As my son turned two and was snugly sleeping in his crib, a well-meaning acquaintance suggested it was time for him to shift to a “big boy” bed. Honestly, I hadn’t even considered that crib time had a limit. Sure, he wouldn’t be taking it off to college, but hey, it seemed a lot better than a dorm bed, right? I was content. He loved his crib, and so did I. Why change a good thing?
As a busy parent to a toddler, the last thing I wanted was to add yet another parenting responsibility to my already full plate. My days were jam-packed with potty training, enforcing hand-washing, sneaking in vegetables, and convincing my little one that daily hygiene is essential. Why complicate things further?
Despite my initial resistance, I often find myself swayed by parenting tips, and my friend’s enthusiasm got the better of me. Soon, a toddler bed arrived at our doorstep, and I launched what I dubbed “Operation Big Boy Bed.”
I was genuinely optimistic, thinking, “The crib isn’t that crucial. This new bed will be fantastic. Everything will work out just fine!” Spoiler alert: It did not.
Unlike my friend, who failed to prepare me for the potential chaos of a newfound bedtime freedom, I’m here to forewarn you. Before transitioning your child from their beloved crib, brace yourself to tackle these essential questions. Expect them to arise at various hours, often in the most whiny tone imaginable:
- “Mommy, can I have some water?”
- “My water spilled. Can I have new blankets?”
- “I didn’t finish my water. Can I have another one?”
- “The water is warm now. Can I have ice in it?”
- “It’s all gone. Can you help me use the potty?”
- “Does Rapunzel have a sister?”
- “Does Mickey Mouse have a mommy? Why not? Is she dead?”
- “What happens when mouse mommies die? Are you going to die?”
- “Can you put carrots in my lunch tomorrow? No! I want oranges instead!”
- “How do snakes hug each other?”
- “I hear a buzzing in my fan. Are there bees?”
- “If bees sting me, will I bleed?”
- “Can I sleep with you? I’m scared of bees.”
- “Did my sister’s toy break? Can I check Daddy’s toy to see if it’s okay?”
- “Can I have a fruit snack? Where’s that toy doggy that Aunt Sarah gave me for my birthday?”
- “Is it morning yet? How about now?”
- “When it’s morning, do I have to go to school? I don’t like school anymore. Can I watch a movie?”
- “What’s your favorite movie? Is it just for adults? Can I see it? Can we have popcorn?”
- “I ate popcorn last year, and it made my tummy hurt. Can I have some medicine?”
- “Just kidding, Mommy! I didn’t take any medicine.”
- “What color is our couch?”
- “Can I get out my Legos? I promise to be quiet!”
- “Can I play Fruit Ninja?”
- “Why is your tummy so big, Mommy? Did you eat a baby? How do babies get in there? Did you eat me?”
- “I miss my dog. Can we bring him inside? The dark is too dark. My nightlight is too bright. My pillow is too squishy.”
- “What is dooooooosh? I heard that word on the TV.”
- “Am I your favorite boy in the world? Don’t you want to sleep in the same bed as me?”
- “There’s a scary man in my closet, Mommy. Is that God? Does God never sleep? Is he tired? Are his eyes burning?”
- “Can I sleep like a bat, upside down?”
- “Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Is Mommy your real name?”
- And lastly, “Is it time to get out of bed yet?!”
This list is just a small glimpse into the barrage of inquiries my son has thrown my way this week. If you made it through without pulling your hair out or reaching for a drink, then congratulations! You are a champion amongst parents and ready to transition your child from a crib to a bed. You are probably also a much better person than I am.
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In summary, transitioning your child from a crib to a bed can be a chaotic experience filled with lots of questions and demands. Being prepared for this shift can help navigate the sleepless nights and curious inquiries that come with it.