How did you successfully get your child from crib to toddler bed?

Answer 1

My son just started sleeping in his toddler bed a couple months ago. He is 2 and 3 months. I got the bed into his room a month or so before I was planning on using it so he could get used to it. Then I tried to get him to sleep in it a couple times (didn't work). Then after a couple more weeks of trying the bed and ending up in the crib- I took down the crib, I let him help me, and we said "bye bye crib" many many times, and he slept in his toddler bed that night. It was rough a couple of nights, but you must just be determined and be there for him/her if they are upset and crying. A lot of people say not to get into the bed with the child- I do sometimes when he is really uspet- but not for long, just enough so that he calms down, then I leave. I also got him Thomas the Train sheets because he loves Thomas. The first night I put them on (the first night after taking down the crib), he slept perfectly. Just do what feels natural to you. I found it was easier just to get rid of the crib so it is not an option. I also find it is best to let him cry for a while (if he is crying at all), usually he will just go to his bed and fall asleep. If he is crying for a half hour or more, I go in. Patience is the key!
P.S. I also turned the doorknob around so that the lock is on the outside, saves a lot of stress and worrying.

Answer 2

If the crib has an adjustable side bar/ rail then lower that to start. Also, have your child lay in a bed with you sometimes, and definitely for naps more than not. Eventually he/she will get used to sleeping outside of a crib and you can easily move a bed into the room and do away with the crib! Yay!

Answer 3

I put the bed next to the crib and told my 2 year old that the bedding had to be washed and that he therefore had to sleep in the big bed. For about 3 days he kept asking when he could go back to the crib and then he was happy in the normal bed. No more questions came after that.

Answer 4

Plan a "big boy party" where you and a couple of guests (your parents etc) celebrate your child's "bigness". Then a few days later talk about how he/she is too big for that crib and then go shopping for the bed. Assemble the bed and disassemble the crib at the same time. Get some special new sheets etc (but don't get any with faces on them, in the dark, even the nicest faces can be made creepy my a frightened mind. Pick up the room and triple check the baby-proofing. Your child will not stay in that bed, understand and accept it and the next few days will be easier. Either put a gte up or shutthe door after putting your child to bed with his/her usual routine. Make sure you have discussed and reminded your child that they are SUPPOSED to stay in the bed. When your child gets up (I promise, he/she will, and several times too) take him/her back to bed and tuck the little monkey in and tell him/her that they need to stay and go to sleep. When he/she gets back up (and he/she will), take them back to bed (this time no words). Keep at it. After the fourth or fifth time just point and they will usually get into bed by that time though they may not stay. There may be tears, there may be excitement, just stick to it and eventually your little monkey will be sleeping in a big bed like a little angel.
Note: the "big boy party" idea is good to have a few days before beginning potty-training too. It instills an idea of "bigness" so that they are ready to tackle the next big challenge.

Answer 5

Get them excited about being a "big kid" and let them help pick out sheets, and stuff for the bed. They may have a few problems at first, but be patient!
You can even set up the bed while the crib is still up to let them see it for a week or so. Then try naps in the bed. Finally all night in the bed.

Answer 6

I took my daughter to the store and let her pick out her new toddler bed. Then when we got home she helped me take down the crib and assemble the toddler bed. (Ok she was more hinder then help, but she was excited about it) We had no problems after this.

We originally tried a toddler bed that we bought used and she wouldn't sleep in it. But that special bed she picked out she loves to sleep in.

I did give her limits at the store. I looked around and found 3 I thought she would like and she got to pick from them. They were all the same price around $40.

Answer 7

We didn't do the toddler bed thing. She went from falling off the rail of her crib and not wanting to sleep in it any longer to a twin bed with rails purchased at Toys R Us...worked like a dream.

Answer 8

with my son the rails came off the crib so the transition went good and on the floor I put enough covers so that when he fell he did not get hurt.....but after a while he was always sleeping on the floor lolllll went was more comfy....with my daughter I moved.....lolllll.....when I moved I didn't bring her crib and she had a new room so it was really cool for her...I know we dont all plan to move but for those who do its a great idea....

Answer 9

well i got a sturdy toddler bed and laid down with him until he went to sleep then when i noticed him dosing then i would read a story to him and let him lay in bed by himself. sometimes i have to put him back in bed but in general it worked like a charm.

Answer 10

try to make them get use to bed and telling them someone fun about the new bed