Mom Question

[lls_mutant]

I know I've been quiet... I haven't had much of interest to say.

Question, though, for you moms out there. We're moving Toby to a big boy bed in a month or so. He'll be a little bit shy of two. Any suggestions/advice for making the transition as smooth as possible?

Must finish a commentary soon, and AIL. I have two fricking scenes left. Why can I not finish the one I'm on????

Comments

[aome.livejournal.com]

1) Talk it up. Big time. He's SUCH a big boy, isn't it exciting that he gets to switch to a Big Boy Bed, etc.
2) Let him help pick out sheets/comforter, etc. (Consider taking him mattress-shopping, too, if you think he'd understand what that's for.)
3) Don't focus on the reason that you're shifting him out is because someone else is taking HIS old bed, although you can mention it in passing. "See? Your baby brother is too little to be in a bed, like you. He'll have to stay in a baby bed."
4) Side rail.
5) Talk to him about STAYING IN BED. Once he's put in, he stays there, or he won't get to keep the Big Boy Bed.
6) Put the boxspring directly on the floor, if you don't mind living with that for a little bit. It makes the whole bed lower, and easier for little people to climb in and out. (Aalso, no edges or wood, etc in case he falls out.) You can put his proper bedframe in later, once he's more used to the situation.
7) Find picture books at the library about kids switching to Big Beds.
8) If you don't have a child gate across his bedroom door, it might be a good idea to consider - if he DOES get out of bed, he can't wander too far.

Hope this helps! (Talking it up was a big feature for us - we really made a big deal of it, and both girls were thrilled to pieces when they finally got to sleep in the bed.)

[inksheddings.livejournal.com]

If you have the room, keep his crib up too. Start him out with naps in his big boy bed, and still put him down at night in his crib. Once he's used to napping in it, start transitioning into the bed at night too. After a couple of successful nights, then get rid of the crib, though be prepared for the possibility that he will strenuously object. *g*

Also, if you can get sheets and blankets that match close to the ones in his crib, that helps. Or let him pick out the bedding himself.

My kids, only one truly didn't want his bed, but letting him have the option of his crib for a while eased things a bit.

Good luck!