The time has come, or at least we’ve chosen the time to be now! We have 5 weeks before our bundle of joy arrives. We are obviously excited but also anxious about the foreseeable changes that are going to take place. The closer we get to the due date the more the reality sets in that the dynamics of our “threesome” will dramatically change once we become a “foursome!” (actually, “fivesome” if you count “Kujo!”)
Our happy “threesome” at my son’s first birthday party
We are very lucky to be surrounded by supportive, not to mention, generous friends who have lent us baby gear in the past 18 months, most importantly, our crib! The only way to avoid actually buying a new one is to kick transfer my son out of his crib and move him into his (borrowed!) toddler bed before his sister is born.
Looks pretty comfy to me! 😉
Well, the decision has been made…better to make the transition, well, make my son make the transition now before his little sister is born (to avoid any jealousy issues, or so I’ve been told!).
Apparently some children make the transition with ease, (I’m crossing my fingers!) while others not so well. Worst-case scenario: being forced to revisit (for a few days or in some cases, weeks) those first few months of sleepless nights, or as I like to call them, the “I feel like a zombie/I feel drunk/I can’t function/I need coffee” months! (Once again, crossing my fingers!)
Here are some of the options that we’ve heard of and put into practice:
1) Keep crib in room and put child down for naps in toddler bed to start.
Well, no such luck there! According to my son, the toddler bed is for reading stories, jumping on and playing with his toys!
Book #1
Book #5…
2) Keep crib in the room so child gets familiar with toddler bed before making the transition.
Not happening…every time I ask my son where his “letto” is (that’s “bed” in Italian), he points to the crib!
Poor thing just looks so content in his crib! (Note to self: Must find a place for that aquarium on the bed!) Any ideas?
3.) Go cold turkey!
Enough said! That’s the plan…which we intend to put into effect in a few days time! (Lord, help me!)
I haven’t yet come to terms with the fact that in 5 weeks I will have to suffer (once again) through seemingly endless sleepless nights, after having had a blissful 7-8 hours of sleep every night (well, most nights!) since my son was 4 months old! Although I’m worried that my son might not make the transition easily, I can’t help but wonder if I should consider this milestone moment in my son’s life as possible “training” to prepare myself for the new arrival?!! People always say, “It could be a blessing in disguise!”
Well, we’ll have to wait and see about that one!
Which tactics or strategies were successful for you and your child with the crib to bed transition?!! I would love some insight!
How old is your son Monica? If he’s asking then I would go for it! 😉 I thought mine had no clue what was going on but he was so used to having his toddler bed in his room (for a good month before) that he didn’t seem to miss his crib! He actually seemed excited about it! He fell asleep pretty quickly but he did wake up once. He sometimes does but then falls back asleep. Of course, now he has the liberty of getting up and walking around! I simply kept putting him back in his bed for a good 1/2 hour…then gave up! We’ve reverted to the cry-it-out method in the past and it works for my son! He whined for a bit then fell back asleep! If you’re not a fan of that method I’ve heard people suggest to keep putting them back in their bed (no talking!) then leaving the room and increasing the time interval each time. Anyway, I’ll be posting details about the “transition” soon! Let me know how your transition goes!!!
Great to hear that the transition wasn’t too bumpy! It gives me hope! Both kiddos are sleeping so well that I’m afraid to make the switch…but know that he is ready. Thanks! Monica
I know! We didn’t want to rock the boat either,but we had no choice!
Lisa, Your son is so adorable and he looks like pretty happy in his cute toddler bed. I have been thinking of switching my son soon, because he keeps asking for a bed. Although I kept my daughter (trapped) in her crib until she was THREE! She never asked to get out and I was worried about a nighttime escape artist. The switch was fine, but she more than ready. Please let me know if you have specific tricks for keeping him in his bed all night! Thinking of you and your little girl on the way. xx -Monica