Bed time or nap time - easier bed transition time?

kathyo1982 · March 2014

Hello - expecting baby #2 in about 5 1/2 weeks, baby #1 is 19 months. I've been debating putting her in a toddler bed, anyone already put the older sibling in a bed, or done so with an older child? What was an easier transition time? Bed time because it's dark, and they sleep longer, or nap time?

krazyinsane · March 2014

I switched DD#1 at 18 months to a twin mattress on the floor. Bed time was easier than naps be cause she was more tired and ready to sleep and it was dark. Plus we keep toys in a separate room so nothing to play with! DD#2 went from our bed/pack n play straight to a queen sized mattress on the floor with DD#1 at 12/13 months... We just bought a new king mattress so the girls got out old one and DD#3 will move to that with them after she night weans.

jesselayne8 · March 2014

We did bedtime and went straight from the crib to a full size bed off the floor. DD was 26 months.

jf198400 · March 2014

We moved dd to a twin bed at 20months (DS was born when she was 18months). We started with bedtime since both parents were home then. One of us would lay in bed with her while she fell asleep. Nap was harder b/c I couldn't lay down with her since I had DS to take care of. But since you are transitioning before baby arrives I'd probably just start both bedtime and naptime.

kathyo1982 · March 2014

Thanks for the input. I think we may try this weekend. The only things in the room are an empty dresser, which she will use when she gets a little older, a toddler bed, and a bean bag chair. I do have a small basket with 4 or 5 board books as well. I'm planning on putting the baby gate up in the doorway, should she try to 'escape'. She only naps at home on the weekends, and she's in a crib at the sitters so I did start to think that bed time might be easier than nap time. All in all she is a VERY good sleeper, usually 11-12 hours on the weekends, so maybe it'll be 'easie'r than I think.

noonescookie · March 2014

We put a toddler bed in the nursery at 18 months (DS1 will be 20 months when DS2 arrives) and tried nap time, but it was a no-go, even though he naps on a cot no problem at daycare. We've decided to wait now until we're ready to move DS2 from our room to the nursery. Based on these comments, I think we'll try bedtime instead. DS1 is already starting to skip naps on occasion. He'll hang out in his crib without complaint for an hour and a half, but no sleeping. Mostly singing. :-)

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Bed time or nap time - easier bed transition time?

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