Around 2 or 3 years old, many toddlers transition from a crib to bed. Sleeping in a bed is a huge step and offers new freedoms for your little one. However, leaving the crib setting may also invoke feelings of fear and insecurity for your tiny tot.
As many parents already know, this can be a challenging time for the entire family, and may even leave mom, dad and child tired and cranky in the morning. Yet, as your toddler’s sleep routine changes, there are several steps you can take to help in easing the transition.
We turned to the professionals at Wayfair, one of the world's largest online selections of furniture, home furnishings, décor and goods, including more than seven million products from over 7,000 suppliers. Together, we determined some key items that can be intertwined to help create a bedroom atmosphere that creates feelings of safety, excitement and personality for your child.
- If possible, let your tot help pick their new toddler bed. When the bed is delivered, let your child help unpack and assemble it. Wayfair has a variety of beds that will entice even the pickiest child, from the Disney Princess Carriage Twin Convertible Toddler Bed by Delta Children (pictured below) to the Boat Convertible Toddler Bed by KidKraft (pictured below.)
- Be sure the bed has guardrails; in addition to being more safe, they help kids feel more secure, so he / she is less likely to keep getting out of bed. If the bed doesn’t come with a rail, Wayfair sells individual rails such as the Swing Down Convertible Crib Rail by Regalo (pictured below.)
- Allow your child to play an active role in making the transition by allowing him / her to choose new bedding. Allowing your child to have some control over how their bed looks and feels also gives them some much-needed control over the transition. From Elmo to Cars and Owls to Sofia the First (pictured below,) Wayfair sells bedding sets and separates for your toddler’s new bed.
- Most children yearn for items to provide comfort. Coveted toddler blankets, cuddly stuffed animals and extra pillows can create a den-like feel for your little one.
- Mood lighting can be a great way to ease your little one into their new, big bed. While you can opt for the many traditional night lights at Wayfair, we especially love the Sparkling Lights Canopy by HearthSong (pictured below,) which is ultra-cozy and provides light for your mini me.
With some of these new items, your little one may be soon sleeping like a baby!
To shop for items that will help make your child’s room a more perfect place to sleep, visit www.wayfair.com.
Amanda Rumore is a writer, mom blogger and lifestyle expert. Scottsdale-based, by way of Chicago and Los Angeles, she lives with her husband, Anthony, daughter, Mia Valentina, and Boston Terriers, Gigi and Harley. Amanda is the founder of ValleyGalInc.com, writes for various magazines and appears on local television stations featuring family-focused stories. She was also voted "Favorite Valley Mom 2016" in the Best of the Valley!
