Move to the Toddler Bed?

I've always been of the mind "move them when the start climbing out of the crib". Whenever that time comes I have found the Nanny 911 advice the most helpful as far as getting them to stay in their bed. At first you put them in their bed and go through a bedtime ritual (whatever that is for you...reading, singing, talking, etc). Then when they keep coming out of their room for one more drink of water, just to tell you something, just to get something, etc. You tell them that it is time to follow the sleep rules and you put them back in bed. Each time they get up after that, you put them back in bed with NO CONVERSATION, NO INTERACTION, NO EYE-CONTACT. The child is looking for interaction with you so you don't interact with them and that way they will learn that this is not the time for interaction with mommy and daddy, it is time for bed. The sleep rules are (1) Stay in bed (2) Lay quietly (3) Lay still (4) Close eyes (5) go to sleep. Those are even good rules for the older kids when they "forget" how to go to sleep...

Hi M.,

We moved our daughter somewhere between 18 and 20 months. She is now 2 and a half and has a twin bed which she loves! The way we were able to determine it was her growth. That, and she would crawl out of the crib onto the floor. LOL

Blessings,

Katherine

we're moving our son at 20 months b/c we have another son on the way. I'm hoping it goes smoothly! good luck to you.

Every book I read said to wait until they are 3 years old if you can. We waited and just recently got around to converting our sons crib to a toddler bed. He turned 3 at the end of December. He had long ago figured out how to climb out of his crib, but could do so safely so we didn't feel the need to convert it before we had to. I wanted to wait until he was mature enough to understand to stay in the bed and also so he felt comfortable enough that he was scared of falling out. I really don't know why people are in such a hurry to have their kids grow up. I would advise as the books do and keep him in his crib for as long as possible. 3years old is a good age to consider it. Good luck!

I don't think there is a right answer to this question. What ever works or is working for you! Our oldest son never slept in a crib! He slept in our bed and then when he was a year old, or so, we pushed a toddler bed up against our bed for him to sleep in, for about a year. Our second son was in a crib until his second birthday. We really only moved him to the toddler bed at that point because he was getting too heavy for me to lift in and out of the crib! He made the transition just fine! I do have friedns, tho, that kept their "babies" in the crib till they were three. So, I don't know if that helps, but like I said, whatever works for your family! (The only thing I think would be important to consider is if your child is a "wonderer". He will be able to get out of bed at any time! Just something to keep in mind.)

We left my daugther in crib until she was close to 3. As long as they aren't climbing out - they are safest in the crib. Once you move them into a toddler bed - it's a whole new adventure!

My daughter stayed in her crib until she was 3 and my son is 2 1/2 and is still in his crib. He likes to try to climb into his crib but never tries to climb out. I will keep him in there as long as I can. That is my advice to you too. Once they are in a toddler bed, you can not be sure they stay in bed.
Hope this helps.

We bought a toddler bed for DD when she was about 18 months because she fell out of the crib (I forgot to put the side rail up!) We had it just in case she figured out how to get out with the side up.

She climbed out at daycare at 2 and we were about to move her, but she freaked! Wouldn't let us take the crib down, so we just offered the toddler bed every so often. Finally at almost 2 1/2 she asked to sleep in the toddler bed. She's slept in it ever since!

I say leave a kid in the crib as long as possible!

I've read that once you have the crib mattress at the lowest level, and at this level the top of the railing bar is at your childs rib cage you should move them out of the crib. I could be a little off but it was close to that. They say it makes them vulnerable for falling out of the crib, and/or being able to climb out.
I didn't use a crib too much because my daughter slept with me, but I moved her to a twin size bed with attachable guards at 2 1/2. She is very tall and moves a lot so a toddler bed wasn't an option.