Transition from crib to a toddler bed

Our bed was custom-made by a small family business based in Dubai. However, as they do not have a showroom, we could not go physically there and check for beds, etc. So instead, I showed him a couple of times the design of his bed on paper, explaining to him that a nice man will make this bed for him.

After receiving the bed, the first thing I did, was to have him on the new bed during the daytime as much as possible. In my opinion, he had to get used to it before he even takes an afternoon nap in there. I wanted him to have a smooth transition. I didn't see the point of rushing and stressing him out. After a few weeks of reading books in his new big bed or using it as a place to rest after running around in our apartment, he had his first-afternoon nap. So after a month of afternoon naps in his room on New Year's Eve he had his first night's sleep in his room without any problems.

There are also kids' books that could help you with the transition process into a big bed, but in our case, it was not necessary. We didn't talk much with him about the transition, but I was showing admiration for his new bed in front him by saying things like: ''Oh wow, what a fantastic big bed'', or, ''You are so lucky to have such a beautiful bed'', or, ''Your new big bed is so comfortable'' etc.

I somehow wanted him to feel that this is his new ''safe place'' and with time, he would have probably grown to feel attached to it.

Another thing that you could do is to go shopping with your child before purchasing the bed. It is another way of slowly preparing him for the change and being involved. Regarding the bedtime routine, there was no change at all.

Soon we will start with reading books before going to bed. So far, he falls asleep in my arms after drinking his milk, but as he is a tall boy now, it's time to learn to fall asleep directly in his bed. But that's another story and another post to follow. :)

So in a nutshell, you could try the following regarding the transition process:

- talk about the transition with your child in advance

- read books to him/her about big beds

- show pictures of the new bed they will be sleeping in soon

- involve them in the process of buying the bed

- make them feel how special their new bed is and/or their new room (if the transition includes a new room too)

- make them spend time in their new bed well before the transition starts

- start with afternoon naps for at least a few weeks to a month in advance

- keep the same bedtime routine

- breathe! Everything is going to be all right!

Overall, our transition from our bedroom to his room and from the crib to the floor bed was a success! It was much easier than expected, and he never had a problem.

One last thing to share is that we kept his crib in our room, mainly because I was stressed by my ''What if'' thoughts. He came many times into our bedroom during the daytime, and sometimes he didn't even approach the crib other times, he wanted to get in and jump around.

Last week, while preparing his milk, I asked him to go to his room and wait for me to put him to bed. His room is next to our bedroom, and while he was running in that direction, he suddenly stopped outside our bedroom, realizing this is not where he sleeps anymore and immediately turned to go to his room. I am just so proud of him!

Best of luck to all of you with this milestone, and be positive!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post, and see you soon!

All the best,

Clio