How to Transition from Crib to Toddler Bed...

I wouldn't sweat it, power struggles end up causing resistance and refusal from little ones who are insecure with changes (in my experience with my 9 year old). Give it a month or so, play it (the big boy bed) up, keep it in his room, maybe even chose that as a special snuggle spot during the day at random for you two - so he can make a positive connection with that 'new place', maybe even say things about how you like your bed (daddy and I are going to bed in our 'big bed') and then try again about every 4 weeks, giving him the opportunity to adjust. Maybe he's just not ready to let go of the security of knowing what to expect. Sometimes I catch myself rushing my 2 year old, and then I remember (from having a 9 year old who's been through all of these big changes) that it's not forever, and it's really more about me wanting him to transition...but I've learned the hard way, that all things happen in their own time!! Don't worry - he won't sleep in the crib forever :).

Does he still take naps in his crib or in his new bed? If he takes a nap try it in the new bed or try letting him play in his new room. We made everything fun for our boys. We put there favorite toys in their new room and asked them where they wanted there bed and how they wanted there pillow and made them part of the decisions. They are so little but it was advice people gave me and it worked for both of my boys now going on 4 and 6 who are very independent at times and like things just so. They are very creative at school and love to design and come up with new ways to put their toys and always make room for news ones of course. Please feel free to let me know how it works out for you. best of luck. Always make it fun and get them involved. From one stay at home mom to another.

In my opinion from experience 19 months may be a little young to transition. I would suggest instead a crib tent(can use to 36 months) on the crib if you are worried about him falling out from climbing etc. At 19 months you should still be concerned about safety when in a room, not in a crib. My child transitioned to the big boy bed after we could really discuss it and he gave input about his feelings (closer to three).

I put my daughter's crib in the room with the bed and didn't move it out until she said she was ready. This gave her a feeling of some control. I told her she could stay in her crib as long as she wanted, but the bed was there, looking more and more interesting each day. Of course, I didn't have any issues with her climbing out, not sure if you do. Anyway, it went from 100% crib to 50/50 to 100% bed in a short time. The other thing I did was I let her sleep in her bed in her sleeper, instead of blankets which she wasn't used to at first. Again, eventually she figured out that covers were better. But she did it on her terms and I would say it was about a month from start to finish. Good luck.

He might be a little young for a toddler bed. Is it possible to keep his crib and the toddler bed in the same room? Then you could ask him which he preferred to sleep in. Once he starts consistently choosing the toddler bed, you can take the crib out.
Good luck!

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