We recently transitioned our little guy, Noah, from his crib to a “big boy bed,” thinking it would be an exciting adventure. We imagined him snuggling into his new space, drifting off peacefully, and waking up refreshed. Boy, were we in for a surprise! Instead, it turned into a nightly escapade that left us feeling like we were on a wild goose chase.
From Noah’s perspective, he’s no longer confined to a crib—he’s free! This newfound freedom means he can hop out of bed whenever he pleases. And let me tell you, it’s a game changer! He roams the house at his leisure, grabs snacks from the fridge, and even makes himself comfortable in our bed. Talk about a parenting plot twist!
While we secretly adore when he snuggles with us, our goal is to help him understand the joys of sleeping in his own space. But what do you do when he seems unready for that? Are all those hours we spent sleep training going down the drain? Every time we feel his little feet pushing against us or see him squeezing between us, we end up putting him back to bed—only for him to return a moment later. It’s an exhausting cycle, and sometimes we just give in.
Looking back, here are some rules I wish we had followed:
Tip 1:
Always consider your toddler’s perspective. Get down on their level and see their surroundings. Remove any potential hazards that might lead to mischief during their nighttime adventures.
Tip 2:
Be honest about your child’s personality. If Noah tends to be the adventurous type, plan accordingly. If he’s the more cautious kind, that’s a win!
Tip 3:
Don’t assume they’ll behave. This is not the time to be complacent.
Tip 4:
Remember that this phase is temporary. It may take a few months, but it will pass.
Tip 5:
Keep track of when your toddler wakes at night. Set an alarm to check on them a few minutes before they typically wake. I found that getting up at 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. helps reduce the thrill of nighttime escapades. Having a parent awake makes the adventure less enticing!
Hang in there, fellow parents! For more tips on managing toddler sleep issues, check out this post on Modern Family Blog.
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In summary, transitioning your toddler to a big bed can be a challenge full of surprises. By viewing the situation from their eyes and staying alert, you can navigate this phase more smoothly.
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