Moving your toddler to a new room can be worthwhile. For starters, it can give them a sense of independence and autonomy, as they will have space to call their own. Moreover, a new room may also improve a toddler’s sleep habits by helping them feel more comfortable and able to sleep through the night. It can also provide opportunities for toddlers to explore and learn in a new environment to promote their cognitive and social-emotional development while providing them with more space to play and learn. Despite these benefits, your toddler may not be excited about their new room because they need help understanding their surroundings and may feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar sights and sounds. Fortunately, the right tips can help you quell their fear. Here are a few worth considering.
- Involve your toddler in the process
It can be overwhelming for your toddler to move to an unfamiliar space abruptly, making it essential to involve them in the process. And you can begin by talking to them about the move a few days or weeks beforehand. This way, they have time to process the change and ask questions. As a tip, use positive language and try to get your child excited about the new space. Try to reassure your child and address any specific fears they may have. Consequently, allow them to choose their new room and decorate it with their favorite colors and items. This will help them feel more ownership over the space and make it more familiar, so keep this in mind.
- Make the new room comfortable
Fortunately, making their new room comfortable isn’t difficult. You can achieve this by setting up the area with all the familiar comforts of their old room, such as their favorite blankets, stuffed animals, and nightlight. You’ll also find it helpful to keep the room at a comfortable temperature since toddlers can be sensitive to temperature changes. This can prevent them from overheating or feeling too cold, so feel free to consider this. Alternatively, invest in a good mattress and cozy bedding to help your toddler get a good night’s sleep. And you can use the complete toddler mattress buying guide for new parents if you need help choosing the right bedding for your kid.
However, if your child is under three, they may be more attached to their crib and have a harder time transitioning to a new bed. Consider keeping the crib in the new room for a little longer or setting up a toddler bed that feels familiar and secure.
BedKingdom’s kids beds, designed with both comfort and safety in mind, can be an excellent choice for this transition, ensuring your child’s peaceful nights as they grow into their new sleeping space.
- Maintain familiar bedtime routines
Keep your child’s bedtime routine as consistent as possible, including reading a bedtime story and singing lullabies. This will help your child feel secure and comfortable in their new surroundings. Also, stick to a consistent bedtime and wake-up time daily to help your toddler’s body get into a regular sleep pattern. Consequently, avoid screens (television, tablets, phones, etc.) for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from screens can disrupt the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, so keep this in mind. If your toddler wakes up during the night, try to remain calm and avoid engaging in too much conversation or play. Instead, try to gently reassure them and help them go back to sleep. If your child is used to sleeping in their old room, try gradually adjusting their bedtime to the new room for a week or two. Start by putting them down in their new room a few minutes earlier each night until they consistently fall asleep in the new room.
- Gradually introduce your child to the new room
As mentioned earlier, abruptly moving them to a new environment may be more harmful than beneficial. Therefore, introducing them to the change gradually will prove helpful. As a tip, start by allowing your child to spend short periods in the new room while you are present. Then, gradually increase your child’s time in the new room until they are comfortable spending the entire night there. While at it, try to make the process a positive experience for your child. You can do this by playing games in the new room, having a special “room reveal” party, or letting your child pick out new decorations for the space.
- Encourage independence
As your child gets used to their new room, encourage them to do things independently, such as getting dressed, picking out a book to read, or turning off the light when they’re ready to sleep. This will help them feel more independent and confident in their new space. Alternatively, set up their space to make it easy for your toddler to access everything they need. This might include putting their clothes at a low level in the closet or keeping their favorite toys within reach, so feel free to consider this. Give your toddler their responsibilities in the room, and offer plenty of praise and encouragement for your toddler’s efforts at independence. Experts advise setting up a rewards system to help motivate your child to adjust to the new room. For example, you could give your child a sticker or small prize every time they sleep through the night in their new room.
- Be patient and consistent
Moving to a new room can be a big change for your child, so it’s important to be patient and consistent as they adjust to their new surroundings. It may take some time for your child to get used to the new room, so try to be understanding and supportive during this time. Also, let your child know what you expect of them in their new room, such as going to bed at a certain time or keeping their toys organized. This can help them feel more secure and in control, so feel free to consider this.
Helping your toddler transition to their new room can be easier with the right tips. Hopefully, you’ll consider those listed above for the desired results.
