So you made the big move to a ‘big kid’ bed, then suddenly your little darling can get up and down ALL the time and they seem to love their new found freedom? Sound familiar? Let’s chat!
Transitioning from a cot to a bed is such a huge milestone and with it comes mixed emotions, new boundaries and new routines.This change is a step towards more independence but it can also bring up feelings of uncertainty or even resistance for your little one. Navigating this transition with lots of consistency, new routines and lots of positivity can help make this change a fun and exciting one. So here are some helpful tips:
1. Involve them in the process
The thing with toddlers, is they love to feel included and like they have some responsibility! So try to make them part of picking the new bedding and helping to set up the new space in their room! (Even if it means they request a digger duvet, with a digger pillow case along with a digger set of sheets…)
2. Use Role Play to Make It Fun
Our little ones are learning everyday through play, play is a huge learning tool so when we use role play to help them to understand new situations, or to guide them through a transition this can be a powerful way to help us help them learn. Using their toys within the role play too can be an easy way to make it fun! Act out bedtime routines, nap times or waking up in the morning, all this can help them to understand the new change.
3. Set Clear Expectations
Setting clear expectations is such a simple, yet effective way of ensuring your toddler knows what to expect and can help them understand what the new routines are and how bedtime will look now they have the freedom to get in and out of bed themselves. Explaining to them how it is the same as when they were in the cot, they are expected to stay in their bed till the morning, keep it simple yet clear what the expectation is.
4. Holding boundaries
Parenting toddlers is wild, so when we hold clear boundaries it helps them to learn what the expectations are, and where the limit lies. When we change up the boundaries and expectations it can be confusing for them, and lead to them testing what the limit really is. If your little one thinks getting in and out of bed is quite a fun game, hold your ground, keep the expectation and boundary the same each time, leading them calmly back to their bed. It is so key to avoid entering into negotiations - toddlers are really good at this.Maintaining consistency helps reinforce the boundaries you’ve set and prevents mixed messages.
5. Validate Their Feelings and offer reassurance + connection
Big changes can bring big emotions, even for a confident toddler. Your little one may feel excited yet nervous and unsure of the change as it begins to happen - because as much as this is a huge change for us as parents it is for them too. Acknowledging how they are feeling and validating those feelings is really important. They may also need some extra comfort and connection around bedtime initially and this is totally normal. By validating their feelings, you’re helping them feel seen and heard, which fosters a sense of security.
Last but not least, we always recommend staying consistent. Being consistent is so important with change to make it stick. Stick with the same routine, same boundaries, same expectations each night.
Need more support? Grab our FREE Little Dreamers Bed Transitions guide here
If you need some sleep support and you are ready to make a change our team of experts are here for you! Book a discovery call and let's chat about your little one's sleep and how we can help your family get the rest you all need to thrive.
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