Preparing for Those Transitions

    There’s so much change taking place in your toddler’s life that often parents feel unprepared and uncertain when it comes to the biggies: switching to solids, leaving behind the crib and getting ready for toilet training. Here are some guidelines to get started.

1. Switching to Solids

Making the transition from breastfeeding or bottle to solid foods is one of the first big milestones for both you and your baby. It’s not just an issue of getting nourishment in a new way — it’s a whole set of skills and enjoyments. All babies are different and have their own preferences about what they like to eat and when they’re ready. It’s important that you follow the individual cues of your baby. Remember that using a spoon is totally different than sucking from a bottle or nursing. There are different muscles involved and may be easier for some than others. Give it several attempts and not when you’re rushing because your child will feel the tension and we want this to be a positive experience for all.

2. Moving to a Bed

The next transition is usually moving from the crib to the bed. Most children do so between 18 months to three years old. But each child is different and there’s no definite “right” time to make the transition. Some toddlers simply aren’t ready for a bed and that’s fine. It takes a certain amount of cognitive development for your child to understand that a bed has imaginary boundaries that he must stay within. If you find that your great sleeper all of a sudden takes a long time to fall asleep at night, gets out of bed many times or wanders around the house, he’s probably not ready for his own bed. Sometimes it’s worth taking a step back and bringing back the crib, trying again later. Just be sure you don’t present the reappearance of the crib as a step backward in development or a punishment. Finally, remember that the switch from a crib to a bed is a milestone in your life, too.

3. Potty Training

Toilet learning is one of those transitions most parents are eager to move on to, as it means no more diapers. But it’s also a tricky proposition as children will again be ready at different stages. Signs of readiness are:

• Your child stays dry at least two hours at a time during the day or is dry after naps.
• Bowel movements become regular and predictable.
• Your child can follow simple instructions.
• Your child seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers and wants to be changed.
• Your child asks to use the toilet or potty chair.
• Your child asks to wear grown-up underwear.

Remember that it’s best to be relaxed about toilet learning and avoid becoming upset.

Kathy Lee is the infant toddler specialist for the Child Care Council of Nassau, Inc. Visit www.childcarenassau.org.