For many moms, having a new baby means it’s time to move their older child out of the crib and into a “big kid” bed so the baby has a place to sleep. This can be a big change for your firstborn, but there are a few simple tricks experienced moms use that can help your child make the move smoothly:

Talk it up. Making a big deal about the new bed and even reading books about it can help get your child excited about making the switch.

Shop for bedding together. Lots of moms have found that letting the child pick out his or her own sheets helped make the big bed even more appealing.

Bring familiar friends. Don’t forget to move all of your child’s security items, like stuffed animals and blankets, from the crib to the new bed. Some moms even make pillows and bedding out of the old crib sheets to make the new bed feel familiar.

Keep it low. Placing a mattress on the floor lets your child have a big kid bed without you having to worry about   falling out.

Tip: Night Pants (Nite Pants)—pants for children sleeping in their own bed who were recently potty trained.

Tip: No matter which type of bed you choose for your little one, you can help protect it from nighttime accidents by letting recently potty-trained children sleep in night pants until the excitement of the new sleeping arrangements has worn off.