Break Out the Cot Mattress - Preparing for Your Child’s First Sleepover

1. Break Out the Cot Mattress - Preparing for Your Child’s First Sleepover Life is full of milestones. For children, these milestones may differ from what their parents are keeping track of. While adults might track their age, their physical growth, and developmental changes, children keep tabs on things that are important to them, personally. One of those childhood milestones is the first sleepover. Having other children over to spend the night is something nearly all kids do, and the first time they host a friend or relative for a slumber party will likely feel like a very big deal. To make it even more exciting for them, help your child prepare with these tips - and ensure you have everything your child’s guest will need for safety, comfort, and fun! Plan Ahead The first step to success is always planning. While your child might not feel much like sitting down for a planning session before their first overnight guest comes to stay, it is important to talk to them about a few things ahead of time. These planning points include: What kind of food or snacks would they like, within reason? Would they like a movie or game to play with their guest? Does their guest have any special needs or concerns that you should be aware of? It is also vital that you discuss the last point with your child’s friend’s parents or guardians. Things like food allergies and accommodations for safe, comfortable sleep are an important part of keeping your child’s guest happy and healthy while they stay - and ensuring that they want to return someday soon! Purchase What You Need In most cases, the shopping list before a slumber party will involve snacks and perhaps a movie or two to keep your children busy. However, the first sleepover may also involve purchasing toys for group play like a dollhouse and accessories, or a comfortable place for your guest to sleep if one does not already exist in your home. This doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money! For a young child, a cot mattress is a perfect choice for an overnight guest. Look for a model that is large enough for a child slightly bigger than your own; kids grow in very different patterns and you never know how tall your child’s friends might be. Also, seek out a cot mattress that is easy to clean. This may involve finding a plastic-coated style or one that comes with a removable, easy to wash cover. These are ideal for younger children who may still experience nighttime accidents or for the inevitable spills that will happen while your child and their guest sip drinks and munch on snacks before bed. Text

2. You may also consider an inflatable mattress or pull-out trundle style bed, but these are better for families who will likely host many guests or who see relatives stay with them frequently. Trundle beds are often permanent installments, so choose this option only if your budget and needs warrant it. Preparing for your child’s first sleepover doesn’t have to be hard! Just put your heads together and remember to enjoy the process - the first one only happens once! Source URL - https://penzu.com/public/df7cfc04