when he started to pull on the sides we knew we had to make changes. The transition from cot to toddler bed was really bad for us.
Jacob went through a full on regression and suffered badly with separation anxiety. It took months of sitting by his bedside and gradually moving away from the bed to steady his nerves about us not being next to him when he went to bed.
During that time things were really hard. When sleep is low then it affects behaviour and moods throughout the house. His concentration levels were effected and his communication faltered.
Transitioning From Toddler Bed To Single bed
This time round we were desperate to ensure that the process went as smoothly as possible. We started to include him in the decision weeks before it happened. We started asking him if he wanted a big boy bed.
Jacob said from the off that he did but one like his brother which was cabin bed. Knowing he was really too little we decided to look through some comfortable low sleeper cabin beds as they are great space saving options for smaller rooms.
We opted for a bed that allowed for open space beneath to allow Jacob to play. This time I also included him in picking some colours for his bedding and we even visited the shop together for it too.
As soon as the bed arrived he wanted to be in it, which was a great sign.
The first few nights he was eager to go to bed and we thought it was a going to be a one off but it seems he took to his big boy bed like a duck to water.
I think that including him in the process was more helpful than we could have imagined.
Initially we thought he might be a nightmare up and down the steps on the bed but in fact he shouts in the morning to be lifted down.
Once he is in bed he doesn’t get up and down so I have a bonus for a change. It has now been 4 months since he transitioned into this new bed and we couldn’t have been more thrilled with how it’s gone!
What key things would you say help with a toddler transitioning into a bed?
*Collaborative post*
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