What's the best way to switch a toddler from a crib to a bed?

Question

my son's 2 and 1/2 and even though he's not climbing out of his crib, we need to get him out of his crib. He's no longer taking his naps because whenever I put him in for a nap, he moves his crib throughout the room while he's in it. We're expecting another baby and I know that could make things stressful for him, but we've been getting him as involved with the pregnancy as much as possible. He even named the baby. There's still 5 months before the baby's born so if we're going to do it, this would be the time to do it. I need help!!!

Answer 1

first tell him that he is a big boy and he needs to get a big boy bed. Take him to the store and let him help you pick out a bed and the sheets and pillows. If you talk about what a big boy he is and let him help in the process it will be fine!

Answer 2

Well, if you can afford it and you already have the toddler bed or twin bed whichever you are wanting to switch him too, take him to the store and let him pick out a bedding set, and tell him its for his new bed.. and maybe let him help you pick one out for the baby too... and make it a fun adjustment for him. Let him help you make his new bed, and get him a pillow if he does not have one and a couple of his favorite stuff animals and make him set it all up. I did this with my daughter when she was two and she absolutely loved it... and had no problem getting out of the crib.. and she actually stays in her bed during nap time and bed time.. so we have not had any issue.. except for those few nights when its been hard to sleep.. but otherwise it was a easy adjustment, just make it fun for him and something that he can be a big boy and do it all on his own.. Good Luck and Congrats on your baby on the way!

Answer 3

my two were both about 13 months when we did it and i have to say the earlier the better then have less to adjust to as they understand less, my boy is 3 now and went into a big single bed last month, my daughter who turned 2 on monday got a princess bed, we did it for their birthdays so that we could make a really big fuss about it, we re decorated their bedrooms with new big boy and girl designs, and just had loads of fun with it, let him help pick out stuff if you can, and as he might be a bit scared for a little while it might be nice to introduce one of those torch nightlights with his favourite character on it. The biggest thing is dont worry if you check on him the first few nights and he is asleep on the floor, my two both did it and we just picked them up and put them back, he will take some time but you have to be in for a penny in for a pound, you have to be sure you want to do it as if you arent he will pick up on your feelings and it might be harder than it should be. Also please dont forget if you get a single instead of a toddler bed get the side bar to help stop him falling out, might be easier on him if you go to a toddler bed first, dont know where you are but at his age he probably like disney cars etc and they do a great range of toddler beds which are only just a bit bigger than a cot in both woolworths (in the uk) and walmart (in the us) hope it all goes well for you and congrats on the new little one, we have a 12 month age gap and i love having them close together and im sure you will too as it sounds like you are doing all the right things with your son to help him adjust well done and good luck xx

Answer 4

Take him shopping for the bed, give him two to pick from, and then actually buy the one he picks... the little car designs, etc, are hotsnit with the two year old boy crowd!  Same thing with the bedspread, choice of two or three, and then you won't be able to keep him out of it!

Let him help daddy with the assembly, and then put the crib away out of site while he's settling in.  You can put it back up for the baby in 4 months.  :)  Congrats!

Answer 5

Buy the new bed and let him pick out some bedding (bed cover).  Tell him that the crib has to get put away.  You need to take the crib completely down and put it away so that he can't see it anymore.  Tell him the crib is "all done".  My kids didn't have any problem switching.  As a matter in fact, when I did switch them (none of them ever tried to climb out of the crib either) I was afraid they would get out of bed without my knowing.  But in the morning, they all called for me just like they did when they were in the crib.  Just make him involved in the taking down of the crib and putting up of the new bed and he should be fine.

Answer 6

Tell him that he is a big boy now. Let him 'help' daddy dis-assemble the crib and put it away. Then let him 'help' assemble his big boy bed. It could be simple things like handing daddy a wrench. Then take him to the store for new bedding. Pick out a few that go with his room and that you think he would like. Ask him to pick one. If you just say pick one from all of the choices at the store - he will get overwhelmed and not be able to decide. Make sure to get new sheets, a new bed cover, a new pillowcase, everything. Also, if money is not an issue - let him pick out a new special blankie and stuffed animal just for bed. A new pair of PJ's of his choice would be nice as well. When you get home, help him make his bed and get it set up to sleep in. Then make a special dinner of his favorite foods to celebrate being a big boy! At bedtime, go about your normal routine. Put him in his new PJ's and tuck him in. If you read stories, do that. If he comes out of his room take him by his hand, say "it's bed time sweetie, go back to bed." and place him in his bed. Don't do hugs or kisses or story or talk with him. That will make it worse.

When my siblings and I each got our big beds, my parents would give us a pillow. They wouldn't give us a new pillow though, because then it is fluffy and a suffocation hazard. So, if you don't have any flat pillows that you don;t use to give him, give him your old one and get a new one for you. If this isn't possible, keep him without a pillow. It's not necessary.

Answer 7

I have a toddler and I'm also expecting (due in 2 wks lol).  How we switched our daughter was we bought her a twin sized bed and from walmart, detachable side rails.  In the mornings, she would either come and wake me up or call me from her bed.