My co-worker told a cute story about her 22 month-old at lunch the other day. They had come home after a long day and both parents wanted to go to bed. So they put her in her crib and coaxed her to go to bed. Mom and Dad collapsed into bed extremely exhausted. After a few minutes their door swung wide open. They sat straight up in bed fearing the worst...robber, burgular...no, it was none other than little Allie (name has been changed) with a cheesy grin on her face like "look what I did mom and dad!" For little Allie it is probably time to switch to a toddler bed.
My best friend is in the process of transitioning her 17 month old into a toddler bed. She is expecting baby number two this fall and wants to have plenty of time to transition Oliver (name has been changed) to his new toddler bed.
Which situation is the right situation? The answer is both. Transitioning to a toddler bed depends on the child and the parent. In both situations the parents were doing what is right for them. In Allie's case she needs to be transitioned soon so that she doesn't hurt herself as she continues to climb out of the crib. And in Oliver's case, his mom and dad are giving him several months to get used to the new bed before the new baby arrives and needs the crib.
Here are some important tips when transitioning:
1. Choose a functional bed that may be best for your toddler. We suggest the Anna (picture at the top) toddler bed or the Elizabeth toddler bed (at the bottom).
2. Make sure the time is right for your toddler and you. Don't make the change as a reaction to new conditions such as starting pre-school or making room for a new baby. In both these cases make sure you leave plenty of time before a big event.
3. Keep a routine. Stick to your usual bedtime routine and make sure the child understands that it is bedtime.
4. Make it fun! Make this transition as fun as possible for your toddler. Choose some new bedding or bring a new bedtime story to the new bed.
This is the Elizabeth Toddler bed. This cute little bed will grow with your toddler as it converts to a full size bed. Our current sale price for this is $159
