the big move to a ‘big girl’ bed

I can’t believe the time has come where we are thinking, planning and organising the transfer to a ‘big girl’ bed. It wakes you up a little. The ‘big girl’ / ‘big boy’ wasn’t thought of for any old reason I am sure.

It’s a reminder how fast the little munchkin is growing up. How soon one millstone becomes ancient history and a new milestone awaits.

This past weekend I was running around buying sheets, protectors, and a doona. Going a little crazy where I am in Target, price checking, then up to Adairs for Kids and price checking there… and then wondering… is this soft enough? Maybe I should look more? What blend of fabric should I be getting?

I admire those people who just can go into one store, see, buy and have no second thought. For some reason I feel I have over analyse it probably just a little too much.

But thankfully I only went to 3 stores… yep, 3… and the third was in a whole other shopping centre. Call me crazy if you want! I think I am a little!

So it is now all bought, still in the packets mind you, and I am now awaiting the bed. Fortunately I have time to over analyse the whole transfer a little too.

But it got me thinking, what is the best way to transfer? Cold turkey? Leave the cot still in the room? Sit and wait with them to help them understand bed is no longer a jumping castle and rather a place to sleep?

I have heard some wonderful stories where children ease into the bed with no hassle and no problem. They soak up the attention of the ‘big bed’ and relish in the joy that they are no longer babies.

Others I hear take some time. A little going backward and forth between bed and cot. A few screams, and night wakings and constant going in to put them back into bed… the ‘big bed’ that is.

All I know is that as parents we need to listen to our children and listen to the cues they give us.  It should be a positive experience and not a negative one. As parents, we can’t push them. Changes in their lives can sometimes be challenging, but it is one of the many changes they will experience in their lives.

I could throw a ‘big bed’ party and invite all her “friends”…. too which I mean ‘puppy’, ‘dolly’, teddy1′, teddy2′ and just a few others.

As much as I can plan and plan, it really will also depend on what happens the first night, and the next few after that.

My tip, 1 step at a time. Be patient. Don’t push. And make the experience as positive as possible.

Have you done the big transfer lately? What worked and what didn’t work for you? 

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