The Top 10 Sleep Mistakes Parents Make

If you are ready to transition your toddler to a big kid، West says there are two main ways you can approach the change:

• The cold turkey method: Simply remove the crib and replace it with the new bed. Just be sure to have guard rails on both sides (or if the bed is against the wall، place the rail on the open side).
• The gradual approach: Start by leaving the crib rail down، with a stool at the side so your child can get out by themselves، and some pillows near the crib in case they fall out.

Another version of the gradual approach includes both the crib and the new bed. "If you can fit the new bed and the crib in the same room، you can start with reading books on the bed or have [them] nap in the bed،" explains West. "Then pick the big night where [they] sleep in the bed at night." Once your child is sleeping in their big kid bed for naps and nights، you can remove the crib.

Whichever method you choose، explain to your child that they should not get out of the bed without you. But just in case، be sure to childproof the room and consider putting a gate up at the bedroom door so you don't have to worry about your child getting up to explore in the middle of the night.

You can make the transition fun by letting your little one choose their own quilt and sheets for the new bed، but resist the urge to lie down with them at night. "You may find yourself stuck there for months and even years!" says West.

Putting Them to Sleep Wherever You Are

No one wants to be held captive to their child's sleep schedule، but the simple truth is that naps in the stroller، car seat، or high chair do not provide your baby with the sleep they need. If baby falls asleep before bedtime، for example، it can also throw off their evening schedule.

To develop good sleep habits، your baby should have a familiar sleep zone، preferably a bassinet or crib You can work around this rule in the case of important events and appointments، but most of the time you should stay consistent.

Try to run errands in between naps. And if you are going out at night، get a babysitter or a family member to help out so your baby isn't falling asleep overtired in an unfamiliar environment.

Not Sticking With a Sleep Schedule

Consistency is key with children، especially when it comes to sleep، says West. "They need regular naptimes and reasonably regular bedtimes to regulate day and night hormone cycles—and their little hearts and minds need the predictability to feel secure."