New baby is arriving soon! How do I introduce my 2 year old to his toddler bed?

[Lisa V]

My son is 23 months. He will be 2 next month. I am expecting my 2nd son shortly after the new year. We cannot afford a new crib and would like my son to be in his new bed and comfortable with it by then time new baby arrives. I've read lots of "how to's on-line" on introducing a toddler bed...but I'd like to hear from REAL moms. Many website suggested leaving the crib in the room as an "option" but I am not willing to do that. So--any tips? How did you handle it if he/she got out of their bed once you put them down?

My son is AWESOME at bedtime and is a great napper! He has also transitioned FABULOUSLY with every other change this far---from getting rid of his binky, to no more bottles. I'm hoping this transition will be just as smooth.

 

[Ciaci]

Thanks for the great question, as I am in the same exact boat... and thanks to the great first answer!! I'm totally trying that!

 

[Mommy of 1]

Speaking only from what I have seen a a nanny(my son is only 13 months) - Move the crib to the other side of the room, and put the new bed in place of the crib. Put him to nap and sleep in the crib for 3-4 days. Then naps in the bed. after about 3-4 days of only napping in the bed and sleeping in the crib switch to all new bed. then after 2 more days remove the crib. You can always get new "Big Boy bedding" and only allow the cool new blanket or pillow in the bed nad not the crib.

 

[Mommy of 1]

I had to convert my sons crib into a toddler bed a few weeks ago after he climbed out of his crib. Here are the steps I took:

1) I had his bedroom door converted into a dutch door (most moms use baby gates but my son can climb over those).

2) I took my son shopping for a new bedspread for his "big boy bed" and brand new pajamas.

3) If he doesn't have a nightlight you might want to get one. We just leave the hall light on and the top half of his door cracked open.

4) We came home and Dad gave him a nice long bubble bath while I got his room ready with his new bedspread.

5) He got to put on his new big boy jammies and than Daddy and I took turns reading him bedtime books while laying in his big boy bed. All the while talking about how great it was that we could sit an read in his new bed.

6) He only got up once, my husband put him back and firmly told him to stay in bed, and he did, he slept through the night. Naptimes are still a challenge, but he's slept through the night in his bed every night since we converted it. I think the difference is it's too dark at night for him to see his toys so their is less temptation to get up (we have blackout curtains).

HTH

 

[Tang]

Here are some useful tips to ensure your toddler has a smooth transition from a crib to a bed. Hope you find them interesting. Good luck!

 

[Madison]

omg JKTM HAS ALL THE RIGHT ANASWERS LISTEN TO HER,,,TRUST ME ITS ALL RIGHT

 

[JoKTM]

My friend was in the same situation as you except she had a girl but was pregnant with a boy. Elaina placed the toddler bed in the living room and let Kallie play on it. She told Kallie it was her new big girl bed and when she is ready it will go in her room. After 3wks Kallie would lay on her bed in the living room and say "my bed." Jeff and Elaina moved out the crib let Kallie wave bye bye to the crib and could not wait to take a nap in her big girl bed.
Kallie was given some control so she was happy with getting a big girl bed. Whatever you do don't make a surprise switch because he will throw a huge fit that the baby is getting his crib.