How to Transition Your Toddler From Crib to Toddler Bed Peacefully

Making the transition from crib to toddler bed doesn't have to be traumatic. With a few tips and tricks you and your toddler will be resting easy in no time!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toddler
• Toddler Bed
• Patience
• Resolve

1. Leave the crib railing down.
   Chances are, at this point, your little Houdini has successfully scaled his prison walls anyway so why fight it. Lower the rails and start training him to stay in bed by choice.

2. 
    
   Transition your toddler from crib to bed

   Take your little one to pick out a new bed and sheets. Let him pick them out himself but tell him he can't use them until he moves into his big boy bed.
   
   Set up the bed and let him get used to it being in his room for a few days. Don't put the new bedding on quite yet, and even if he wants to don't let him sleep in it. You need to build up the anticipation. After a few days go ahead and put the new bedding on it. Now he will be really excited, but he needs to practice staying put, with the rail down, just a few more days so to prove he really is a big boy ready for a big boy bed.

3. 
    
   Transition your toddler from crib to bed

   Finally, after several successful nights of him staying in his crib like a big boy, you can allow him in his new, big boy bed!
   
   This is the point where things can go terribly wrong. If you don't want to spend the next six months having to lay with him to get him asleep then don't start now.
   
   The transition doesn't need to be traumatic. Just well planned!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try this wi bthabies. This is meant for toddlers only.

[ermadoris]

on 8/2/2009 I wonder if this would have worked for my youngest. I think she would still be sleeping with me if her husband and four children didn't insist she sleep at home!

[rlydia]

on 7/31/2009 Great ideas! I should have done this with Sophie. I'm at the "she's sleeping with me" stage.