The night time ninja
Have you woken up frazzled and panicky at the sight of your child by your bedside in the middle of the night, wondering how they have managed to climb out of their cot and make the escape into your bedroom? Due to the safety implications of this, it is important to implement strategies to keep your little one safe in their cot and also understand when it is time to switch to a toddler bed.
Firstly, it is important to understand why little ones often escape their cot. Once babies and toddlers have mastered the art of standing, they will naturally want to practice this newfound skill in their cot. They will often pull up against the sides of the cot and be able to hoist themselves over. It is important to implement certain strategies to help prevent and eliminate these escapes before thinking about switching to a toddler bed. Firstly, it is advisable to look into purchasing an age-appropriate sleep sack. They are roomy enough for a child to be comfortable but may restrict climbing as the legs and feet are enclosed. In addition, ensuring that the cot is set to the lowest mattress setting and meeting all safety guidelines is vital. If these changes do not stop your child from climbing out of their cot, it could be time to consider moving them into a toddler bed. After all, their safety is paramount!
As your little one gets older, one would think that sleep becomes easier. However, toddlers often have their own plans. Unfortunately, it is common for children to wander out of their toddler beds too! With their newfound freedom, they are keen to explore and test the boundaries! So now you are worrying about your little explorer’s safety, not to mention having to escort them back to bed multiple times during the night. This might leave you feeling stressed and frustrated by the end of the night when all you wish for is to have that dreamy bedtime routine followed by an evening to yourself.
It is worth looking at the way you respond to your child when they escape their bed. Getting out of bed can easily become a game and habit for children as they soon realise that you will interact with them during these wake ups. The key is to provide a non-stimulating and consistent response to their actions so that there is no real incentive for them. You may have to guide your little one back to bed many times initially, but they will soon stop doing it if they have no incentive. Of course, you can also motivate them to stay in bed with rewards charts and the use of bedtime passes too. Ultimately, with a little patience and consistency, your child will realise it is no longer beneficial to them to get out of bed, and you will begin to have your well-deserved evenings and nights back again!