How is the best way to transition a toddler from a crib to a toddler bed?

Question

He has been getting out of his crib for weeks now and I think he is ready for a toddler bed soon...

Answer 1

Mother of four here, My youngest son is an escape artist, by one year he fell out of his crib at least six times before i finally said okay time for a bed, i don't feel there is a big transition period the only issue i had was they feel freedom and its gonna take persistance on your part to keep bringing him back to his bed when he wants to come see you (cause now he can!) word of adivce, don't let him climb in bed with you at night because that is SOO hard to break.

Answer 2

Start with naps. It is much easier for a child to adjust to something new during the day than in a dark room at night. They feel more secure in the day. Little by litte work your way up to more time in the big boy bed and come one really drowsy night put him to bed there. When he wakes up in the morning he will have adjusted.

Answer 3

I just switched by 2-1/2 year old to a crib this weekend.  First, I took her out and bought her a "big girl blanket" - a Winnie the Pooh comforter and sheet set that actually made her say "Wow!" when she saw it. There are plenty of styles available, Dora & Diego, Thomas, etc. Pick something your child likes and he'll be excited to get under those covers!  Next, we let her "help" with her own screwdriver while my husband worked on the bed - we have one of those cribs that switches to a toddler bed by just taking the front panel off, but you could also have the child "help" assemble a regular toddler bed. Then have him help you put the new sheets and blankets on the bed, and let him play around with it during the daytime to get used to the idea.  My daughter spent the whole first afternoon climbing in and out of her bed and saying, "Night, Night."  By bedtime, she knew just what to do!.  Making her feel like she was a part of the transition and talking up her new status as a "big girl" seemed to do the trick.  She only got up out of the bed once the first night, and she has stayed in it every night since.