Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

I am more nervous about this than I was about anything else so far in DS' life. What should I expect? What do I do?

DS turned 2 on the 6th.

Thanks!

Re: Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

I've found that I stress out way too much over transitions and the girls generally do great...maybe we don't give them enough credit!

That said, I moved my DD to a twin bed way after you are...she was 3 years 4 mos and doing great in the crib (my 28 month old is still crib bound! ). The transition was virtually non-existant for us.

You could start by bringing the bed in his room while leaving the crib there too. Then start putting him in the bed for naps for a while...see how that goes. Make sure to let him pick out special sheets, etc. Let him know he's a big boy now. Beyond that, your guess is as good as mine!

Good luck!!!!!

Message edited 9/13/2009 11:57:50 AM.

Re: Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

We did it cold- no transition. But she was totally ready- talking about it, asking for it, etc.

My SIL did a great job. When they had #2, they figured they'd start the transition while #2 was still in the bassinet. What they did was purchase a toddler bed and just kept it in their older son's room with his crib. One day he asked to sleep in it for a nap. Then the next day. Then he wanted to sleep in it overnight.

He was fully in the tioddler bed within 3 weeks I think.

Message edited 9/13/2009 12:04:22 PM.

Re: Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

DD is 22 months and I switched to the toddler bed 2 weeks ago, the night she fell out of her crib. She was fine with it. We bought one of those rails from Babies R' Us to keep her from falling out. She can get out, but didn't realize that for a few days. Now, she gets up pretty early. We have a gate at her door so I can hear her. She just hangs out in her room now and plays.

He'll be fine.

Re: Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

Make sure the room is 100% baby-proofed, including bolting furniture to the walls. Get a gate for the doorway so you don't have a roaming toddler. Let him fall asleep on his own, even if it's on the floor. You can always put him back in when he is asleep. The hardest part is the beginning bc of the change. I know mine all liked to get out and move about the room but the novelty eventually wears off and they get use to it.

Re: Please post any tips/advice on transitioning from crib to toddler bed

Thanks for the advice. I keep putting it off but DS doesnt fall out of the crib, he can literally put his legs over and lower himself down with his arms. Aside from my pride for my future Olympian ( ), I am thinking its almost time but he is still so little, he wont really understand "big boy bed". I'm so nervous! I love the fact that now he sleeps from 8:30pm - 7:30am and this could stop that great schedule.

Message edited 9/14/2009 9:07:50 AM.