4 Books to read when transitioning to a big kid bed
Transitioning to a big kid bed is an exciting, and nerve wracking experience for both you and your child. To ease the transition, I recommend involving your child in the process of picking out their bed, taking apart their crib, and making their new bed as cozy as possible. Involving your child in this process will give them a sense of control, easing their nerves and making the transition more exciting!
In addition to involving your little one in the transition as much as possible, I highly recommend reading books about other kids moving up to their big kid beds.
The four below are my favorites:
1. In My Own Bed (Tricky Topics) - Lovevery
This book walks your little one through the transition using photos of another child and her parents as she navigates through getting a new bed, putting her favorite quilt on it, and tucking her doll in. I especially like that this book walks your child through what to do if they wake up in the middle of the night using simple phrases that your child can use themselves.
2. Big Enough for a Bed - Sesame St
This Sesame St book is a very quick read and shows Elmo getting his own big kid bed, picking out his sheets, and emphasizes that everything will stay the same about bedtime. This book is great for younger kids, children who don’t like to sit through longer books, and anyone who loves elmo or the sesame street gang!
3. A Big Kid Bed Is Coming - Liz Fletcher
In this book, Louie the elephant who loves to go on adventures grows too big for his bed. I like this book because it addresses that Louie is unsure about getting a big kid bed, but focuses on the exciting adventures he has once he’s getting good sleep in his big kid bed. This story feels like more of an adventure than a book about transitions while still touching on important themes, which will keep your child engaged all the way through!
4. Your Own Big Bed - Rita Bergstein
This book is beautifully illustrated and frames getting a big kid bed as just another part of growing up. With examples of growing too big for your mom’s belly before you're born, and chicks growing too big for their eggs before they hatch, it takes the pressure off of the transition, making it just another natural step.
Why 4, not 5?
I was originally going to make this a list of 5 books, but removed a very popular book from the rankings when I read through it again and realized it talks a lot about fears a child may have about their new bed. I think books that address fears are great for kids who have expressed specific worries but, if your child hasn’t brought up these fears, I wouldn’t recommend books that may give them new anxieties.
This transition comes with a lot of nerves, but it can be exciting! Your precious little one looks to you for guidance in all things, especially during times of transition. Frame this transition as an exciting new big kid milestone, and as a natural step in their development. Try not to let your worries about how they react rub off on your child. If you’re excited, they will be too!
You’ve got this!
Is your child having trouble transitioning? Are you worried about your fears surrounding this change effecting your little one? Schedule a discovery call today to chat through your family’s needs. I’m here to support you through this journey, always just a phone call or a text away!
