How to make the transition to your child's first bed?

Most experts agree that the transition from crib to bed should be made around 3 1/2 years of age, or when your little one is able to climb out of his crib without difficulty or simply outgrows it. However, before making this change remember that your baby is unique and has his own pace of development. If you see that he does not sleep well or does not feel safe in his new bed, do not force him.

Your baby's first bed should feel like an accomplishment 

If you think your baby is ready to make the transition from crib to bed, here are some tips to help you make the transition.

• To ensure your son or daughter has a positive experience , talk to him or her about the change a few weeks beforehand and explain that it is an important step in his or her growth.

• Involve your little one in the process . Their participation is very important!

• Choose, assemble and prepare the new bed with your child. Choose the sheets, bedspreads and pillows together. Make sure your child loves his new sleeping place .

• If you move to a new room , ask for help with the decoration.

• Avoid making the transition from crib to bed coincide with other changes, such as the arrival of a new baby or moving to a new home.

• If you feel it is necessary, during the first few days, you can use the crib for your little one to sleep at night and the new bed for his naps .

• Remind him/her that with the privilege of sleeping in a “big kid” bed there are rules , like not getting up in the middle of the night and staying in his/her room until you come.

• If your child gets out of bed during the night, put him back to bed and explain that it's time to sleep.

Safe room first!

When it's time for your baby to move from a crib to a bed, safety is a very important factor. Your little one will be more independent, so he may be able to get out of his bed and move around different areas of the house on his own.

Make sure all items in your room are safe to avoid accidents :

• Choose a transition bed with a railing to prevent falls. The Mamás Mateas playhouse bed is perfect for this: safe, entertaining, and its base is slightly elevated to protect the mattress from cold and humidity.

• Secure furniture to walls so that there is no risk of it falling over. At this age, your child is a climbing pro and could venture to climb any furniture.

• Keep all unsafe items out of your little one's reach .

• To prevent him from leaving his room, create a safe play area in case he wakes up and gets out of bed before you arrive.

Making sure your baby is completely free from any danger is a must.

Don't rush the change from crib to bed⁣

Many times, with the arrival of a younger brother or sister , some families decide to move the older child to a bed, leaving the crib for the new baby. This is often a reason to speed up the process, even when the little one is not ready.

Keep in mind that an early transition can cause sleep problems for your child, such as night waking.

Before transitioning from crib to bed:

• See if your baby moves around a lot and still seems comfortable while sleeping. If so, it may not be time to move him to a bed yet. Remember that the crib provides security and support.

• If your child climbs out of the crib , lower the mattress as much as possible so that the railing is high and prevents him from climbing out alone. If he still manages to climb out and you fear he will hurt himself by jumping, it is time to make the transition.

• Make sure your little one has a solid sleep routine . If he or she has an irregular sleep pattern, changing it won't help him or her sleep better.

The transition from crib to bed should be seen as a natural growth spurt and a step towards independence. It should be a great achievement for your little one to sleep in his first bed, but if you see that he is not ready, don't rush it.