Big Boy Bed - West Hills,CA

I'd start by (if you have enough space in the room) keeping his crib in there for night time sleeping. Have him start taking naps in his new bed. My 3.5 year old did have some sleep disruptions when he moved into his big bed, and REALLY tested my patience by continuously getting out of his bed. I used the technique that "Super Nanny" uses. Whenever he'd get out I'd just calmly and silently walk him back to his bed....over....and over...and over again....and again...and again. It took a few nights of walking him back to bed, but he eventually learned that he must sleep there at night.

You can also make a big deal of it by letting him help choose his new bedding. For my son, it'll be Cars or Toy Story once we move him into his twin bed in a few months. That has really helped him get excited about moving into a real bed (he currently sleeps in a toddler bed but needs to transition since baby #3 is coming soon.)

When we got his big bed, I planned to first let my 2 year old play in the bed during the day, nap in it during the day, etc to get used to it. After the furniture was delivered, I came home from work late and my husband had him in the new, big bed ready to sleep for the night. I thought it was absurd to expect him to sleep in his new bed for the first time at night but he did no problem. That's what "fly by the seat of their pants" husbands are for.
I suggest getting into a bedtime routine. We sit in bed together and read two books. Then we put the night light on and leave the room. It's the same thing every night so he knows what to expect. Laying in bed until they fall asleep sounds exhausting. It may be an adjustment period but I think the kids often do better than we expect. Good luck!

I wouldn't be in such a rush to get him out of his crib if he likes it & stays in it. There is no "magic" number for a big boy bed. It depends on the kid. Be prepared for a lot of back & forth--taking him back to his bed, etc. when you do switch. Consider a gate at his doorway. I didn't like the idea that my son could just wake up, leave his room & wander around the house while we were unaware & sleeping!

A big boy bed - how exciting for him and your family!! I would add the new bed and make no changes to the crib - for about a week. Let him get used to it being in the room. You may even want to read a few books on it during the day, select new bedding, place a few familiar items on the bed, etc. if he seems fearful or sensitive to the idea of the bed. With my kids, I just used the mattress in the frame and added side railings for safety. The bed was lower to the ground for them to get in and out of (the box spring was added a few weeks later along with a little step that they selected at the store in their favorite color). Slowly transition the naps from the crib to the bed - you might be pleasantly surprised like I was. All three of my kids were thrilled to be in their new big beds! For example, for the first week, only one or two naps. The second week, increase...you understand. It is a very exciting time for your son - enjoy every minute of it!! Oh - if there is any other changes going on in your son's life, I would hold off on even transitioning him - keep it in the box in the garage if you can until the life change settles down for a few weeks. Good luck! If he pops out of bed, just keep the same routine - whatever you decide and what is best for you and your family. We keep the lights off, gently remind them that it is bedtime, and walk them back to their bed. Keep your voice low, patience on high, and wish your angel sweet dreams xoxo

There's a whole lot of hoopla around this topic.

I put my son in his big boy bed 6 months ago (at 18 mths) and he LOVES it. And did from the first night. He likes be able to roll around. Sure he's rolled off a few times (heard a big thunk in the night), but he picks himself up and gets back into bed.

I wouldn't advise staying with him until he falls asleep. You'll "create" a need for this on a nightly basis, plus it's sending the opposite message you're trying to establish of him being a big boy.

Just remember that much of his discoveries and transition abilities will be based on your actions and tone of voice. Just keep telling him how much he's going to love his big boy bed.

Good luck!