Toddler Transitioning Out of Crib into Twin Bed

Unless he is climbing out, I say keep him in the crib. That is what we did/are doing with our children. We moved our oldest out of her crib when she was 3 and she has been good about staying in her room. Our littlest will be 3 this summer and we plan to do the same thing. No reason to hurry it up, in my opinion ;)

But if you must get him out for safety or other reason, just keep his gate up and know it will take some time for the newness and excitement of the freedom to wear off. Be extra sure to get him outside and let him run (yes, even in the winter) and talk with him about the rules of his new bed. For our home, once my oldest was in her big bed I told her she did not have to sleep but she did have to stay in there and play with a select few toys I allow in there. I don't let her turn on her own light at night so she will be more likely to fall asleep quickly. It's easy now that it's dark so early :)

HTH! Merry Christmas!

have a consistent bedtime routine and stick to it. also make sure he isn't overly tires when he goes to bed. i started as another mother adviser did with sitting by the door but it was not long until i didn't have to do that. now i tell her that if she is quiet and stays in bed i will come and check on her and give her in 5 minutes. this usually works and sometimes she's asleep by the time i get to her. if not i tell her i'll come back in 10 minutes, etc. now my daughter climbs into my bed in the middle of the night but that is ok with me.

D.~
Just my 2 cents worth but I took my guy out of a crib at 2 yrs into a toddler bed. It was wonderful him being able to get INTO his bed by himself...we made it a nice place to be. As far as running around, he got play time before bed, then is able to take a coupld quiet toys to bed. Then, we made it a rule not to get out. We read stories there, and the last one (or 2) he had to be lying down. Then I turn lights out, and sit where he can't see me until he falls asleep to music (usually about 10 minutes). That way I can enforce the rule (he gets a "spanking" on the hand or a toy taken away from his bed). Yes, he comes to my bed to get me in the morning - no gate. Maybe some of these ideas will help...or not. :) Good luck. Train them in the way they should go: good sleep habits.

Guys mature slower than girls...most of the time!
He might could use a good hard playtime, bath and fresh air so he is really sleepy first!!! Read to him, sing and quietly play setting the scene. Lights out, and speak of lights out and that he has to stay in his bed, at least talk to him like he totaly understands!!!
PRAY OVER HIM and let the Lord do the rest. They are small such a little time! Don't rush him, but discipline is a must!
Merry CHRISTmas :o)
P. <><

When we moved my now 6 year old we had to remove everything from her room (books, toys, etc). Assuming you know for certain that there is nothing wrong just ignor the yelling. He will figure it out shortly. Don't forget to make sure the room is extra safe (put latches on closets and dresser drawers. My 3 year old tried to reach the top of her dresser by pulling all of the drawers out and using them as stairs. Thank God she was thrown out of the way when it toppled over.

The night the we transferred my daughter (who was about 27 months), we sat down and talked to her about her big girl bed & explained to her that she was not allowed to get out without calling for Mommy or Daddy first. We also explained that this was a big girl bed and if she couldn't act like a big girl we would have to put her back in the baby crib. I was a nervous wreck, but she did and has every time since. Good Luck & remember that if it isn't the right time, try again later!