6.20.2010

Here's to Big Boy Beds! Smooth Transitioning From the Crib...

We recently decided to take the plunge and get rid of Elliot’s crib in favor of a toddler bed. Elliot has slept through the night since he was 2 months old, and up until recently had very consistent sleeping patterns. Just before his second birthday in April, he became more reluctant to fall asleep, and night after night he would cry and scream at bedtime. We decided maybe what he needed was a “big boy” bed.

Finding the right bed took some time; I spent a few hours looking at different beds online trying to get one that was cute but practical. We bought one at IKEA and after assembling it realized that you have to buy an IKEA-sized mattress to fit it; the crib mattress was too small, grrrr! Damn you, IKEA and your Swedish measurements! Finally we settled on a bed from good old Babies R Us.

"How do you get a toddler to sleep in a toddler bed?"

I wasn’t sure how to proceed….how do you get a toddler to sleep in a toddler bed? I had my husband assemble the bed and we left it in the living room for a day or two so Elliot could sit, lie, and play on it without feeling that it was a “threat” to his enjoyable crib life. Then I moved it into his room but didn’t insist he sit on it, I just wanted him to get used to it being there. Surprisingly, he took to it happily. He was very proud of his toddler bed and asked to sleep in it. So that day, at nap time, I went about our regular nap-taking routine and simply put him in his toddler bed. He was absolutely tickled about having the freedom to get in and out of it. He came out of his room a few times with the biggest grin on his face! He was so proud of himself! He said, “I’m supposed to be napping mommy!” Trying to hide my laughter I told him he needed to go lie down and take his nap. After two or three times of coming out to show me his cleverness, he finally fell asleep….in his toddler bed…..just like that.

It has been three days now, and we have taken apart the crib and put it in storage. He never asks about his crib or complains about his new sleeping arrangements. It is such a delight to wake up to his little face in mine, asking me to “wake up mommy!” I think that when it’s right for them to transition from a crib to a bed, they’ll let you know in their own special way, which is crying and throwing a fit at bed time; aren’t they little darlings? Our sleeping routine has become a lot less chaotic, and even though it takes a few times of turning him around and putting him back into it, the toddler bed has been a huge success in our family! Here’s to big boy beds!

-Megan

10 comments:

OT and ET said...

1. These pictures are adorable, I can tell Elliot hates his toddler bed, has no fun in it, and can't sleep in it! 2. Your technique of introducing the bed in the living room at first and then no pressure into the bedroom is so loving and I will definitely remember it when Otto turns thirteen and is ready to transition from the crib, and 3. Elliot is growing up so fast! It's insane. xoxo

Bao said...

Hi Lindsey,

Thank you for stopping by my blog! My full [first] name is also Gia-Bao!! It means "family treasure" in Vietnamese. But the name is kind of rare. Like an Ophelia or Ardith. :) What a small world. Thanks for writing this blog!

Bao

Jen said...

Adorable photos. I am a little afraid about the toddler bed and its "freedom to get out of bed at will" corollary. It is nice to read about Elliot's pride in his new bed and how he knew that is what he wanted to do. Also, I think that waking up to a little boy face sounds much nicer than waking up to an upset child crying for you from down the hall. Thumbs up to all!

luv2beanana said...

I like your strategy. Very smooth tranistion. So cute about Elliot testing the waters and his freedom. So cute.

Beth said...

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Kimberly said...

Glad the transition went smoothly. I love the bedding. It reminds me of that Kia Sorrento comercial with the naughty toys. :)

Anonymous said...

Awww! I love it! He looks so cute! I always joke about how my son is going to stay in his crib until he's a teen!

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