tots

The Big Bed

There is no magic, ideal age to transition from the crib to a regular or toddler bed, but many make the move between the ages of 1½ and 3½. Two common reasons for making the switch are the impending arrival of a sibling, or the little monkey can climb out of the crib! Regardless of the reason, there are things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible.

If a new baby is coming, make the switch

1. at least 6–8 weeks before you are due. You want your tot settled before he sees the baby taking over ‘his’ crib.

Make it a big deal! Make the transition an

2. exciting time. If you are buying a new bed, let your tot come with. You can also choose bedding featuring your tot’s favorite character. Encourage your tot to show visitors his ‘big boy bed’.

Keep it safe. If you transition right to a

3. regular bed, consider installing siderails that fit under the mattress. They can provide added security.

Keep the routine. Continue the bedtime

4. routines in the same order as when your tot was sleeping in a crib. The more consistency you can create at bedtime, the less anxious your tot will be moving into a new bed.

Room for One

Your snuggly tot might be fun to lie with at bedtime, but it’s not a good habit to start. If you lie with your tot until she falls asleep, you may prevent her from establishing good long term sleep patterns. Falling asleep independently is important for the times you aren’t around. A routine that requires you being there for your tot to go to sleep will be difficult for both of you and unfair to your tot if you start leaving before she is asleep.

Theinfant cries transition into pleas of not going to sleep, and then once all seems settled, there is the all too common small voice coming down the hall proclaiming, ‘I need a drink’. Your preschooler will sleep about 11–13 hours. While many preschoolers won’t nap because they tend to be very active running, playing, and just plain exploring, it’s a good idea to give them some quiet time (even if they don’t actually sleep).

Preschooler (3–5 years)

Scared or SCARED!

Nightmares and Night Terrors can be scary for both you and your preschooler. So what’s the difference?

Night Terrors

Happen during deep non-REM sleep. •

Typically occur about 2 or 3 hours after a • child falls asleep.

Child wakes suddenly and may sit upright in • bed and yell or scream in distress.

Child might sweat, thrash around, and act • upset and scared.

• down and returns to sleep.

Child cannot be comforted and simply calms

Child won’t have memory of night terror.

Nightmares

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•

•

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Occur during REM sleep.

Happen in the later hours of sleep.

Child awakes scared or upset.

Child can be comforted.

• of nightmare.

Child will be able to remember at least parts

Over-arousal of the central nervous system (CNS) during sleep, which can be a result of a maturing CNS, is the cause of night terrors. Not being able to comfort or sooth your child is the very frustrating part for parents, but the best way to handle a night terror is to be patient and wait for your child to settle down. Make sure he doesn’t hurt himself. Remember that it should only last a few minutes, and your child will return to sleep. There’s no treatment for night terrors, but you can help prevent them:

•

Reduce your child’s stress.

• simple and relaxing.

Establish a consistent bedtime routine that’s

• isn’t overtired.

Make sure your child gets enough rest and

Days at school along with activities and homework after are all the more reason for big kids to get their shuteye. Approximately 10 hours will do the trick.