Moving from Crib to Bed

We moved my son into a big boy bed at 2, he loved it. As long as they can get in and out on their own I would say do it. We will move my daughter at arround 2 for the new baby to take the crib. If the 16 month old can get into the bed by himself, move him too. We made a big deal out of my son getting a "Big Boy" bed, he slept in the same room with his sister until he was about 3 and we didn't have any problems. I think it made them closer so we will try the same thing with my daughter and the new baby. Good luck.

We didn't move our boys (twins) to big boy beds until they were about 4 1/2. Their cribs were really toddler beds after we took off the gates (which happened sometime when they were two and started climbing out). We got the twin beds because the kids were just outgrowing the cribs (they're not big kids); they still slept fine there. When we put up the beds, the boys were so excited and ready for it...and although it hasn't been perfect they've done really well. As long as your son is sleeping well, I don't see any hurry! There is a lot to be said for it being "your son's idea" to move. Once he's ready, he'll do it.

It sounds like your son might be pretty laid back, if he is not fighting the crib, so maybe he would be equally accepting of the move. I would go ahead and do some switching around if it were me. I would for sure move the 16 month old to the crib, I cant imagine that thin mattress being comfortable on his growing body for much longer! Sometimes, in a family, we have to think about the betterment of the whole family, not just one child, and since you already have a bed for him, I say go for it. Maybe try asking him what he thinks you should do about it. Saying something like, "son, your little brother is getting too big for the play pen, and needs a crib, but we only have the one you sleep in. Since you have two beds, how do you feel about moving into the big boy bed, and we can make the crib a special place for your little brother..." And, while I agree about making it a bit of a big deal, I would not go overboard. This is just something that needs to be done for the family, and the more attention you give it, the more likely he is to react. Obviously, you are the only one who knows your children, this is just how I would handle it. Good luck!

I think it really depends on your child for one. I would give it a try for a few nights and naps in the big boy bed. See if he is really raedy for it. Make a huge ordeal out of it like the "potty dance". But do a big boy bed reward. All kids are different. Stickers are always a favorite at our house. I hope this helps you.

My son was moved to a youth bed at 14 mom of age when his sister was born.....I did not ask him or anything........just said you are a big boy and here is your new bed - made a big deal of it......he moved just fine.......I sometimes think we as parents over think things that we should just DO......he has two beds basically now and his younger sib has none......that might also be setting up some later issues...........my kids are now 15 and 16..........good luck to you!

First of all I'd have to say how sad that the 1 year old has to sleep in a pack n play! Those mattresses are not thick and comfy like a crib mattress! That would be MY major motivator right there, actually would have been as soon as the 1 year old was out of the bassinet/cradle or whatever infant bed you used....Also at 3 he should be in the "potty training stage" and cannot possibly get himself out of the crib safely to use the toilet.....also another motivator. You will just have to learn to teach him not to leave his room at night if he does get up - which means you need to have a totally safe home also. Anyway, it doesn't sound like you'll be tearing the crib down for the next 3 years unless you have another! I would get him into the bed, the 1 year old into the crib soon - so they are adjusted in time for the new baby! I hope you deliver on August 5th - I've never known of another person born on the same day as me! Good Luck to you!

Personally..........."If it ain't broke don't fix it". If he's content and not trying to crawl out, don't worry about it yet. My son is 2 1/2 and loves his crib and so transitioning isn't even in my realm of thinking either. On the other hand, at this same age, my older son was crawling out, so we transitioned to a day bed immediately for fear of him hurting himself. I am just waiting for Charlie to start trying to crawl out and that's when I will transition. Now, if he is 3 and you just WANT to transition b/c he is getting too big, that's another story. Go ahead and build it up! Let him help pick out the sheets, etc. Good luck!

I would maybe do it on the third birthday. Eventually he may decide to try and get out of the crib and possibly hurt himself in the process.

You can talk about him being a big boy and that maybe he will get some new sheets for his big boy bed for his birthday. (Let him pick some out in advance and then buy them when he isn't looking.) I'd also push the bed against the wall and lay a comforter on the floor on the other side until he gets used to it.

When the big day comes, just simply take the crib apart and remove it from the room. Explain to him that he is a big boy now that he is 3 and he does not need it anymore. Allow him to "help" put the new sheets on the bed and maybe even re-arrange the room for his birthday.

Be patient with him if he resists a little, but it really IS for his own safety in the long run. Then when you decide to set up the crib again for the new baby, he won't feel that you have taken it FROM him. It is no longer his.

I hope this helps.

Blessings,

P. <><

We transitioned to a toddler bed at 2 - but our kids HATED the crib. I would do it in enough time for the crib to be put up for a couple of months before the new baby moves into it... so that your middle child isn't being "replaced" by the new baby. Even though it's more work. He might be more interested in a race car bed or something, too.

S.

I really agree with Amber and would like to emphasize not to make too big of a deal out of it. That may cause him to think there is something to worry about. I just finished transitioning my third child out of the crib without incident. Each time I just spoke to them practically, kind of a "this is what we're doing and why we're doing it" kind of way. I did let them pick out some sheets and stuff to make it more fun. I do agree each kiddo is different, and I definately have not walked in your shoes. Good luck and congratulations on your expanding family!