1. Crib First, Bed Later
Some parents choose to initially move the 12 or 18 month old child to a crib of her own, placed near their bed. The obvious advantage is the reduction of separation anxiety, since your child can clearly see and hear you.
When she outgrows the crib, she is ready to move into her own bed, and into her own room perhaps. The disadvantage is that she may not want to sleep in an 'empty' room, may fear the dark and may want to continue sleeping near you.
2. Announce and Act
A dictatorial approach, this strategy leads to tears and tantrums. Your toddler may resent being dismissed being summarily "pushed out". Worse, she may begin to view self-reliance as an ugly, painful process.
3. Use of Incentives
A not so wise, yet common approach is to use treats. While it may seem to be effective in the short term, the overall effect of such "lollipop motivation" on your child's upbringing and character can be disastrous.
4. Diplomatic Approach
Perhaps the most optimum of choices, here, you can patiently guide your toddler toward this important step, involving her in the process of decision-making.
Making the Move
- Generate genuine enthusiasm about her "own bed", long before actually making the transition.
- Involve her while selecting the bedspreads, pillow covers and curtains of her room. Will Mickey Mouse join in, or will it be Barbie-print covers?
Ensure low plug points are covered with childproof covers, put wires for night lamps out of reach, and use strips of foam to cover sharp corners or edges of furniture.
Keep medicines, cosmetics, and pest control chemicals, if any, out of reach. Put up safety rails on her bed, or alternatively, arrange for a few thick, soft rugs on the floor near the bed, to cushion the impact of a rare fall.
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