big boys bed...

[topsy1]

trying to convince my ds1 that he wants to sleep in his big boy bed at night, but he won't! the problem we have is his brother is needing to go into his cot - at the moment sleeping in a crib but nearly out. tried all sorts of things except putting my foot down. sleeps for naps in it. don't want to have to insist because very good at bed time and sleeps very well, but if i do, will i mess it all up... anybody with experience please - what do i do????

Can you encourage him by going out with him to let him choose a new duvet cover for it, and make it clear that this is for his big boy bed? Also maybe a star chart, with a reward at the end of the week if he sleeps in it?

tried all that....

Ah, well maybe someone else might have some ideas...

Depending on his age have you tried telling him that if he doesn't use it his brother will get it, my Sister did this, even put the moses basket on it one night and said he had to be quick or his Brother would get the new bed .
Have you thought he might be scared of falling out or something?

We took Ds to Ikea's fab children's department and let him play on everything there and bounce on all of the beds and then asked him if he would like one! Never had any problems after that.

As I take it you already have a bed, you could try the same with some of the bed accessories like lights in shape of bugs and canopies (none of which are very expensive)or whatever takes his fancy.