Many parents decide to move their children to an open bed when other changes take place. For example, when a new sibling arrives, moving to a new house etc, but moving to an open bed is a HUGE change and shouldn’t happen as a consequence of other events.
First ask yourself if they’re ready for the change.
How will you know if they’re ready?
The biggest reason to make this move is because staying in their cot is putting them at physical risk. No matter what age your little one is, if they start climbing the rails, it’s probably time to move. They can start showing signs of climbing sometime between 18 and 24 months, but not every baby does it! If your little one isn’t in danger, it’s best to keep them safe in their cot for a little while longer.
When is the best time to make the move?
Unless you’re facing a safety issue, it’s best to wait until your little one has a good sleep routine and enjoys their sleep environment. Even then you’re likely to face challenges and regression. If your little one isn’t a good sleeper, I advise implementing a solid bedtime routine and work on night wakings so you have a better chance of a smooth transition.
Why should you wait?
Kids are natural explorers! When you expose them to a new situation they take pleasure in studying it and most of all – test how their behaviour affects your response. It’s important to understand that making big changes in conjunction with others may cause regression or present an unwelcome, negative response. This can usually happen when one of the changes is unwanted or stressful and can interferes with the other.
What kind of bed should you consider moving them into first?
If you have a cot that can turn into a partially open bed, it’s best to start off small so your child isn’t threatened by an unfamiliar open space. Moving onto a large bed that has an abundance of space may cause anxiety or, on the other hand, make them think it’s another play area. If you don’t have the option to open their crib or get a toddler bed, you can move them into a standard open bed and find creative ways to enclose their sleep area and make it cosy.
Important tip
Once you decide to make the move, don’t offer two sleep options. It’s easier for your child to be presented with a new situation than to make a decision they’re not ready to make.
If you want to read more about the easiest way to move your child to an open bed, this article is for you.
