If you have one of those cribs that converts into a toddler bed, that may make the transition easier, and she should fit in that for another year - my daughter is still in hers at 3-1/2, and she is very tall. And she may enjoy picking out her own new sheets - maybe her favorite character. Getting her involved in the change helps with transition.

Fla Girl. Thanks. I think Ana's crib is one of those that converts. But my wife and I have talked of putting Ana in the guest bed, which is a full size bed. Maybe we should first try the converted crib before making the leap to the big bed. What do you think?

It sounds like the converted crib would help make for an easier transition, since it's the bed she's already used to, just in a different form. I also agree with Fla Girl - getting them involved in the process by picking sheets, etc. also helps in the transition. My eldest son and daughter moved to toddler beds when another baby was coming, they were both at around the two year mark when another sibling was expected. With our third, and last one (unless God decides to intervene with medical procedures to send us another one, which we've heard about happening!), I am so taking my time. If she's still in the crib by 3, then we'll think about transitioning to a big girl bed. Until then, we're taking it nice and slow! My eldest son and daughter transitioned without much fanfare, it was just another bed. Just a little instruction on not getting out of bed unless they have to potty or there's an emergency, and that was all she wrote. They just know: when it's time to sleep, it's time to sleep! Anyway, don't stress too much about it - your little one will figure it out.

Becky. Thank you.

Good suggestions. We don't have a particular timetable. That is, unless, my daughter decides to start climbing out of the crib or if she just gets to big.

Should we just wait until then or should we try to make the switch before?

My feeling is: why rush it? If you need to use her crib for a sibling on the way, then start transitioning her. Or just get another crib if that's an option. Before the age of 3, I just don't see the real need. Unless, like you said, she's climbing out or gets too big. And even if she's climbing out, that doesn't mean you HAVE to put her in a bed. Just another teaching opportunity, to teach her not to climb out of her crib if that's what you guys establish as a rule. For obvious safety reasons, you probably don't want her climbing out, so the bed would be safer for her. All that to say, wait until she's older or starts to climb out. Enjoy the crib while you have it! I'm sure you've heard this a million times, but time really does fly. It won't be too long when this pondering over whether or not to transition to a bed will seem like a distant memory - if it's a memory at all! So enjoy the ride, and don't rush it if you don't have to...

Yea. I think you're right. No need to push it.

Even now, when she's not even two, it's hard to remember her as the helpless little creature we brought home from the hospital.

In the grand scheme of things, the transition to a big-girl bed will be small potatoes, I guess.