I want to use my (then he will be 18 months old) son's crib when my next son is born and move my son into a big boy bed. I am scared that we will have the problem of him being able to get out and not go to bed when we put him down? I dont want to have to deal with a newborn and a toddler getting in and out of bed at his leisure. Is this a bad idea? Should I keep him in his crib (he rolls over and goes right to sleep when we put him down for bed) and get another crib for the new baby, or should I transition him into a big bed? And how soon before the baby's born should I do this?
2006-08-29 17:40:21 · 9 answers · asked by Ask me anything! 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
My girls are 17 months apart, and this is what we did...
I borrowed a bassinet from a friend to use in our room with the newborn and left my older daughter in her crib. When she was 19 months old, we started transitioning her to naps in the twin bed (with a rail) next to her crib. We talked up the big bed, got some special sheets for it, and let her have her favorite toys and books in bed with her. It wasn't always easy, but she was in the twin bed full time in about a month.
Then, at 21 months, she asked to sleep in the double bed in the guest room, and we got it set up for her right away. It worked out great b/c we weren't sure if we wanted them in the same room or not, and it made it less likely for them to disturb each other once my younger daughter moved into the crib in the nursery.
My girls are now 3 years and 21 months old, and they share a double bed. They do sometimes disturb each other, but I think they like being together.
Anyway, if I were you, I wouldn't try to move your son out of his crib before he's 18 months old. He's going to be dealing with a lot of changes anyway, and moving him to a new bed might be too much for a few months' time.
If you have access to a cradle, bassinet, or play pen with the bassinet attachment on top, I'd use that for the newborn at first (either in your room or whatever room you want him/her to sleep in). Then, you can worry about transitioning your older son to a big bed a few months after the baby's born (if you think he's ready at that point) or make the decision to buy another crib.
If your kids were going to be 24 months apart or more, I might suggest moving him to a big bed before the new baby is born, but I don't think you really want a 15-month-old starting out in his own bed.
Just my opinion, though... good luck, and congrats on the new baby!
2006-08-30 08:44:56 · answer #1 · answered by Mom to 3 under 10 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 18 months is a bit young for a regular bed. But a lot depends on the child.
You might see if your baby can sleep in a cradle or bassinette for a few months and try working the older child into the big-boy bed and see how it goes. If he manages all right you could move the infant into the crib.
I wouldn't rush the older child for several reasons, but one is that he might not want to leave the crib right now. If he's talking and understanding things, and some children this young do, you can discuss it with him.
Cradles and bassinettes are available at fairly reasonable prices.
If you think he is ready to move to a big bed start the transition before the baby comes--that will be a stressful time for him and he may not take well to a change of sleeping accomodations in those circumstances.
2006-08-30 00:50:44 · answer #2 · answered by Warren D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am due in 2 weeks and have a 2 year old already. I have thought for a long time what I was going to do with my 2 year old when the baby comes along. I don't think my 2 yr old would stay in her bed. I'd have real problems on my hands seeing that she is active and we have a 2 story house. We got a porta-crib for our room. The baby is going to sleep with us for about 6 months and then I'm going to try to make the transition at about 2-1/2. The Dr. told me that you aren't supposed to make any BIG transitions within the first 6 months of having a new baby. So we're waiting for the big bed and potty training until after she gets use to having a new sibling.
2006-08-30 06:38:39 · answer #3 · answered by dedee1127 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I myself have never actually had to deal with this, but i will give you my opinion. I think that you have a very good idea here. I also believe that if you move your toddler into his big boy bed maybe 1.5 to 2 months before your baby is born he will have a good chance to adapt. Im sure that after a couple weeks he will get use to his new bed and then he will fall asleep just as good in his new bed as he did in the crib. Good luck with all of this!! Im sure that it will all work out perfectly.
2006-08-30 00:46:43 · answer #4 · answered by Lyndzey Jean 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on how far along you are right now but I would actually start working on it by the time he's like 15 months old make sure whatever type of bed you get him " toddler, twin" it has something along the side so he can't fall out of the bed. Buy the bed as soon as you can put it in his room and let him get use to it. Then slowly put him in it at first for nap time then as he gets use to the bed go to night time.
2006-08-30 03:54:59 · answer #5 · answered by rochelle s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a bassinet ( small )bed for your new son. Then you can leave you son in the cot wait 3 - 4mth then can you put you son in a big bed then your new son will be 4mth to put him in the cot
2006-08-30 01:02:30 · answer #6 · answered by npc_1973 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd do it now. A toddler bed (that he can help pick out) will be just right. Let him help pick out sheets too, this may help keep him there.
Good Luck.
2006-08-30 00:47:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, get a crib or pac and play
2006-08-30 11:58:46 · answer #8 · answered by Miss America 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you have to do is have 150 babies so that all the space is filled up and none of them can move. Simple
2006-08-30 00:47:38 · answer #9 · answered by ITS ME 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋