Big Boy Bed

[bensmomma]

My Little guy is 27 months old and we are in the progress of making the transition from crib to bed but we are also changing bedrooms to make room for the new addition due in July.  We have been slowly introducing him to the new room and bed by letting him see the changes in the room slowly..showing him his new puppy dog quilt new paint etc.  We have finally started to put him in his new bed at nap time and bedtime.  He'll stay in his bed for anywhere from15-45 mins then come out and want back in his crib.  He has napped a few times and spent his first night in his bed last night (all night).  The crib is still assembled in the old room.  I actually took the mattress out and he freaked out crying for it. Should be just bite the bullet and take down the crib so it's not an option for him or let him lead the way?  I'm a little afraid of the time left as we only have 8 weeks to go before we need the crib back.  Any advice?

[Florencia]

I think you're approaching it perfectly. He's slowly been a part of the changes. Maybe you can let him have something of his old crib in his new bed? like a sheet, a blanket, a quilt... he gets to decide. Close the door of his old room. I wouldn't take down the crib since he has to get used to see it assembled for his lil sibling.

It's been a big change and he's taking it ok so far (hey, he spent a whole night there!, that's a huge step for him). Maybe you can reward him for that, with some stickers or a special toy. RIght now, he's lost a security object for him (crib/bedroom) and needs lots of reassurance, you have to redirect him to his bed everytime he jumps out of it, in a calm and loving way, saying it's ok he's a big boy now and needs his rest. Reward him every time he manages to have a full nap/night on it and he'll slowly will get better at it.

Don't worry, if you keep up the good job, being consistant and letting him make some choices about his new room, he'll be ok in less than the 8 needed weeks.

[bensmomma]

Thanks for the reply.  It's nice to have some reassurance you're doing okay.  We have kept his pillow and same pillow case as well as his baby blanket.  He also likes to take his "friends" with him which unfortunatley are not stuffed but thomas the tank engine trains.  We at least have more room in his new bed for his friends.  We weren't sure about the reward but I like the idea, i think we'll try it.

[Florencia]

Totally agree... sometimes all we need to hear is that we're doing ok. it's so difficult to decide what to do and stick with it we never know if we're making the right decision.

It's great that he's takin' his friends with him. That will help him feel secure. Good luck and keep us posted!

[tylersmommy]

Michelle-

We just did the exact same thing with Tyler, who's 2 mo older than Ben. We moved rooms and switched him to his new bed all at one time on Saturday. We left the old crib up in his old room, but the door is closed and we NEVER open it, and he doesn't know how to open doors yet. If he did, I would have taken it apart and put it away so he couldn't see it anymore. We also called his bed his "new crib" and that seemed to help him understand that this is where we sleep now. For now, we're letting him have whatever toys he wants in there. When he comes out, we pretty much do what Florencia said. We simply tell him it's time for night night, so let's go back in the crib and we take him back up to bed.

In all honesty, it may just take time. I really wouldn't go back to the crib, even if he's upset. With only 8 wks to go, you could let the baby sleep just about anywhere at first, but I don't think moving Ben will get any easier with a new baby getting ready to sleep in HIS crib. It's tough, but you have to move him sometime and with your help, he can feel just as secure and happy in his new bed. Keep us posted!

[bensmomma]

Hello all,
   Just thought I'd give you an update on the transition.  Ben has slept in his big boy bed for the last 4 nights and has also taken his naps in his bed as well.  I'm so surprised how well he has taken this whole thing since we had such sleep issues until he was almost 22 months old.  I took your advice as well Melissa in closing the door to his old room.  You're right..out of sight out of mind.  He will still sometimes put up a fuss about going to bed and will need a little more snuggle time with Mommy but will go back to his big bed. Yey!!!  Hopefully we've made the complete transition and I'm not jinxing this.

Thanks

[Florencia]

YAY!!!!!! crossing fingers here too! now you can relax and enjoy your 7 weeks left alone with your little man and prepare for the next one! Congratulations!

[tylersmommy]

So glad things are going well...fingers crossed for you!