MSD Baby Sleep Coach

I always ask these questions first when a client is thinking about moving their child to a big kid bed: Is your child over 2 1/2 years old (This is the typical age that most children have the cognitive ability to understand the rules such as "you must stay in bed all night"). Does your child fall asleep independently at bedtime from a relaxed but awake state and without assistance? Does your child sleep through the night or put himself back to sleep when he wakes during the night without needing any help? Does he want to move out of his crib? If the answer is YES, to all of the questions above then it is likely a good time to make the transition. As with most sleep transitions there are choices- Gradual Approach: If you can do it safely, remove the front rail from the crib so your child can get in and out of the crib on his own.    If the new bed will fit in the room along with the crib, during this stage have your child nap in the big bed and have your ...

I often get calls from parents in a panic as their toddler has discovered a new freedom … jumping out of their cribs!  Their first reaction is to immediately move the child to a toddler bed.  If there is a sleep issue already occurring the extra freedom of a toddler bed will likely make the sleep issue worse as now they can get out of bed and their room. If you are not ready to make the move to a bed, here are some tips I share with my clients to prevent a child from jumping out of their cribs and hopefully delay the transition to a bed for a bit longer. Dress appropriately Dress the child in clothing that limits or prevents lifting the leg up the railing.  A long t-shirt can work.  A sleep sack, put on backwards so the zipper is in the back, is very helpful.  You can also make pajamas to limit or restrict the legs just enough so that the child can’t lift it up the railing - very effective! Catch them in the act If you have a vide...