The best ways to transition to a BIG KID Bed (or a new room)
Watching your little buddy grow up can be bittersweet, and the transition process might not always feel like a walk in the park. With so many different options to consider when refurnishing your child’s bedroom – or, especially when moving them into a new one – numerous questions may be running through your mind. Will your child easily accept the changes that are about to come? Will they be safe sleeping in a bed instead of a crib? How much money will it take to make the transition a successful one? How to transition your toddler from a crib to a big kid bed?
Luckily, you have the internet to help guide you in the right direction. Moving your toddler into a big kid bedroom is a transition that we all have to go through, but it doesn’t have to be as stressful as you think. With these following tips, transitioning your child’s nursery into a brand-new big kid bedroom will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3!
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information please check my Disclosure Policy
Click below to get these animal movements cards and have a fun new way to get your little one moving.
How do I move my toddler to his own room? (Or upgrade the room they have)
1. Introduce the big move in gradual steps
There’s no set age written in stone that declares when your child should move into their big kid bedroom. Although some experts say that a child may be ready between the age 18 months and 3 years old, not all kids are going to be the same, and not all are going to be excited to change up their room.
This tip is especially crucial if a new baby is on the way. Introducing the idea of changing rooms or at least changing the structure of their current room might feel like they’re being kicked out of their own space if done too quickly or rashly. By telling your child ahead of time and giving them time to adjust, they will soon feel readier to make the big
change.
Even if your child (verbally, or even non-verbally) expresses their interest in moving to a big kid bedroom, they still may not be fully on board with completely changing up their sleeping environment. Luckily for us parents, there are a few ways to get your child to be excited about this transition, and the first and most important step is to start the
conversation early.
2. Make it exciting
As previously stated, not all kids are going to be thrilled if they feel like they’re getting kicked out of their room. To stop this feeling in its tracks, try to make your child feel excited about this transition period in their life. There are several different ways to go about this, including taking them out to dinner to celebrate this new phase in their life, throwing them a party to let them know that you’re proud of their progress or even just having a movie night of their choosing as a reward. However, no one knows your kid like you do, so ultimately, it’s up to you to find the right way to celebrate the transition!
3. Find the right furniture
Transitioning from the safety of a crib to a big kid bed is going to be scary – for kid and parent alike. By allowing your child to have a say in their new bed can make them feel like they have an active role in their new room and make this transition run smoother. During this process, keep in mind that your kid’s body is growing faster than ever, and plan for the future so you don’t have to keep adjusting their furniture as they grow. It’s also important to remember that, although your child is growing up, they still need many of the same safety precautions that they did in their previous room situation. Now that your child has the freedom to move around and get in and out of the bed on their
own, they are bound to fall in love with their new freedom!
However, with this newfound instant access to everything in the room, it can lead to some potentially dangerous situations if you’re not careful. Secure the dresser and any other furniture/item that could hurt your child if it were to fall and look into bed rails and other safety pieces for other accessories throughout your child’s room.
4. Decorate how they want
Before making the big switch, get into some of the finer details with your child about the room. It’s important to make the room feel like it’s their own by allowing your kid to include their special touch in the decorating process. This will make your child feel more comfortable both in the transition process and in sleeping in the new room – hopefully eliminating any insecurities that they may be feeling. Not everything needs to be new though – there’s no harm in letting your child bring some of their favorite pieces and decorations from their old room into their new one.
Related Toddler Posts you will also enjoy
How much should my toddler be talking?
5. Keep the routines
New milestones can be stressful for all members of the new move and can make your child feel off-balance in this crucial time of their life. Keeping some of your old routines like bedtime, the number of stories read before sleep, and night light usage can help your kid feel like growing up isn’t the end of the world.
6. Expect some setbacks
No matter how excited your child is about the transition into a big kid bedroom, there are bound to be some setbacks before, during, and after the move. Whether your kid would rather play with their toys at bedtime, or they just can’t fall asleep alone in their new bed, it’s important to know the proper solutions for your child to help them (and you) get the best night’s sleep possible.
Instead of leaving their toys in their bedroom, consider moving them to a different room of the house to avoid after-hours playtime. If your child just can’t seem to stay in their own bedroom during bedtime, don’t be lenient with them. It’s important to let your child know when and where it is appropriate to sleep – especially now that they’re a big kid.
7. Celebrate!
Now that your kid is all set in their new big kid bedroom, the celebration should not be taken lightly. Let your child know that, although this may have been a difficult, lengthy, or trying time, it is a crucial (and impressive) step forward in their childhood. It may not have been easy – but let’s face it – it was all worth it in the long-run!
Has your child moved to a big kid bedroom yet? What made it easier for your child?
How to transition to a BIG KID bed or a new room
This post was graciously written by Kaelin Waters.
Kaelin is a mother of three young and wonderful boys, all of which love to keep her on her toes! When she is not attending little league baseball games, school plays, and art classes, she loves to dip her feet into the wonderful world of writing. Kaelin’s writings cover a wide array of topics, ranging from motherhood/parenting, to the importance of sustainability and healthy environmental practices, but are always completed with a glass of Merlot in her left hand.
PS. Wait! Don’t leave before you sing up for the Toddler Movement Challenge. Get your child moving and learning with items you already have.
If you found this post about how to transition your child from a nursery to a big kid room helpful, be sure to PIN ME to your favorite Pinterest Board.
