I was just wondering if anyone out there has any tricks or ideas on how to make my son's transition to a toddler bed easier on both of us? I am 8months pregnant for my second baby and would really like to have him out of the cribe before the baby comes but all he does is cry when put in the bed and run for the door. Any thoughts?
I agree that his age will determine alot... If he's old enough, then perhaps he could have a say in his new bed and pick it out, along with his new bedding. I know most crib bedding will fit toddler beds, but it can make kids feel excited and important to have even small input in such a big change in their life! And maybe now that he's big enough for a big kids bed, you could change up his bedtime routine accordingly - i.e. now he's big enough to lay in bed and have a bedtime story... or something. Whatever you decide to do, let him have some say in it. Also though, it depends on his age. I've seen 12 month olds go into toddler beds and obviously it's less of a big deal because they have no clue what's going on... But with a 2 year old, it's going to be either exciting or stressful.
I know for us, we told Superguy that he was a big boy and it was time for a big boy bed.
On the very first night we put him in his big boy (twin sized) bed alone, after the hugs/kisses/stories I closed the door all the way and sat outside in the hall. The first time he got up, I told him it was time to sleep in a big boy bed and put him back. Every time after that, I didn't say a word, I just put him back in bed. He only got up 4 or 5 times the first night and about twice each night after that for about a week or so.
Age really does matters. my son was 2 1/2 when i had my daughter. she slept in a bassinette next to my bed for the first 4 months or so. so that gave us lots of time to get our son used to a toddler bed. it actually only took 2 nites for him! i think that we got lucky! we told him that the new baby needed a bed to sleep in and that he was just too big. he loves to get new things and i let him pick out fabric to make his own sheets, for giving it up so nicely! he loves to be a part of it!
There are a lot of toddler beds that you can search up in the net, all the tips and tricks as well as a whole lot of things that you would love to have. You got to be very much aware in order for you to make things work out in the long run. I hope all would be well in this one. Thanks!
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Last edited by maryjamison; 04-23-2012 at 01:54 AM.
What he is doing is very common. I think it is important to be consistent. Some parents will let the child cry himself to sleep and eventually, over a period of days, the child will be ok. For many parents this can be difficult but if you coddle him everytime he cries for you, you are reinforcing that behavior. The other option is to reinforce the behavior and simply stay with him until he falls asleep and over time, he will become more secure in his bed. I think that is in the long term, a more difficult means of dealing with the situation.
Hype up some new sheets or bed spread. Maybe a reward system for staying in for a certain time period. Maybe put him in their already asleep and then give positive reinforcement when he wakes up. Then the next night a long back rub until falls asleep. Soon he should be comfortable there.