The crib to twin bed (or any bed) transition for a toddler can be a trying for parents. Double the challenge if there is another sibling arriving shortly and vying for your toddler’s crib.
When I was pregnant with my son, I agonized for months prior to his arrival, on how I was going to somehow get my 21 month old daughter to accept, love, and of course USE her new twin bed instead of the crib. I surveyed everyone, asked a million questions, and came up with a strategy that I thought was sound. Here’s what I did:
Prior to giving birth, I gradually decorated and furnished my daughters new room, made it fun, girly and made her part of the process every step of the way. Every day, I made a big deal of showing her the room. We would sing, dance and get very excited about her new space. (Did I mention she’s a total ham? That made it much easier).
When my son was born, we set up a bassinet in our room and had my newborn son sleeping in the bassinet while my daughter was still in the crib. Once we were in as much of a routine as any household can handle (with a two kids under two years), we began the great transition…
Before bed, my husband or I would sit with our daughter in her new twin bed, read books, say prayers and complete the entire bedtime routine. Then, when it came time to sleep, we’d put her in the crib. After a few nights of doing this and having her gradually become comfortable with the new “big girl” bed, we asked her if she wanted to stay the night in her new bed. To which she replied “Yes!”
Shocked, I thought, it can’t be this easy? So I kissed her goodnight and just as I was about to turn off the light, I saw total panic across her face. Of course! She’ll be afraid of the dark in her new room and bed.
And then, I remembered what has become one of the most indespensible baby products in my life to date — the Twilight Turtle. This little guy was on my baby registry simply because I thought it was cute. It sat in the nursery unused for almost 2 years until that very moment when my little girl needed a little light. When I introduced the toy, she was so delighted with the ceiling full of stars and colors, that she all but forgot about the first night in her twin bed. And guess what, that first night was a success, an we haven’t looked back since.
Now, my newborn is in the nursery crib and as part of my daughter’s nightly bedtime routine, post books, prayers and kisses, we douse the lights, turn on the Twilight Turtle and our “big girl” sleeps peacefully beneath the stars…
Other articles you may find helpful:
Mamapedia Advice on Crib to Twin Transition
Babycenter: How Can I Help My Child Transition from a Crib to A Big Kid Bed?