Transitioning to a Toddler Bed: 10 Tips and Tricks

We finally did it. Despite my fears, (see this other blog), my husband and I finally moved our 21-month old into a toddler bed. And it didn’t go too badly.

Day 1:

The first transition day we decided to try it at nap time. We figured if for some reason he refused a nap, he would be so tired by bedtime that he would just pass out regardless of where he was sleeping.

Much to my surprise, he didn’t fight the transition one bit on day one. In fact, he was excited to be able to get in and out on his own. He also did what I hoped he would do. He put himself into his bed mid-book read. That was my signal that this was the right decision after all.

That night bedtime was a breeze with my kid walking himself right into bed after following his bedtime routine. He knew it was time and went right in. Also, he never got out of bed once in the night. It was a win day.

Day 2:

The second day is when we finally hit some snags. He completely realized that he could get in and out of his bed on his own. He refused to get into his bed for nap time and kept trying to follow me out when I tried to leave.

I tried everything. I read more books, sang songs and finally laid down with him. He thought that was hilarious. He continuously tried to sit on my head and boop my nose. Eventually, he and I passed out because I woke up about 15 minutes later with my toddler’s feet in my face and his hand in mine. I sneaky ninja moved out of the room resolving that I would not let that happen again. I’m the momma and I’m in charge. I decided that next time I’m just going to walk out whether he likes it or not.

That night I was prepared for another battle. When I said night night and walked to the door, he indeed followed me, but he didn’t try to walk out of the room. He just stood there and said “bye!” By the time I was in the kitchen with the monitor on, he had crawled into his bed on his own. He just wanted to say bye to me and have the independence to get in on his own. If I would have realized that during nap time, I might have saved myself a battle.

Weeks later:

Weeks later, this toddler bed thing is still going great. He still walks me to the door to say bye and sometimes blows me a kiss. But, he is always back in his bed by the time I get to the video monitor in the kitchen. We even had a babysitter and he still did great. Sometimes he gets out of bed to grab a book and peruse it on his own in his toddler bed (just like a real person). Sometimes he gets up and grabs a toy car or train, but he always returns to his bed. He doesn’t come out until I go in to get him from his nap or bedtime. I’m not sure if I’m some kind of miracle worker or if my kid is just that great. I like to think it’s a combo of both.

Here are 10 tips and tricks that I think might have helped:

1. Take a special trip to the store to let your kid pick out his/her toddler bed sheets and comforter set. Our boy picked a Thomas the Tank Engine set along with a stuffed Thomas pillow. This helped to get him excited about the experience and I figured he’d be more likely to get into his bed on his own if he had some kind of incentive.
2. Set up the bed/comforter in secret. Once it was done and set up we made a big deal of it being a surprise. Our kid was so excited as soon as we opened the door to his bedroom, and it was fun to see his eyes light up at the new Thomas decor. He loved his new bed.
3. Try the transition at naptime first. In the worse case scenario, they don’t nap and will pass out for bedtime early.
4. Stick to your previous bedtime routine. Hopefully, you have a good one. I don’t think our transition would have gone so well if we didn’t already have a strong routine. Our son had already been trained to know the sequence of the bedtime routine so it made it all easier.
5. Don’t be afraid to leave the room even if your kid isn’t in bed. Obviously still turn the lights off, but if they aren’t in bed right away, well that’s just part of the independence that comes with a toddler bed. As a mom and dad, you just have to let go of that little control. They will get into bed when ready and if they pass out on the floor, so be it.
6. Don’t rush in every time you hear a noise. Most of us all have a handy video monitor.  Check that first. If they aren’t hurt or majorly freaking out, leave them alone.
7. Give yourself a set date to return to the crib if necessary. My husband and I decided beforehand that we would give it a solid week. If for some reason our son didn’t do well, we’d convert the bed back to a crib and try again when he was a little older.
8. Wait until your kid is ready. You know your kid best. If you think they aren’t ready, wait until they are. Don’t worry, you won’t end up with an 8-year-old in a crib.
9. Remember who is in charge. The answer is YOU by the way. Remind yourself if you need to.
10. Relax. Just remember the old adage: This too shall pass.

Good luck mamas!