Having a baby probably made you excited about all of the cute things you would be able to do for their room. You think about all the possibilities, for the distance it is from your room, lighting, color schemes, toys, and even they type of rocking chair that you will use.
Now that the child is growing up and has reached the toddler stage, there are some things you may want to consider changing. Understand that designing a room isn’t just about looks but also how comfortable you make it for the most important thing; sleep.
When it comes to your toddler, you should make sure the sleeping environment is just as good, if not better than your own. Their room isn’t just for playtime but it will determine the quality of sleep they get, which is necessary for health and growth.
Here are some things to consider when you’re setting up your toddler’s room.
Bed Rail for Toddlers
Your baby is no longer sleeping in the crib. They’ve outgrown it and are ready to switch over to the big kid bed. There are some things you should understand first.
Bed rails are specially used for children that climb or roll out of bed. While they are used as a safety precaution, parents should be aware of the type of bed rails they are using.
Pre-attached Bed Rails
Toddler beds that come with the rails pre-attached are a good choice. The pre-attached rails are great for preventing loose equipment that may not have been tightened well enough. These are also great for toddlers who have a history of rolling out of bed while sleeping and can prevent injuries.
Separate Bed Rails
If you don’t have a kid bed that comes with rails pre-attached, you can buy the rails separately and attach them to your toddler’s bed. These should be used for toddlers aged 2 to 5 years old.
When using separate bed rails, always make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions properly to prevent the rail from being loose. Loose rails could cause your toddler to get caught in between the bed rails and the bed.
Bed rails are a great safety precaution as long as they are installed correctly.
Humidifiers for Children
Humidifiers are another addition to the sleep environment that has great benefits. Humidifiers are known to help with things like congestion and dry skin.
A stuffy nose can keep your child from tossing and turning at night. A humidifier can help prevent that by increasing the moisture in the air. They are also great for things like allergies, colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections.
Be sure to keep the humidifier far from your child’s reach and far enough to keep the mist from landing on them.
Performing routine maintenance on your humidifier is important in preventing the buildup of mold and releasing that into the air your child breathes.
Nightlight for Kids
Some toddlers start to experience nighttime anxiety at the age of 2. This could give them nightmares and make it hard for them to sleep. Nightlights will help create a sense of comfort for them.
While nightlights help kids overcome their fear of the dark, they can also help them relax. Using warm colors, like red, yellow, and orange, for nightlights increases the production of melatonin.
There are many other things to add to your toddler’s sleeping environment. You can use the BetterSleep app for resources on how the entire family can have a good night’s rest.