Making the move to a bed is a big development in the lives of toddlers and parents alike. Toddlers can have trouble adjusting to the openness of a bed, and parents can be struck by just how fast their baby is growing up. How do you ease your child's transition? And knowing that your child will be able to get out of bed himself and wander around, how can you keep him safe? Here the parents of iVillage share their tips on making the switch between crib and bed a joyful transition.

Knowing When to Make the Switch
"If your son can get out of the crib, it's time for the crib to go! That's a long fall from the top rail of the crib, and he could get hurt. Why not try a toddler bed? They are inexpensive, and you can use the crib mattress in it. There are all kinds of bed rails that go with them, too. And if that doesn't work, I would let him sleep in the playpen."
~ iVillage member PSHeideR