Transitioning To A Montessori Ground Mattress (Final Information For Drained Mothers)

When my child turned one, she began climbing out of her crib. 

Together with her energetic, cheeky, and “assertive” perspective, I knew we gained’t be capable of cease her until we take away the joys of climbing. 

And meaning, no extra crib and we’d be transitioning to a Montessori ground mattress.

I used to be dreading it. 

I used to be nervous that she gained’t be capable of sleep at evening and even take a nap on a ground mattress.

That she’ll simply carry on standing up and taking part in together with her toys. 

That she’ll roam out of her bed room and get damage or worse.

It took a number of months, a few of my sanity, and a few assist from my husband however we made it. 

I efficiently transitioned my toddler from the crib to a ground mattress! And on the time of this text’s publishing, she’s 5 years outdated and nonetheless sleeps there!

I typically wished although that I had a information then to inform me precisely what to anticipate when making this crib-to-floor mattress transition.

I wanted I knew find out how to mentally put together for it.

arrange her room, find out how to childproof it, and what to not do when transitioning my toddler to a ground mattress.

Therefore, I made this information. 

As a result of I don’t need any new-ish mothers to really feel like what I felt earlier than – to really feel anxious about making ready their toddler to transition to a ground mattress.

I would like you to really feel mentally and emotionally ready. I would like you to really feel much less annoyed and I would like you to kinda take pleasure in this mid-transition, as a substitute of stressing over it.

However first, when you’re curious to know somewhat bit extra about Montessori beds, hold scrolling beneath.

If not, simply click on right here to leap instantly to the information and methods on transitioning your toddler from a crib to a ground mattress.

_{I hope you’ll love the merchandise we advocate! Only a fast notice: when you click on on a product hyperlink beneath and determine to purchase it, we might earn a small fee.}

What’s a Montessori Ground Mattress? 

A Montessori ground mattress is a mattress positioned straight on the ground, permitting youngsters the liberty to maneuver out and in of mattress independently. 

Not like conventional cribs or toddler beds, it promotes a way of autonomy and controls over their sleep routine.

Associated Article: Finest Crib Options For Small Areas

In its easiest sense, it’s a mattress on the ground that’s simple for younger youngsters to make use of with out grownup help.

When to Begin Utilizing a Montessori Ground Mattress? 

In line with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as soon as your toddler is climbing out of their crib, it’s time to transition them to a “large child” mattress

They didn’t specify what kind of mattress however based on the Nationwide Childrens Group, some mother and father introduce a Montessori ground mattress at round 6 months. 

Whereas others wait till their child is round 2 years outdated.

I might advocate your youngster’s temperament, security, and your individual private consolation earlier than making the change.

We’re all completely different so simply make the judgment based mostly in your wants and circumstances.

I knew I needed to change my toddler from the crib to the ground mattress due to security causes.

I didn’t have a lot of a selection but when I didn’t have a crackhead monkey (and I say that with love), I in all probability would have waited till she was sufficiently old.

Sufficiently old to speak, and large enough to climb safely out and in of a toddler mattress.

My child began strolling at 8 months outdated however didn’t speak coherently till she was 2.5 years outdated.

And there she was, transitioning to a ground mattress at 1 12 months outdated.

Professionals and Cons of Utilizing a Ground Mattress

Listed here are some disadvantages and advantages of utilizing a ground mattress in your toddler. Know this to organize your self mentally.

Professionals of Utilizing a Montessori Ground Mattress 

A Montessori ground mattress presents quite a few advantages corresponding to:

• protected for climbers (like my cheeky monkey) 
• promotes independence, permitting youngsters to discover and transfer freely
• fosters bodily improvement and coordination
• creates a comfortable and welcoming sleep setting, main to raised sleep high quality

Cons of Utilizing a Ground Mattress 

Listed here are a number of potential downsides to utilizing a ground mattress for toddlers:

• Might have bother staying in mattress
• Youngster might fall away from bed
• Difficult to scrub
• Childproofing the complete room is a should

Toddler Suggestions For Transitioning to a Montessori Ground Mattress

Listed here are the last word suggestions for transitioning your toddler from a crib to a ground mattress. Let’s begin with the psychological suggestions:

Handle your expectations

Do not forget that no matter you study in articles, web sites, movies, boards, and so forth., are simply guides that can assist you study one thing.

Like this transitioning to a ground mattress. 

This is not going to provide the be-all-end-all options.

It doesn’t imply that once you observe this step, that step, and so forth, you’ll get the precise outcomes.

So it’s important to study to handle your expectations.

Attempt to perceive that each youngster is completely different and for some, they will simply transition to a ground mattress. However for some, it may be troublesome and so they may want extra time. 

And your child may be certainly one of them.

Get into the appropriate state of mind

And that’s to remain affected person and versatile all through the transition course of.

Let go of any issues or doubts you could have and strategy the transition with a optimistic mindset.

Keep calm, cool, and picked up. Bear in mind your youngster may have a tough time as one their brains are nonetheless creating and two, this can be a new factor for them. They’re not used to it and so they want your steerage.

So work on being affected person, versatile, and being optimistic.

You’ll want to construct these abilities as ultimately, when you haven’t but, you’re going to want these abilities to train your toddler to brush their tooth, surrender their evening bottle, potty prepare them, and extra!

Speak to your youngster in regards to the upcoming change

Earlier than making the change, have a dialog along with your toddler about transitioning to a ground mattress. 

You’d be stunned by how a lot they will perceive and study when you speak in a easy and age-appropriate language!

In case your child is older and has extra opinions in regards to the matter, allow them to specific their ideas and emotions in regards to the transition.

They could get excited or they won’t prefer it, or they won’t even absolutely perceive what you imply.

I talked to my 1-year-old youngster then in regards to the transition and he or she couldn’t care much less. In order that was that, lol.

Nonetheless, for teenagers who’re immune to the change, reassure them that what they’re feeling is regular and legitimate. 

This helps them really feel heard and concerned within the decision-making course of.

Childproof the room

This is likely one of the most vital bodily steps in making the transition from crib to ground mattress – childproofing your child’s bed room.

These childproofing steps could be a bit lengthy however it’s higher to be protected than sorry:

• Safe or change furnishings

Anchor heavy furnishings, corresponding to dressers, and altering tables to the wall to forestall tipping over. 

When you’re nonetheless nervous about any furnishings falling in your child or being climbed on by your child, then simply take away them from the nursery room. Briefly. 

My child’s room then had built-in cupboards, the ground mattress with playmats, a stand fan, and her outdated crib (I used it to change her diapers so she gained’t be capable of run away. Fortunately she wasn’t excited about climbing it once more, lol), and a few toys and books. 

That’s it. 

My husband needed to tie up the stand fan on the window body, simply to ensure it gained’t tip over if my daughter decides to push it as a result of that’s how wild my baby will be.

This was a lifesaver for me. 

I knew we needed to set up one as a result of I couldn’t simply let my daughter stroll freely round the home. 

I can’t supervise her 24/7 as I have to do chores and work. 

So child gates are a should.

Use child gates on the door and the highest and backside of stairs if wanted.

Regalo Straightforward Step 38.5-Inch Child Gate

Cumbor 29.7″-40.6″ Child Gate

• Lock cupboards and drawers

Set up childproof locks or latches on cupboards and drawers inside your youngster’s attain.

When you can open it, put a lock or latch on it!

An enormous-must. Set up outlet covers or security plugs in all electrical shops to forestall your youngster from inserting objects or fingers into them.

Hold small objects, corresponding to cash, buttons, or small toys, out of your youngster’s attain to forestall choking hazards. And often examine your child’s room for any potential choking hazards.

• Take away objects they will stand or climb on

No chair, no stool, no quick tables. 

Not even an exercise desk for exercise cubes for toddlers.

I realized that the exhausting approach.

My child was inside her childproofed room with a child gate and I used to be folding the laundry simply exterior the gate.

I made a decision to provide her this exercise dice toy that I acquired for her first birthday, to distract her from eager to get out of her room. As I wished to fold the laundry rapidly, in peace.

I positioned the exercise inside her room, proper beside the gate.

Then I turned away for 3 seconds. 

After I regarded again at her, SHE WAS STANDING ON TOP OF THE FREAKING ACTIVITY CUBE. 

Which regarded like this: 

Like how the fuck did she managed to climb on prime, with out falling over?!! Virtually gave me a fucking coronary heart assault. 

So we thought of giving her among the greatest climbing toys for 1 12 months olds as a substitute.

Hold blind cords, curtain cords, and electrical cords out of attain through the use of twine security units or twine winders. 

Use twine cleats or twine shorteners to maintain cords safely out of your youngster’s attain.

Think about using window blinds with cordless choices to get rid of the danger of strangulation from window cords.

Set up window guards or window locks to forestall your youngster from by accident opening home windows and falling out. 

Hold furnishings away from home windows to discourage climbing.

• Cowl sharp corners and edges

Use nook protectors or edge guards on furnishings with sharp corners and edges, to forestall accidents from bumps or falls.

Use non-slip mats or rug grips to safe rugs and mats to the ground, stopping your youngster from slipping or tripping.

Associated Article: Finest Rugs For Infants To Crawl On (Washable and Non-Poisonous)

• Hold toiletries out of attain

Retailer toiletries, corresponding to lotions, lotions, and diaper rash ointments, in childproof locked cupboards and drawers, to keep away from unintended ingestion or spills.

Set up door stoppers or door guards to forestall doorways from by accident closing and trapping fingers and hurting little toes.

Make the room boring

Whereas I perceive the notions and advantages of the Montessori methodology of selling independence and giving a baby quick access to their belongings, I knew my daughter.

I knew her effectively sufficient that if I organized the room in such a approach that she will simply entry all her toys and books, she wouldn’t sleep.

I wished my child to affiliate her bed room with sleeping. 

So I eliminated all her toys, books – something thrilling that she will take a look at and play with inside her bed room. 

I wished her to get bored and simply go straight to mattress.

Which labored! 

In fact, I gave her the toys and all the things, after she slept.

I progressively left one or two books and toys, till I used to be assured sufficient to depart her a library of books and a field of toys.

Trigger I knew then she would nonetheless go to mattress to sleep, even with all of the leisure round her.

So think about making your child’s room boring AF, initially. 

To allow them to affiliate their room with sleeping, making it simple for them to transition from crib to Montessori ground mattress.

Selecting the best ground mattress

Most would go for Montessori ground beds the place it’s principally tailor-made for toddlers, corresponding to those beneath:

Personally, I feel any mattress will do, so long as your youngster can safely keep on it, and climb in and get out of it. 

We used a Queen-sized mattress on the ground that I surrounded with playmats.

Since she was already greater than a 12 months outdated and was bodily superior for her age, I knew it was protected to make use of pillows. 

So I strategically positioned pillows on the head and foot of the mattress. 

I co-sleep my toddler by the way in which, so my daughter then would lay subsequent to the wall, whereas I’d lay on the opposite facet. 

Then I taught her find out how to get away from bed safely, because the mattress mattress was somewhat too thick and required some maneuvering for a 1 12 months outdated.

However hey she made it.

So my level is, simply select a mattress that meets your funds and luxury degree. Then train your child find out how to use it.

Hold the pets away, initially

Now this may be difficult in case your pets are used to going out and in of your daughter’s room.

If that’s the case, then simply ignore this step.

When you haven’t allowed your pets but to go out and in of the nursery room, then hold them out a bit longer. 

You’ll want to hold them out at first, as your youngster would get distracted each time your pets are available.

It will give your baby an excuse to get away from bed and play along with your cats or canine, as a substitute of sleeping in.

So simply wait till your child is sufficiently old to grasp that they should keep in mattress and get some sleep, even when the pets are inside their room.

FAQ: Transitioning From Crib To Ground Mattress

Takeaway on Transitioning to a Montessori Ground Mattress

Crucial tip right here is to at all times handle your expectations.

I didn’t know find out how to again then and it prompted me a number of frustration and anger. 

I wanted I knew then what I knew now, so at all times do not forget that at the beginning – handle expectations.

Aside from that, on the naked minimal, simply keep in mind to put in a child gate, childproof the room and y’all be good in transitioning to a Montessori ground mattress.

Good luck!