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A move to a new home or even a new room in the same house can be a slightly strange experience for a toddler. But can you really blame them? Trying to fall asleep in unfamiliar surroundings can make anyone a little uneasy. But if you’re a little kid who’s used to sleeping with Mom and Dad nearby or even in the same room, it can be downright scary at first. That said, easing your toddler into the idea of sleeping in a new room doesn’t have to be so hard — and the more you prepare for it, the smoother it’ll go.
Talk up the idea before you make the switch
As with most new transitions, it’s not a bad idea to plant a seed of excitement in your kid’s mind before springing it on them. Start by “selling” your kid on the idea of a new room by telling them how awesomely cool it’ll be when they have their very own “big boy” or “big girl” room. Mention the names of other kids you know who have one too, and build up a feeling of excitement about it as best you can. You can even let them come along to pick out paint colors or choose something fun to add to the new room, to make your little one feel like they’re part of the decision.
And if the move is to make room for a little brother- or sister-to-be, get them excited about the new baby and how big a role they’ll have in taking care of him or her.
Make the new room as sleep-friendly as possible
Sleep.org suggests putting a few things in place first to make the new room conducive to sleep. Things like reading lights or red bulb nightlights will make the new room feel less scary, while blackout shades or curtains will help them fall into a deep sleep. They’ll want their lovey or other comfort items nearby, too, so make sure you have them near their bed to grab if they get scared.
Slowly ease into the transition at first
If your kiddo doesn’t jump for joy at the idea of sleeping in their own room on Day 1, that’s totally natural. Expect some hesitation at first, but continue to remain positive about the switch.
Start by keeping their bedtime routine the same as much as possible, and make things fun wherever you can — either with a teeth-brushing game or bedtime story routine that gets them excited about going to sleep. Then play a little white noise or lullaby song as they drift off to sleep. Your grand plans may come crashing down once they notice you’ve slipped away and get upset, but it’s called a “transition” for a reason.
And while you can lie with them for a bit longer if needed, “remember that you're helping your child learn to fall asleep alone,” the Mayo Clinic advises. “If you give in and continue appearing at his or her bedside or climb into bed with your child, that's what your child will remember — and probably expect the next night.”
Pay attention to some warning signs
If you’re moving homes, sleep consultant Rebecca Michi says that your child may be showing signs that they’re struggling with it in more ways than just their sleep.
“For some, this can start before the move and continue afterward,” she shares on her website, and can include things like increased clinginess, refusal to eat, and regressive behaviors like thumb-sucking or bed-wetting.
Above all, understand that this can be an emotional time for them, so they need a lot of empathy during the transition.
“After the move, allow your toddler as much time as possible to get used to her new surroundings,” shares Michi. “You might want to stay home as much as possible without disrupting your usual routine too much. Give your toddler plenty of opportunities to play in her new room so that she can get used to it and enjoy being there.”
And just like adults, kids need to feel a sense of closure too, she reminds.
“Allow her to say goodbye to her old room,” writes Michi. “It might sound silly, but it can really help toddlers feel a sense of closure.”
