The Big Move
It’s hard to look at the tiny newborn in the crib and envision that they will one day have arms and legs hanging out the sides as they actively outgrown their sleeping arrangements. As with all things, the day does come where your little one is ready for the transition: big-kid bed here we come! Making the switch can be a peaceful, natural transition, and there are multiple research-backed strategies in this article to be a help to that end.
Here at Clover Hill Children’s Center we know the value of quality sleep and offer nap and rest time for our littles on a consistent daily schedule–supporting your children in their general sleep routines. Call today to schedule a visit to see our facility and take a peek at the daily schedule from age group to age group.
1. Establish a Predictable Bedtime Routine
Consistency is pivotal for all new habits; especially in regards to healthy sleep hygiene. A consistent routine will set the foundation for this transition–and toddler sleep habits as a whole. Research from Parents.com has shown that a regular bedtime routine like brushing teeth, reading a story, and then lights out can help children to sleep longer and wake less often.
Early Childhood educators agree that incorporating predictable transitions and routines help to build trust and emotional safety. Our educators here at Clover Hill affirm this and have instituted numerous transitional routines to support our students. Call today to schedule a tour and see these transitions in action!
2. Set Appropriate Bedtimes
For toddlers and children under the age of 6, an 8:00 bedtime is recommended for better sleep quality and developmental outcomes (source). In having a consistent and adequate bedtime, it will help your little one to feel sleepier and more ready for bed as their body gets into the rhythm of wake/sleep. Supporting your child’s circadian rhythm is important whether your child is home all day, in a childcare or a daycare setting and can set your child up for good sleep hygiene as they grow.
We are up-and-at-em early here at Clover Hill Children’s Center and are ready for your little one as early as 6:30 am! Reach out today to come by for a visit–we would love to be part of your morning routine!
3. Utilize Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be as simple as high praise from you or a sticker chart. Praise your child on going to bed nicely, resettling themselves if they wake mid-night and for staying in their bed throughout the night. Your praise and attention can go a long way with your little one as they look up to you much more than you know. Sticker charts and treats are additional exciting rewards that can encourage your toddler in creating new habits.
Our teachers here at Clover Hill Children’s Center are happy to be your child’s cheerleader! Let us know as your child reaches goals and milestones and our early childhood educators will be more than happy to celebrate your little one, too!
4. “OK to Wake” Clocks
“Ok to Wake” tools are, essentially, toddler friendly alarm clocks. They help teach children when it is okay to get up for the day and when it is time to sleep. The general premise being that they are one color (Green, for example) when it is alright to get up for the day and another color (such as yellow) when it is supposed to be bedtime. The Hatch Rest is an amazing example and can also be used as a sound machine, timer, and can be pre-set for ease and establishing healthy routines. Tools such as these can help reinforce self-regulation and support early childhood education goals of autonomy and the learning of routines.
We utilize a multitude of strategies within our classrooms here at Clover Hill Children’s Center to encourage good sleep, rest, and smooth transitions. Call today to chat with our staff and to schedule a tour to not only see our strategies in action, but to pick the brains of our wonderful early childhood education teachers about how they manage transitions within their classroom.
5. Create a Sleep‑Friendly Environment
Blackout curtains, a noise machine and a clutter-free space can help reduce distractions in children’s sleep space, helping to encourage sleep. Childcare and daycare settings agree. Here at Clover Hill we curate quiet and calm environments for our students to have a daily rest. Call today to schedule a tour and see first-hand what our learning, play, and rest time looks like!
Pro Tip: A new blanket or themed sheets are an easy way to help get your little one excited for their new bed! Whether it’s super soft sheets, a special handmade blanket or a set themed from their favorite show, the newness can truly make the transition more exciting and appealing.
6. Avoid Screens Before Bed
Protect your little one’s sleep by keeping screentime and bedtime separate. The Sleep Foundation has found that the blue light emitted from screens–phones, computers, televisions, tablets, etc.–can have a negative impact on the production of melatonin as well as on circadian rhythms. Turn screens off at least about an hour before your little one’s bedtime. This will help in signaling their body that it is time to sleep.
Our classrooms here at Clover Hill Children’s Center keep screentime use to a minimum. Instead, we encourage lots of pretend and imaginative play, we go outside, do crafts, have structured learning time…so much! Come for a tour and check us out!
Goodnight, Sleep Tight!
Sleep is essential and transitioning from a crib to a ‘big-kid-bed’ is a big step for your family. It is important to take the time to intentionally make this transition. Easing into the process can help ease the stress of change and encourage healthy sleep habits and happy sleeps for both you and your toddler.
Our teachers and staff at Clover Hill would love to help support your family in all your different seasons of growth and development. We know that mirroring routines to those done at home help children adjust quicker and if we can help set your child up with a predictable schedule or transition, we would love to help!