Why do toddlers sleep with their bums in the air? 

For new parents, it can be the most adorable sight to see your newborn babies sound asleep with their little bum in the air. But should you worry if your toddler still sleeps with her bum in the air? And why do babies sleep like this?

Why do toddlers sleep with their bums in the air? 

* If you have any concerns over your infant sleep please or any red flags on your toddler sleeps symptoms contact your healthcare provider or GP to ensure you have a healthy babies sleep is all ok. This includes concerns over mouth breathing, acid reflux, sleep apnea and night terrors or anything else. Check with your GP with any concerns.

1. Comfort: One of the main reasons is that fetal sleep is a naturally comfortable position for many children as well as healthy sleep habits and looking so adorable. It allows them to curl up and feel secure, much like they did when they were infants and gives them that sense of comfort like their mother’s womb and swaddle blanket or sleep sack did as normal behaviors.
   
2. Flexibility: Toddlers still have relatively flexible bodies, and they may find it easier to sleep in positions that involve bending their knees and pulling them up towards their chest like the frog-like pose giving them a more comfortable sleep and quality of sleep.
   
3. Gas and Digestion: Toddlers can still experience gas or digestive discomfort which can mean sleepless nights, and sleeping with their bum in the air might help your sleeping baby relieve some of this discomfort by promoting gas passage. This can often be passed around as an old wives’ tale, suggesting that raising a baby’s legs or placing them in different sleeping positions with their bum in the air can help relieve colic or gas discomfort. However, no scientific explanations or evidence from baby sleep science or medical experts supports this. If your baby or toddler has colic or digestive issues, it’s essential to consult a paediatrician or GP for appropriate medical advice and treatment.
   
4. Sense of Security: Part of the reason is that as toddlers continue to explore the world around them, they may seek comfort and security during restful sleep by adopting familiar positions like the fetal position, helping with a deep sleep.
   
5. Habit: Once a child develops a particular sleeping habit, it can become a default position and their preferred way to sleep, and they may continue to adopt the same position as they grow older as part of their sleeping patterns.
   
6. It’s important to note that a child’s pose in a sleeping position can vary among toddlers, and not all will sleep with their bum in the air position. As with babies, the priority should be to ensure a safe and comfortable sleep environment for toddlers, adhering to paediatricians’ guidelines to reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ( risk SIDS). If you have concerns about your toddler’s sleep habits, consulting with a paediatrician or Lullaby Trust for support and personalized advice is always a good idea.

Should I worry about my toddler sleep with their bum in the air?

Sleeping in the fetal position can provide comfort and a sense of security for toddlers, and it is not considered harmful or dangerous. It can be one of the many normal and healthy sleeping positions for young children.

However, the sleep environment is the most crucial factor in ensuring a toddler’s sleep safety. Here are some essential tips for creating a safe sleep environment for toddlers:

1. Use a flat and firm mattress: Make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly in the crib or bed frame to reduce the risk of suffocation.
   
2. Avoid loose bedding: Keep the crib or bed free from pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other loose bedding that could pose a suffocation hazard. A fitted sheet can be a much better option.
   
3. Smoke Free: Ensure the toddler’s sleeping area is free from smoke exposure.
   
4. Room temperature: Ensure the room is comfortable, not too hot or cold, to maintain your toddler’s body temperature.
   
5. Supervision: Always supervise toddlers during sleep, especially if they sleep on a surface other than a crib or toddler bed.
   
6. Keep the sleeping area clear: Make sure there are no potential hazards around the sleeping area that a toddler could reach during the night.

If you have any concerns about your toddler’s sleeping habits or safety, discussing them with your paediatrician is always a good idea. They can provide personalised advice based on your child’s needs and development.

When to move a toddler to a bed

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a significant milestone in a child’s development. While there is no fixed age for this transition, most children typically switch between 18 months and three years old or 90cm. However, the timing can vary based on individual factors and the toddler’s readiness. Here are some signs that may indicate it’s time to transition to a toddler bed, mainly that they are too active for their crib to remain in it safely:

1. Climbing out of the crib: If your child is attempting to climb out of the crib and there is a risk of falling and injury, it’s a clear sign that they have outgrown the crib and are ready for a toddler bed with guardrails as their next step.
   
2. Crib safety concerns: Some cribs have weight or age limits, and once your child surpasses these limits, it’s time to move them to a more appropriate bed.
   
3. Showing interest: If your child shows excitement or interest in sleeping in a “big kid bed” or tries to imitate older siblings or peers, it may indicate they are ready for the transition.
   
4. Potty training: If your child is potty training or has shown interest in using the bathroom independently, a toddler bed can benefit those nighttime bathroom trips.
   
5. Discomfort in the crib: If your child seems uncomfortable or restless, a more spacious toddler bed is best for a more comfortable sleeping environment.
   
6. New sibling: The arrival of a new sibling might prompt the transition, as the crib may be needed for the newborn baby.

It’s essential to consider your child’s readiness and not rush the transition. It can take a long time for some children, and others can take to it like a duck to water. Some children may be content in their cribs until closer to 3 years old, while others may be ready earlier. When you decide to transition, involve your child in letting them choose their new bed or bedding, making it a positive and exciting experience. I would highly recomend the coverless duvet from Night Owl for kids, it was a game changer for us, simply pop in the washing machine and dries in an hour, no cover to change so easy for any little accidents.

Remember to prioritise safety during the transition. Ensure that the toddler bed meets safety standards, has guardrails on both sides and is placed in a safe sleep environment free from hazards. Additionally, be prepared for an adjustment period as your child gets used to the new sleeping arrangement. Some children may take to the toddler bed immediately, while others may need more time to adjust to the change. Be patient and supportive throughout the process.

Tips on helping a toddler move to their first toddler bed

Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed can be a significant change for a child and can sometimes lead to sleep issues with toddlers. Here are some tips to help make the process smoother and more successful:

1. Introduce the idea: Talk to your toddler about transitioning to a “big kid bed” well in advance. Use positive language and make it sound exciting. You can show them pictures of toddler beds or let them see older siblings or friends using one.
   
2. Involve your child: Let your toddler be part of the process. Take them shopping for a new bed or let them pick out new bedding or stuffed animals for their bed. When children feel involved, they often become more enthusiastic about the change.
   
3. Familiarise with the bed: Before making the complete switch, let your child spend some time in the toddler bed during the day. Allow them to play, read, or have quiet time on the bed so it becomes a familiar and comfortable space; this can help create less tension when it comes to the big move.
   
4. Keep the same bedtime routine: Stick to your established routine as much as possible during the transition. Consistency will help your child feel secure and safe even with the change in sleeping arrangements.
   
5. Place the bed in the same room: Place the toddler bed in the exact location where the crib used to be. Familiar surroundings can make the transition less overwhelming for your child.
   
6. Use familiar bedding: Continue using the same crib sheets, blankets, and sleepwear after transitioning. Familiar scents and textures can provide comfort during this period of change.
   
7. Add safety features: Install bed rails on both sides of the toddler bed to prevent your child from rolling out during the night. Safety measures can ease any concerns you may have about the transition.
   
8. Offer praise and rewards: Positive reinforcement can work wonders. Praise your child for sleeping in their new bed and offer small rewards or stickers as encouragement.
   
9. Be patient and understanding: Your child may take some time to adjust to the new sleeping arrangement. Be patient and understanding if they have difficulty at first. Offer comfort and support during this transition period.
   
10. Maintain a bedtime routine: Consistency is vital. Stick to the same bedtime routine, including reading a bedtime story or singing a lullaby, to help your child relax and feel comfortable in their new bed.
    
11. Create a safe sleep environment: Ensure the room has no hazards or objects that could cause harm. Anchor furniture to the walls and keep cords and small things out of reach.

Remember that every child is different; some may take longer to adjust to the change. Stay positive, be patient, and offer lots of encouragement and reassurance. Your toddler will likely become more comfortable with the transition and settle into their new bed.

How to choose a toddler bed

Choosing a toddler bed is essential as it marks a transition from a crib to a more grown-up sleeping space for your child. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a toddler bed:

1. Age and Size: Toddler beds are typically designed for children between 18 months and four years old. Consider the age and size of your child to ensure that the mattress is an appropriate fit. Look for a bed that provides enough space for your toddler to move comfortably during sleep.
   
2. Safety: Safety should be the top priority when selecting a toddler bed. Look for a bed with guardrails on both sides to prevent your child from rolling out during the night. The bed should also have smooth edges and corners to minimise the risk of injury.
   
3. Sturdiness and Durability: Toddlers can be active, so choose a bed made of sturdy and durable materials that can withstand their energy. A well-built bed will last longer and provide a safe sleeping environment.
   
4. Low Height: Opt for a low-profile bed close to the ground. This makes it easier for your toddler to get in and out of bed independently and reduces the risk of injury if they accidentally fall out.
   
5. Design and Theme: Consider your child’s interests and preferences when selecting the bed’s design. Various fun and themed toddler beds are available, featuring characters or shapes that appeal to your child and make the transition more exciting.
   
6. Mattress Fit: Ensure the bed accommodates a standard crib mattress or a toddler mattress with the correct dimensions. The mattress should fit snugly without gaps between the mattress and the bed frame.
   
7. Convertibility: Some toddler beds have conversion kits to transform into twin or other bed sizes. While this is not a necessity, it can be a cost-effective option for the long term.
   
8. Assembly and Maintenance: Check reviews or ask about the bed’s assembly process and maintenance requirements. A mattress that’s easy to assemble and clean will save you time and effort.
   
9. Budget: Toddler beds come in a range of prices, so set a budget that suits your needs. Remember that the bed will likely be used for a few years before your child outgrows it.
   
10. Reviews and Recommendations: Read online reviews and seek recommendations from friends or family who have purchased toddler beds. Real experiences can offer valuable insights into the quality and comfort of different options.

Remember that transitioning to a toddler bed is a significant milestone for your child. Make the process positive and exciting by involving your child in the decision-making and decorating their new sleeping space with their favourite items and essential baby items to feel safe and happy.

#Why do toddlers sleep with their bums in the air?