When do I have to move my toddler into a bed?

When do I have to move my toddler into a bed?

The idea of transitioning to a toddler bed sends shivers down the spines of many parents! Most parent’s aren’t sure when the ‘right time’ is to transition from cot to bed, and they worry about how hard it will be.  As with most things there is no one right answer! Don’t worry, there are some guiding principles and tips that will help you move your toddler into their own bed!

The timing of when to move your toddler into their own bed varies

For some this doesn’t happen for quite some time, maybe when their child is closer to three years of age or longer, depending on the family sleeping arrangements, values and beliefs.

For others this happens quite early depending on many things one of which is that a new sibling comes along a little earlier than planned and thus their cot is needed for the new baby.

For families who co-sleep, sharing a sleeping surface, a cot may not even feature in their home so this hurdle may never arise. It may simply be a case of sharing beds during the night.

One of my friends with three little boys simply swapped beds all night long.  They would move around from bed to bed sleeping with others or sleeping alone for some part of the night until someone came and joined them. These children simply learned to be independent in choosing where they slept – sometimes with Mum and sometimes with Dad.  Sometimes all three boys were in the one bed and Mum and Dad in another.  For them there was no issue about moving from a cot to a bed because the baby was hardly ever in the cot and got used to being in beds from an early age.I am not advocating this for everyone. Co-sleeping is right for some, not for others. It worked for my friends but does not suit everyone. As always, choose what suits your family.

Safety is usually the driving factor in deciding when to move to a toddler bed

As a general guide, when your toddler starts to climb out of the cot is a strong signal to move them into their own bed.  This is clearly a safety consideration rather than anything else. You might also move your toddler in preparation for toilet training. A toddler in their own bed will be able to get up and go to the toilet. Sometimes toddlers are just too big for the cot any more! You’ll know if this is the case!

Toddler bed transition tips:

• A specific ‘toddler bed’ may not be necessary. You can convert the cot into a bed, move straight to a single bed or use a mattress on the floor, Montessori style.
• Toddlers who still move around a lot during their sleep may benefit from a toddler bed rail.
• If you are moving to a big bed because you have a new baby coming or want to start toilet training make sure you leave some time for the transition. Move your toddler to their own bed and give them some time to settle into that change first.
• Be aware that your toddler can now get up and about - possibly while you are asleep! Double check that their room and anywhere else they can access is safe.

Moving your toddler to a bed is like any other transition. It takes planning, patience and consistency. If you’re worried, give us a call! 1800 880 993 now.

Check out our website insyncwithinfants.com for free tips and more options for baby and toddler transitions

 Why stop thumb sucking?

 

There are many parents concerned about their child still sucking their thumb when most people have the opinion that they shouldn’t.  This can be frustrating, confusing, upsetting and even undermining to a parent.   My hat off to the parent with great internal fortitude to ignore others’ comments and not feel compelled or pressured to address something that until now has not been an issue for themself or their child., and instead to recognise when the time is right for them.

 

Remember a parent is doing their best with what they have and what they know in the circumstances they find themselves at this point of time.

 

The timing of when this is a concern varies . For some it is when their baby starts to suck his or her thumb or finger. For others it is 12 months and others still not until about 5 or 6 years of age.

Generally it seems to be sometime before adult teeth erupt.  Tis would put it about 6 or 7 years of age.  Many would recommend that from age 5 years if thumb or finger sucking is an obvious issue, do not let it go past this age before you start to address the problem.

As a child health nurse we would become aware of it and monitor it from 12 months on and as the child matures, utilise non invasive habits to discourage it.

 

Why is it of such concern?  Most concerns tend to be about teeth and skeletal development  of the mouth. The risk is that pressure from the thumb can eventually change the shape of the growing jaw and cause things such as overbite, or buck teeth or  uneven or mispositioned teeth.

 

It may also interfere with speech.  The tongue is a muscle so if it is worked for lengthy periods in the wrong way it may become thicker in some areas and cause speech problems.  in some instances  it may cause a delay in speech development and others inducing a lisp or mis pronounciation of certain sounds.

 

Ideally we would like thumb sucking to stop somewhere between 2 and 4 years.  As long as it is stopped before adult teeth come through. If left unchecked  it can go to adulthood.

How to stop thumb sucking ages 3-5

Are you frustrated by your child still sucking his or her thumb or finger?

Are you silently worried that it may be having a negative affect on his or her teeth?

Are you sick of other people telling you "you have to do something" but not sure what to do or where to start?

You are not alone.

This dilemma is common to many.  The good new is that there are things you can do to start going in the right direction.

Join us on this webinar and find out  the nifty tricks to  help your child stop finger or thumb sucking for good.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-to-stop-thumb-sucking-ages-3-to-5-tickets-10733422957?ref=estw

Particularly if this habit is driving you crazy and starting to impact your life and theirs -- you will want to be part of this webinar. We will outline the steps to take and importantly what not to do to help your child stop thumb or finger sucking.

No matter what age your little one is- we can work out a plan for you.

Join us live from the comfort of your loungeroom or bed even. You can even be in your pyjamas- I will be.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-to-stop-thumb-sucking-ages-3-to-5-tickets-10733422957?ref=estw

If you register and something pops up unexpectedly- we've got it covered. Everyone who registers will receive a recording of the webinar whether you attend live or not. So you won't miss out. You can even send in questions beforehand if you want and that way we will make double sure we cover it on the webinar.

I look forward to helping you stop your child thumb sucking and be rid of that habit for good.

Leisa

PS Remember to register here.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-to-stop-thumb-sucking-ages-3-to-5-tickets-10733422957?ref=estw

Brisbane mums self care

[caption id="attachment_2262" align="alignleft" width="150"] Look good feel good,Brisbane mums unite[/caption]

 

On my walk I came across this group of mums doing hill sprints.  their kids were parked at the bottom of the hill, also a cul de sac in prams, bikes and skateboards.  the mums were doing their hill sprints.  further along is a park with gym equipment in it. Later I saw them on the gym equipment.  What a great thing to do.   It's more motivating, enjoyable and fun with a group of friends.  Really cool!!  Great to see people taking the initiative and being creative in health and activity. Great role modeling for their kids too.

Join us on our webinar tonight and learn how mums like these managed to sparkle and shine through their first year with little ones.

https://sparkle1styear.eventbrite.com.au/

If something pops up as it does with little ones, you will still find it out . All who register will receive the recording so you can listen as many times as you like whenever you like. Register now.   https://sparkle1styear.eventbrite.com.au/

[caption id="attachment_2263" align="alignleft" width="150"] Hill sprints to look good feel good[/caption]

  Toddlers and tantrums

 

 

Tantrums bring up all sorts of reactions for most. Remember it is a way for your little one to communicate something to you.

Don't be scared of tantrums or try to stop it. Let them have their time and then work out what it is they are trying to say. Usually it is that they don't like the decision you have made for them and they are letting you know.

 

Tantrums or acting out can mean your little one is tired hungry or thirsty or not well. Consider those first and address them before considering behavioural managing.

Research shows that the positive effects of gentle touch can last up to 2 hours . The positive effects of more firm touch such as massage can last up to 6-8 hours. Food for thought. Cuddle, massage and touch those little ones- and your big ones.

It will help build strong positive relationships especially in those tough times such as tantrums.