Transitioning to Big Girl Bed - Woodstock,GA

I think that I would set it up when they come, and have her sleep in it after they leave. My main thinking is because what if she really likes it, and then she has to get kicked out of it so her grandparents can sleep in it. I would keep her in the toddler bed; then when you go to put her in the full size I would make a big deal out of going to the store and letting her pick out her own new sheets or a bedding set, something that she will be really excited to use but has to stay on her big girl bed.

It sounds like this is a full sized bed so a bit big for her. I would prefer a twin bed for a toddler but either way, if you get a board cut at Lowe's or Home Depot (it's free to cut it), you could just put the mattress on the board, like a bunk bed board, and the child can then sit on the bed and make it easier. If she fell out it's less of a fall too. Then store the box spring until she is bigger and adjusted to the bed. If you had room for the toddler bed in the same room maybe she could start out sleeping on the big bed for nap times, it would be like a treat, then the other bed at bedtime unless she liked it enough to sleep on it right away. Maybe after she sees the grandparents sleep in the bed she will be more anxious to try it too.

She is old enough to give her own opinion on the matter. I would explain to her that she is getting a new big girl bed and let her decide whether she wants to be first to sleep in it or whether she wants G&G to try it out for her first.
FYI - both of my kids have queen size beds that they switched into at 3 and love. It allows them to share their bed with their special stuffed friends and not feel crowded and it is great when company comes into town to have the extra sleeping space. Hope she learns to love her new bed!

I would set up the bed ASAP. Keep the toddler bed in her room, let her try out the new bed or sleep in her old bed, whichever she prefers. I guess this is assuming there's enough room in there for both beds. Anyway, we had great success with our two kids in letting them transition to the big bed on their own schedule. Have a nice visit!