Dd will be 15 1/2 months old when ds#2 is born. I'm just realizing that I'm going to HAVE to find another crib.

At what age did your kids move to a bed and how can you tell when they're ready? I think ds#1 was around 2 and had tried climbing out, but I can't remember any more.

Great question! I've been struggling with this question myself. I'll be interested to hear people's answers.

I switched DD's around 2 or 2 1/2 yrs old. If you decide to do this, you'll need a guard, as they will fall out of bed, lol.

We bought a conversion kit for the crib this time, to stretch out it's usage and make it a toddler bed. I have a Jenny Lind crib, and was able to get a conversion kit at Sears for around $20.00.

I have now done this with five kids and every one was different!

I 'tried' to put all (except the last - my baby! LOL) in a bed at 12 months (normally because I needed the cot again! LOL)

I would advise NEVER to move a child out of their cot because you need it NOW as they can get jealous of a new baby anyway without having to give up their bed as well - so try and take it at least a couple of months before you need it.

My first son had a bed side and fell out anyway! But then he used to climb the cot and fall out, that's WHY I put him in a bed. In the end I just put the bed mattress on the floor, until he got used to it.

DD #2 - Went into a bed and constantly got out to play, as it was easier and was always asleep on the floor! I just picked her up and put her back in bed.

DS #3 and DD #4 - I don't remember having any probs with at all.

And DD #5 (the child from hell LOL) I tried to put her in a bed at 2 and she screamed and screamed, I sat with her, tried to comfort her - Everything! She was totally hysterical - kicking and screaming, trying to get out, it was awful. The very same night I knew there was NO WAY she was sleeping, so I put the cot back up and while I was putting it together she was trying to get in! :eek: She slept instantly??? About 3 months later I tried again and had NO problems at all ???? She does have the cot quilts on a full size bed though as she won't give them up.

Sorry I went on :)

My ds was 2 and a couple months and was really easy- he never gives us a problem going to bed, he sleeps all night and rarely wakes up before 7 AM. Sure he was apprehensive about it all that day and aftr we tucked him in, he got up and played in his room. I went in, tucked him back in and he slept all night. I also found an awesome blanket for him (John Deere tractors) and since then, he just loves his bed.

Laura

Actually it was the same time as the highchair 17mo.WE were giving the crib to my neighbor and found ds a toddler bed and put him in it.The first few weeks were rough but after a month he got in all by himself and went to sleep,now he's a pro

I've been wondering when to switch jackson to. When he goes to bed,he stays awake over an hour talking,playing and walking around the baby bed. Katie has bunk beds,so we're taking the top bunk off and giving that to Jackson. Dh is moving the bed today in his room,just so he'll get the feel of having abig boy bed.
I may start off with naptime in that bed,just to see how he deals with it lol He'll be 2 in April and I won't need the baby bed for prob 6 months after I have the baby but I didn't want him to feel the baby was 'taking' HIS bed so I'm hoping to have him in his bed way before the baby will need the crib.
Danielle-you reminded me...We need a guard! Thanks!