It's a momentous occasion in any child's life -- the move from a crib to a "big kid" bed. Some kids will make the transition happily and eagerly; others will have to be dragged kicking and screaming from the only bed they have ever known. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to make the transition easier and help you and your toddler get a full night's sleep.
Step 1
Prepare your child for the change. Tell your toddler that it's time for him to move from the crib to the bed. If possible, allow your child to pick the bed or the bedding. Put the bed in the child's room, and let him sit and lay on it when it's not bedtime. Let him get used to the idea of a bed in a no-pressure situation.
Step 2
Stick to your routine. If you had a routine for putting your child to bed in a crib, keep the same bedtime routine. If you didn't have a routine before, now is a good time to start one. Have your child take his bath, brush his teeth, read a book, climb into bed and kiss you good night.
Step 3
Provide him with a comforting object. This could include a favorite blanket or stuffed animal. If your child had a comfort object in his crib, be sure it transfers to his bed.
Step 4
Use a night light because the dark can be a scary place for young children. A night light will provide some light in the room, allowing your child to see there nothing to fear in the sanctuary of their bedroom.
Step 5
Be patient. Your child has spent his entire life confined behind the bars of his crib. Now, he has the freedom of a bed and is going to want to test that freedom, and to explore. Expect to have to return him to his bed several times a night, every night, until he gets the message that he is to stay in his bed to sleep. Be consistent and firm. Otherwise, he may get the message that it is "sometimes" okay to wander the house.
