Making the big move as we call it in our house can be a scary thing for a toddler. For us, it came when my 16 month old discovered how to climb over the rails of his crib. Unfortunately, it was right about the time when we were able to lay him down and he would go to sleep on his own. Needless to say, we were scared!

This move can be a big deal for a toddler. You can make the transition much smoother by implementing these four tips to help make that transition easier for you and, more importantly, for your toddler.

Start with naps

To make the move easier, do it slowly. Put up the big bed in the same room as the crib and encourage your toddler to sleep there for naps instead of night time at first. Spend time on the bed with your toddler. Play under the covers and read books there. Make it a fun place for your toddler to be rather than a scary place.

Have a routine in place.

Every night your child should have a good idea about what is going to happen at a particular point in the evening. This creates an environment in which they are comfortable and secure. Your toddler will take this security with them when they transition to the toddler bed. Try incorporating baths, brushing teeth and a story into your bedtime routine.

New bed, new room

The great thing about children is that they are easily entertained. So make this transition an adventure by rearranging their furniture or painting their room a new color. You should be cautious with this since it can be a really good thing or a really bad thing. Make sure to talk to your child and involve them in the change. If they seem hesitant about it, then don’t do it however, if they seem excited about it, then shoot for the moon.

If you took the above advice about leaving the crib in the room, then you have no worries, however, if not, then it is a good idea to put the toddler bed in the same location as the old crib. This way your toddler will have an extra layer of *familiar* at night.

Keep your attitude in check

Another mistake that parents make is *forcing* their toddlers to sleep in a new bed. In case you haven’t noticed, it is nearly impossible to *force* your toddler to do ANYTHING at all! Don’t fight with them about this. If they don’t want to do it, then don’t push it. It is important to encourage him or her, but at the same time if he gets up in the night and moves back to the crib or if he cries for the crib, then let your toddler sleep where he is most comfortable. It will happen eventually with enough positive encouragement.

Offer rewards for sleeping in the new bed such as a new book or a trip to the park. As parents, bribery is our friend. Embrace it!