How to Transition a Cosleeping Toddler to His Own Bed
You may have adored snuggling and cosleeping with your little baby when he was just that, a little baby. But now that he's sprouted into a gangly toddler who twists and turns and takes up half the bed, you might be thinking it's high time he take a hike to his own room. Of course, wanting your toddler to move into his own digs and actually getting him to do it are two different things. Here are a few tips:
- Start with naps! A good way to get your kid used to sleeping in his own bed is to have him nap in there. So before you tackle nighttime, try encouraging your toddler to get his daytime zzz's in his own room.
- Go gradual! If your kid resists sleeping in his own room at first, try getting him out of your bed by placing a mattress on the floor of your room. Hey, you gotta start somewhere!
- Bunk up with a sibling! If your toddler can't seem to make it through the night without company, ship him off to his brother or sister's room!
- Be kind, but firm! When you're ready to lay down the law, talk your kid through what you expect and then follow through! Explain that he's going to sleep in his own bed from now on. When it's time for bed, complete your soothing bedtime routine, tuck your kid into his bed and tell him that if he comes into your bed, you're going to walk him back to his bed. And then do it!
- It's all in the timing! As with all transitions, make sure the timing transitioning from cosleeping is right. Don't kick your kid out of your bed when he's sick or dealing with some other stressor, like a move or new school.
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