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Toddler Bedding
Toddler bedding must do three things: keep your child safe, entice your child to transition from the crib  to a bed, and facilitate a good night's sleep.
Toddler beds use the same size mattress as a crib. In fact, some cribs convert into toddler beds. If you don't know anything about beds or mattresses it might help to read these guides first.
When to Move to a Toddler Bed
When your child starts crawling out of the crib, it's probably time to move to a big-kid bed. This will happen around his/her second birthday. Also, if s/he is toilet training, it would be good for him/her to be able to get out in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. The addition of a baby sibling is another occasion to move your child from the crib. But beware, once your child has a taste of freedom, they just might want to get up in the middle of the night to play with you. Baby Center can give you advice about that.
Junior Design Advice
When your baby is an infant, you can make all the style choices. By age 2, you'll know whether Thomas the Tank Engine, princesses, or farm themes work best for your child. Since the key is to entice your child to leave the safety of a crib and join the ranks of big kid-dom, you'll want to get something beloved. Narrow down the choices for your child and then let them make the final decision. Having your child feel they've contributed to the process will greatly increase your chances of actually getting your child into the bed (and loving it).
Sleep Help
Toddlers need about 14 hours of sleep per day. This is usually divided between 11 hours of nighttime sleep and 3 hours of naps (one or two naps per day). Here are a few tips to make the sleep come easier: - Try not to overheat the room.
- Keep to a schedule at bed time.
- Be consistent.
- The use of a blanket or stuffed animal may help to comfort a child to sleep.
For more sleep information, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.
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Sheets - Order a second set for potty-training accidents.
- Consider different weights for winter and summer.
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Comforter/Quilt/Duvet - Duvets with a removable cover are easy to launder.
- Look for natural fibers in duvet and comforter.
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Pillow |
Whole Set - Sets often are less expensive than purchasing the pieces individually.
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Stuffed Animals - Make excellent sleep companions.
- Much easier to care for than a real pet.
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Additional Resources
Kids Decor -- Ideas for creating unique kids rooms. ivillage -- Offers an inspirational gallery of finished kid's rooms. Toddler Beds -- An online source for nearly everything toddler.
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