Mud Pies & Minivans: Making The Transition: From Crib 2 Big Girl Bed

With Z-Day quickly approaching it is time to get 2 big transitions done. For the 1st, the time has come to change Addie-Bear over from a crib to a toddler bed.

Yes, this transition in the "normal world" usually takes place around 2 years old, but with how close new babies tend to "pop up" around here we typically make this transition around 18 months. Addie is all for this change. She thinks she is as big as her sisters & has already been showing many signs she is more than ready. It is important to note here that each child is different & as the parent you will definitely know in your heart when they are ready or need to make each new change (Ex: done with bottles, potty training, time to get rid of pacifier, crib to bed transition, & so forth).

So, new nursery completely ready or not, here we go! The room is baby-proofed already with all heavy furniture buckled down, electric plugs plugged up, window pull cords tied up, & so forth so even if all the bells & whistles are not yet in place it is time to make this thing happen!

Now, when you decide to jump into a new transition with your lil' one, it is important to first make sure you & your partner are fully committed to seeing it all the way through to success. There is nothing like confusing a child where mommy does things 1 way & daddy does them another. You don't want to be that parent who is known as the "pushover" or the only parent that indiscipline. It's not time to be "the friend", you are both the parents. You are a united team that love your kids, both are not afraid to discipline or correct, & you are both consistent in following through what you say you'll do & implementing boundaries you have set in your home.

Another important thing to keep in mind before starting a new transition is to try & do it at a time where not a lot of other big changes are happening in your family's life. For example, starting potty training in the middle of your family moving into a new house might not be setting yourself or your child up for the best chance of success. We have a new baby coming soon so I am trying to get 2 big transitions completed before Adley has to adjust to a new brother on top of everything else. There may not always be the "perfect time" because life can be busy & unpredictable, but just try your best to plan things out.

So, here we are. My husband & I are committed & ready to make this big girl bed transition with Adley (next goes the pacifier she currently only has for bedtime-late teether). We have gotten her feet wet this past week by letting her make frequent visits to the new nursery as we were putting it together-helping her start to take ownership & realize it is her bedroom (and Zye's of course).

Tonight, after having a nice dinner, bath, pajamas, & a story we laid Adley down in her big girl bed with her favorite stuffed animals. I explained to her our expectations on staying in bed & not touching certain items. After that we sang her special song, turned on her special lil' light & some music before closing her door.

It was silent for a minute or 2, she didn't get up but I think she was just taking in her surroundings but soon after that she began to cry. She cried nonstop for a good 10 minutes, but remained in bed. As a mom (and hormonal pregnant), hearing her crying immediately made me want to rush in there & rescue her, but that really would not be doing her any real favors in the long run. Instead, I just had to put myself in check & realize she already had all her needs met & could work through it. Sure enough, after maybe 5 more minutes she fell asleep. Yay!

15 minutes is not bad, but while believing this will remain a smooth transition, this is only day #1. I am committed to seeing it through to complete success!

Well, night all!!!!

-M&M Momma