Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Transitioning to a Big Bed

Whether you chose to co-sleep or start your baby out sleeping in a crib, eventually children make that transition to their own bed. Many children's books that deal with transitioning to a "big boy/girl bed" discuss the changes from a crib-sleeping situation. If your child is part of a co-sleeping family, this new book from Lawrence E. Shaprio, Ph.D. may be a welcome addition when it comes time to make the switch to a "big bed". In It's Time to Sleep in Your Own Bed (New Harbinger Publications, 2008), readers follow Alex, who loved sleeping in the family bed, on his journey to sleeping independently in his own new bed. The author acknowledges Alex's current security and comfort in the family bed along with his confronting his fears and the uncertainties that come along with a new and unfamiliar situation in a gentle and reassuring manner. At first Alex loves his new bed - but he didn't want to sleep in it! But with love, support from his parents, and the courage to be independent, Alex makes it through the night in his own bed. A note to parents and caregivers appended to the book make this a useful addition to books on the topic of this sensitive transition time.

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