Tips on making the switch from crib 2 bed

Hi everyone. Well I've procrastinated switching DD from her crib into a bed for far too long. She's 3 and with baby sister on the way in a few months, I have to make the switch. I will be doing it within the month. DD seems excited about her big girl bed but I am worried that she'll be running out all night long and won't sleep well. Any advice about how to make the transition as smooth as possible and tips for dealing with middle of the night situations? Thanks a lot.

[froggies1]

Do you have the crib that turns into a toddler bed?

[Adevotee]

once she is asleep you could put a baby gate at her door so that she cn't get out unless you go and get her. You could use a baby monitor so that you can hear her when she does get up.

Take Care

[lib and jrs mom]

when we switched my dd over we bought a toddler bed.  since the matress is the same size we were able to switch over the bedding also.  it took a little bit of time, but within a week she was doing really well, and never really woke up through the night.  i think the familiarity of her blankets helped her get comfortable.

[cutiemama]

The crib does turn into a toddler bed but because I need it for the new baby and because I'm having another girl and plan on using all of this DD's stuff, she's going into a a big girl bed that she helped me choose and all new bed linens that she she chose. The baby gate is a great idea. We still use our moniter too so that will help.

How long did it take for your kids to adjust?

[cutiemama]

Thanks girls. I'll keep you posted.

[AndiJ78]

My kids never used their crib, but the transition from co-sleeping to "big boy beds" was something we had to do. Actually, both boys did amazingly well. They made the switch at 14/15 months, we had a good "gimmick" bed, one of those VW looking car beds with their fav character sheets. We also did the baby gate on the door, the first night there was some fussing, by within no time they were asleep.

Good luck, be patient. It is a huge adjustment for a little one.

Andi

[nikita2477]

Cutiemama, thanks for asking, I have been wondering about the same thing! I am soooo not ready to have her up and coming to get us all night so I like the baby gate idea too. Hope the transition goes well for you!

[myproblem]

I put a safety handle on the inside of my daughter's door. I have a baby monitor in there, and she has to call me to get out. I also suggest putting the crib away so she can't ask to sleep in it.

[Crritter]

How exciting!  My son switched really well.  He got a car bed and some fun sheets and was so excited we had no problems.  He even walked  down the hall at bedtime and crawled in without a fight.  I think he was really proud that he could do it.  He had no idea he could just get out on his own, took him a few months, so I never told him he could get out, I would just go in and get him when he called for me in the morning.  A few months down the road he challenged us for a few nights, but realized it was no fun to get up in the dark and quit soon after.  Hope your little one is as excited, it's such a big step for them!

[just_plain_fae]

Try leaving the crib and the bed in the same room for a week or so (if they will both fit).  Then have her take naps only on the big bed and sleep at night in the crib.  Very soon she will be able to sleep in the big bed at night as well as nap - she may even suggest it herself!  Remember to keep the same bedtime routines when she transitions.  Then, a few weeks before the baby's arrival, have her help you get the crib ready for the baby.  Talk to her about how her big bed is special for her, and ask for ideas to help make the crib special for the baby.