How to Transition Your Toddler From a Crib to a Bed

Ease your child into the big kid bed by being consistent and planning for the big move.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bed Rails - Children
• Bunk Beds
• Children's Bedding
• Children's Beds

1. Take it slow. If you are moving your toddler because of a new arrival, do it slowly and several months before the baby is due. If you are moving your toddler due to climbing out of the crib or toilet training, expect anything from unrestrained excitement to utter fear.

2. Let your toddler pick out the new bed and bedding. Encourage your child to accessorize the new bed with favorite items like toys or blankets.

3. Set up the new bed in the same spot of the room the crib was. Your toddler will feel more secure looking at the same old view while laying in the new bed.

4. Buy guard rails. Guard rails will prevent your toddler from falling out of the bed while providing some familiar security.

5. Stick with your bed time routine. Follow all of the same procedures for going to bed. Sit on the edge of the bed and sing or read.

6. Anticipate your child's needs at bed time. If your toddler asks for water every night after you leave the room, give your child water before you leave. Ask your child what toys or books they would like to have in bed so you will not have unnecessary requests all night.

7. Be firm about staying in bed. The first few weeks your toddler may experiment with new found freedom. Put your toddler back to bed and say something like, "It is time to stay in bed. Goodnight."

8. Give lots of praise. Encourage and reassure your toddler often. When your toddler stays in the new bed, check in and tell your child you are happy or proud.

Tips & Warnings

• Send up the opposite parent. If your child calls for Daddy, send up Mommy, vice versa.
• Put a child proof gate in your child's doorway to control "room hopping".
• Set up a reward system for the following morning if your child stays in bed.
• Buy a book on toddler sleep and gather up ideas.
• Seek professional advice if you experience extreme frustration or anger when working with your toddler.
• Put child proof safety gates at the top or bottom of stairwells to prevent night time injuries.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure that you stick with the transition and don't give in to the temptation to let the child return to the crib. We set the bed up a few months before the transition to allow some time to become familiar with it. Then make sure you take the crib down when you start the transition. If your toddler can't have the crib as a choice it may go a little smoother!

on 11/22/2005 Most crib mattresses fit on to toddler beds. use the sheets and accessories you already have to keep the bed familiar. Allow your toddler time to get familiar with the bed itself before putting him in it for the night.

on 11/22/2005 I've heard it is a good idea to make pillow covers and small accent pillows with the childs favorite crib sheets. This makes the transition much easier.