2Nd Child Due in November

Hi M.,
My son was 3 1/2 before we transitioned him. He never tried to climb out and was perfectly happy there. I read an article once saying most kids aren't ready until age 3. They aren't used to the freedom and don't know how to handle it. Also, I was having my second when he was 2 and not wanting to deal with any struggles at bedtime as I had heard many horror stories about bedtime battles due to transitioning to a bigger bed. I would wait as long as you can. Also, I bought a second hand crib at a hospice resale shop. It was 70 bucks with mattress!!! Try someplace like that or craig's list. Also, garage sales may be starting up soon!
Good luck with baby #2.

I am also due with my second in Nov, but my son will be 33 months old. We are going to put him in a big boy bed in the summer, but if he is not ready, we are just going to use a pack n play for the baby. Do you have one? Your newborn will not care and it is plenty big for many months. That way your daughter can have her crib for as long as she needs it. I am a firm believer in not kicking them out of hte crib too early....it is such a safe and happy place for my son.

I had my second in Jan. We decided to put our son in his big boy bed a couple months before the baby came though so he not think we were taking it away from him strictly for the reason of giving it to the new baby. Anyways he was exactly two at the time and he did great. I was little nervous and of course there was some of an adjustment period (his new found freedom of leaving the bed when he wanted) but he did awesome and he loves his big boy bed. We involved him in the whole process of decorating and putting the bed together. Good luck.

WHen my son transitioned we borrowed a bed from a friend and then when we were done we returned it.

Do you have some sort of bassinet that the baby can sleep in for the first few months? If so, that would allow for your daugther to have a few more months in the crib and perhaps be ready for a big girl or toddler bed. Just an idea :-) Good luck!