When should the child transfer to their own bed?

Many parents wonder when the perfect time will come to move their child to their own adult bed. How to recognise the moment when your toddler will be old enough to sleep alone? How can you make your child undergo this change as gently as possible? 

At what age should a child move to their own bed?

When your toddler is only a few months or a year old, it is clear that a crib will guarantee the best safety and will be the most suitable. Most often, around the age of two, parents begin to think about transferring the baby to the first real children's bed. Is this really the right time? What to do to make such a change painless? How to choose the right bed for a 2 year old?

Observation is key. Take a look at your toddler's motor skills and emotional readiness. Analyse to what extent the child is able to sleep well all night in a children's bed. Thanks to this, at the right moment, you will decide to change the crib to a bed. Most often, such a change occurs between the 2nd and 3rd year of age, but this is only a rough estimate. 

How to check the child's readiness to change from cot to bed?

If your child is able to put a leg over the rails of the crib with rungs, it is worth replacing it with a bed. Any attempt to climb onto the crib will also be an indicator that it is time for a change. It's a good idea to do this when your toddler starts learning to use the toilet independently, thanks to which they will be able to easily get to the bathroom.

Another good moment may be the birth of siblings. Then, however, you should be very careful and make such changes in advance, so that the child does not feel that the baby is taking something from them. 

Sometimes children come to their parents by themselves and ask for a new crib, just like their friends from kindergarten. This will be the perfect time to change from a crib to a bed. The change is likely to be successful, the child will feel that his needs are important and satisfied. 

How to start learning to fall asleep independently?

It is best if you start learning from the very beginning, from the first weeks of a child's life. Make sure that your toddler falls asleep as often as possible in their bed, in their own room, in a specially separated space. Work out your evening routine. After feeding and rocking your toddler, put them back on the mattress and leave the room. If they cry, come and sit by the crib, talk, sing a lullaby and stroke their head. Try not to take the baby out of the bed. The evening routine helps the child feel completely safe, because they are able to predict that after taking a bath, they will eat dinner, read a favourite book and then go to sleep. 

Changing from a crib to a bed must be done slowly

Remember that changing the place of sleep from a crib to a bed for a 2-year-old can be quite a shock for a child. Therefore, take your time! Start by removing a few rungs from the cot to help your little one get used to the new view. If you are concerned that your baby might fall out at night, secure it with an extra mattress. The key will be to talk to the child, explain to them what changes are coming, that they will soon sleep in an adult bed, just like the parents. It is worth including the toddler in the process of choosing their first bed. On our website, WNM Group, you will find the entire bed page, with various colours and models, that you can easily show your child. A proven solution will be a bed equipped with an additional railing preventing it from falling out

How can I help my child cope with changing beds?

Changing a crib to a bed is a real revolution for a child. Be patient and attentive to his reactions. Make sure your child is safe, because in an adult bed they will have complete freedom and will be able to do whatever they want. Take care of security locks in the windows and secure the sockets. Hide the cables and attach the furniture to the wall. Check whether the child will be able to leave the room at night without any problems. Choose a model with a safety railing. Replace the sleeping bag with a quilt so that the toddler can move freely in an adult bed. 

The first bed for a child - which one to choose?

There are many models available on the market. When looking for the right one, pay attention to the stable structure, the appropriate height of the bed and the additional possibility of securing the child. In our store you will find a bed for your child tailored to your needs. Thanks to the low structure, the toddler will easily get in and out of bed safely. The barrier preventing it from falling out will protect your child. 

How to encourage a child to sleep independently?

Include the child in the process of creating their own space, let them be a part of the changes taking place. Choose your dream accessories for the bed, e.g. colourful bedding with fairy-tale characters or colourful pillows. It is also worth investing in a bedside lamp with an interesting shape. Make a change of furniture and decorate the room together, so that the child will naturally accept the changes in life. Involve your child in the process of putting the bed into their own room. 

Remember to be patient. Sometimes changing from a crib to a bed is very natural and virtually trouble-free, and in other cases it can be more of a challenge. Some children feel fear and anxiety and look for their parents' bedroom at night. Be patient and supportive with your little one who is in the process of changing.

How to make it easier for your baby to fall asleep in the new bed?

The first nights in a new bed may be associated with your baby's discomfort. That is why it is worth taking care of the evening routine and proper, calm preparation of the toddler to sleep. The more they can predict, the safer they will feel. 

Cleaning toys away before bedtime will allow your child to prepare for the evening quiet time. Let them prepare the bed themself, arrange the bedding and blanket exactly as they like. Get them a bath, then it's time for bed. Read a fairy tale together and hug goodnight. This may take some time, but it is an extremely important stage in a baby's development.