Q.  How and when should I move my toddler from a crib to a bed?

A.   There's no set time when you have to replace your child's crib with a regular or toddler bed, although most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2. It's best to wait until your child is closer to 3, since many little ones just aren't ready to make the transition. Of course, you'll need to move your toddler to a bed when he's simply too big or too active to sleep in a crib anymore. And once he's potty-trained, he'll need to be able to get out of bed to use the toilet. 

Get your toddler excited about having a "big-kid bed".  Take your  toddler shopping with you for new sheets featuring his favorite characters, and encourage him to show his "big-kid bed" to visiting friends and family.