12 Tips to Help Toddlers and Young Children Settle into Their Own Bedroom

While a lot of parents are willing to bear the brunt of their toddler’s swift kicks and sudden elbow jabs while sleeping, there comes a time for little ones to settle into their own bedroom. After all, everyone needs better sleep and children also need to start their journey toward independence.

Having your child stay in their own room is a significant milestone that often comes with mixed emotions from both parents and child. On one hand, it’s an exciting new change; on the other, it’s a time of uncertainty and anxiety. For the child, it may be the “monsters” hiding in the closet; for parents, it’s the worry of not being there to watch over their child.

Fortunately, there are ways to go about this transition that would help alleviate the negative emotions that your toddler or young child may encounter. Along the way, parents can also ease their nerves about letting their child have their own space to grow and thrive.

Create a Cozy and Inviting Space

For parents with a creative streak, a child’s move to their own bedroom can be a time to have some fun creating a comfortable, visually appealing space. As you would design an adult bedroom, start with calming colors that represent and evoke calm and relaxation, such as pastels or shades of blue. Aside from painting the walls, you can refurbish bedroom furnitures with these color schemes in mind.

For an added touch of magical appeal, string fairy lights across your child’s bed frames and curtains. Meanwhile, choose comfortable bedding and don’t forget to include their favorite pillows and blankets to further enhance the cozy atmosphere.

If you don’t have a big budget to work with, don’t fret. LookingFour is an excellent place to look for affordable but high-quality bedroom furnishings.

Involve Your Child in the Room Design

Children are more likely to embrace their new space if they have a say in how it’s decorated. So, encourage them to choose the wall art or bed covers. Consider colors and prints that resonate with their personalities. Furthermore, incorporate their favorite artworks and cartoon characters to help them establish a sense of ownership and pride in their room.

Choose the Right Bed

In designing a bedroom, the bed is one of the most important furniture you need to decide on. If your child is moving from a crib, consider a toddler bed or a twin bed. With a lower toddler bed that features guard rails, your child would be safe from falling off their beds while sleeping. They will also feel less overwhelmed by all the empty space around them.

Make the Room Safe and Child-Proof

Safety is the main priority in any child's environment. That’s why you should childproof your child’s room by securing furniture to the walls. If you have stairs, use safety gates to keep them away from the area. Also, protect against accidental electrocution by covering all reachable electrical outlets. Doing all these allows your child to explore and play safely and independently without needing constant supervision.

Incorporate Familiar Elements

Since children find comfort in the familiar, make sure they have some of their old toys and books in their new room. For instance, allow them to have their beloved stuffed animal to keep them company or tuck them in using an old blanket they may be fond of. In addition, consider using white noise machines or soft lullabies to create a soothing environment conducive for a restful sleep.

Transition Gradually

Transitioning your child to their own bedroom doesn't have to happen overnight. You can start the process by encouraging daytime play and naptime in their room to familiarize them with the space. As they become more comfortable, gradually introduce nighttime sleep in their own bed. This slower approach can ease both parents and children into the new arrangement.

Establish a Consistent Bedtime Routine

Routine provides a comforting sense of predictability for children. In fact, studies show that children raised with a daily routine grow up to be more socially and emotionally advanced. As such, you should create a soothing bedtime routine that incorporates calming activities, such as reading a bedtime story and taking a warm bath. In an effort to get your child off their screens, you can also engage them in a quiet play session. Ultimately, it’s the consistency of these activities that sends a clear signal to your child that bedtime is approaching.

Encourage Independent Sleep Skills

Teaching your child to fall asleep independently is an essential skill. Gradually reduce your involvement in their bedtime routine to help them develop self-soothing techniques. This empowerment fosters a sense of capability and accomplishment in your child.

Address Nighttime Fears

It's common for young children to experience nighttime fears. While they can sometimes be ridiculous, don’t dismiss these concerns. Rather, acknowledge and validate their feelings then come up with creative solutions together. To combat their fears, ensure their nightly routine is as cheerful and positive as you can make it. Moreover, consider introducing a "monster spray" to banish bedtime fears, or provide a comforting nighttime buddy or nightlight to chase away the shadows.

Offer Positive Reinforcement

Celebrate every step of the transition process with praise and positive reinforcement. To start, acknowledge their bravery in embracing change and their efforts in adapting to their new bedroom. This boosts their confidence and reinforces their willingness to explore their independence.

Maintain Open Communication

Create an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Encourage them to talk about their thoughts and emotions about moving into their new bedroom. Do they feel excited about it? Are they happy to have their own space? What are the fun things they want to do in their new room? Next, address any concerns or fears they might have and assure them that you're there to support them.

Be Patient and Flexible

Remember that every child is unique and their reaction to moving to a new room may not be what you’re expecting. Be patient and understanding if setbacks or resistance occur. It’s important to stay flexible in your approach, adapting to your child's needs as they navigate this significant transition.   The prospect of having your own space and privacy may be attractive to older kids, but not to toddlers and younger kids who have gotten used to sleeping with their mommy and daddy close by. As parents, your support and guidance are very much needed during this transition to reassure your child that you’ll always be there for them whenever they need you.