How To Switch From Co-sleeping To Your Own Bed
Currently, many parents decide to try different ways of sleeping. This can be sleeping in the same bed with the child or with a cot in the same room. But when it’s time, we want our children to start sleeping in their own room. Want to know how to transition from co-sleeping in the same bed without traumatizing your child? Here are some tips to help you along this important milestone.
This is a big change for the family but you need to do it correctly so that it does not cause problems for the child. These tips will help you do it gradually and avoid traumatizing someone. Want to know how to do it? Keep reading and you will get answers to that.
How to switch from co-sleeping to your own bed without trauma
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend co-sleeping. In addition, they emphasize that you must take safety precautions to reduce the risk of suffocation.
But on the other hand, there are a large number of specialists who believe that co-sleeping has enormous benefits, both for the child and the mother:
- Infants who are with their mother cry less and have less anxiety, because they feel safe and protected.
- Co-sleeping strengthens the emotional bond between the parents and the newborn.
- The child rests deeper.
- You wake up fewer times. When you wake up, it also takes less time to fall asleep again.
- The mother also rests better and longer.
- Co-sleeping reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
When the time comes, the baby grows, and both parents and baby no longer feel comfortable sharing a bed. Many children are beginning to need their own space and independence.
When and how to transition from co-sleeping without traumatizing your child
There is no exact moment to do this. The important thing is that it is the moment you have decided or that you see that your child is ready. This moment begins when the little one has grown up and needs more space in bed. So it kicks around and moves a lot, which means that the parents do not sleep well. This is when parents need to assess whether it is the right time to make this change or not.
It is also important to make this change gradually. This step involves many changes for the child, so we must always be aware of their needs.
Tips for trauma-free transition from co-sleeping for children
Move the crib in the same room as the parents
Move your little one from the parents ‘bed to the crib, but in the parents’ room. When the child sleeps well and has accepted the change, you can move the crib to their own room.
Establish a good sleep routine
It is very important to have a bedtime ritual that is predictable and that the child is used to. For example, you eat dinner, then bath time, read a story and then bedtime.
Make sure it is a progression
We must remember that since they were born, they have always been close to mom and dad. This means that we must be patient and flexible. The first time you take them to their room, stay with them until they fall asleep.
Never let them cry
When they are in their room, when your baby is crying, go and see what happens. If you make them cry, you allow them to develop anxiety, and then they do not get enough rest. You can caress them and talk to them until they fall asleep.
Try not to back down
Taking them out of bed because they have a bad night will make the process very difficult.
Do not scold the baby for crying or getting up at night
Each child has their own rhythm and needs that must be respected. The child needs you to help them adjust with love and affection in this new and unfamiliar situation.
Final thoughts when you move from co-sleeping to your own bed
These are some of the tips that you can use as they transition from co-sleeping to their own bed without causing trauma to your child. Remember that rest during this time may not be as good and may be of lower quality. Finally, the most important thing is to be consistent. In this way, this becomes a new norm for everyone.
