How to Transition to Toddler Bed

My daughter transitioned when she was 2 yrs. 3 months old.

I had read somewhere that you should tell your child that they are not to get out of bed until you come get them.

The first night we gave her 2 stuffed animals and 3 books. I told her she was not to get out of bed and made her respond by saying "Yes Mommy." We followed her normal night routine.

Then I watched her on the monitor. She got out of bed twice. Each time, I went in there and told her that she needed to stay in bed and that she was not to get out until Mommy or Daddy came to get here.

This went on for 3 nights on the 4th night she got it. She rarely gets out of bed now and stays in her bed just as if she was in her crib.

She just moved from a toddler bed into a queen bed (I put rails up) and the same rule applies. I am a little more flexible on her getting up since we are potty training. She is now 2 years 8 months old.

You can take the side off the crib and use a bed rail instead. That is what we did for our oldest when he decided it was fun to climb out of his crib.

A note on Pottery Barn Furniture- it is not very well made. We have some of it and I have buyers remorse big time. Pieces fall off all the time and, while the company is very gracious in sending replacements, they should not have to. We have 2 Ethan Allen beds that are comparable in price and significantly better quality. AND, I didn't have to put them together myself. PB is just not worth the money you pay. The linens, on the other hand, are top notch.

JMHO.

Updated

You can take the side off the crib and use a bed rail instead. That is what we did for our oldest when he decided it was fun to climb out of his crib.

A note on Pottery Barn Furniture- it is not very well made. We have some of it and I have buyers remorse big time. Pieces fall off all the time and, while the company is very gracious in sending replacements, they should not have to. We have 2 Ethan Allen beds that are comparable in price and significantly better quality. AND, I didn't have to put them together myself. PB is just not worth the money you pay. The linens, on the other hand, are top notch.

JMHO.

I would make it feel cozy and crib-like to him. A twin sized bed maybe placed along a wall with a bed rail so he does not fall out would help. Add all of his favorite crib things to the bed and get rid of the crib.

http://www.target.com/Bed-Rails-Health-Safety-Baby/b/1376...

I had to do the same because my 18 month old could climb out. I put a mattress on the floor, gate on the door, and made sure her room was REALLY safe.

Why is he not ready? Im just asking because is there something about his crib in paticular you think he abosolutely will not go without when you place him in a toddler bed? Like I read someone's post where they stated their child liked the crib bumper so much they placed it in the toddler bed too.
If it's a "cozyness," thing try looking into a bed tent (they are usually for twin size only matresses). Good Luck!

Take the springs off the bed, put the mattress on the floor, and turn the bed upside-down around the mattress. Sounds strange, but I have seen it work!

Oh, I just did this! My daughter is 2.5 and 40 lbs. A toddler bed would have been a waste of time and money. We had a rough first few days, but she was fine by midweek. The best advice is to make the bed as criblike as possible and stick with your original routine - the fewer changes, the better. I posted the question to mamasource and got lots of other good advice, too, like bed rails, buying sheets with pictures he likes, etc. Here's the original post:

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/2336534794088873985

For the first few days, we had no covers, bed rail at the top of the bed, bed pushed up into the corner of the room, travel pillow, and Winnie the Pooh. It was very much like the crib. Now, she loves the covers and big pillow and I even got lucky - she doesn't get out of bed until I come in and turn the light on (even though she gets in and out of the bed all day to play). If you are not so lucky, you just have to keep taking him back to bed every time he gets out. Hang in there!