Toddler bed for a "barely Toddler"?!

missjenna84

Ladies...

It's happening.  DD has figured out how to hoist herself over the side of the crib...  woke up last night to her crying frantically in a pitch dark room because she couldn't get the door open.  And that wasn't the first time.  She broke out during nap time the day before. 

We've got her crib mattress as low as possible, and I am not comfortable with a crib tent for safety purposes.  But of course, I'm not comfortable with my little girl throwing herself over the side of her crib either.  I'm thinking it's time for a toddler or twin bed with side railings, but the thing is...  she's not even 2!  DD turns 2 December 16th...  how is sleeping in a toddler bed EVER going to work at this age?!

Prior to my photography career, I worked in child care...first a day care and then Nannying for two different families.  I haven't encountered this problem before...  Well, I have, but the Mom insisted on using a crib tent (I won't go into it, but there is a story...and it's the EXACT reason I will NOT be using a crib tent).  I guess I mean, I haven't had to think about what I'd do if a child needed to use a toddler bed before I thought he/she was really ready to learn about sleeping in one. 

So, what do I do?  Buy her a bed and railings and just prepare for LACK OF SLEEP for a very long time?!  lol.... HELP!!!

ASmallWonder

No worries on the crib tents because you can't even buy one - they've been recalled for safety reasons.  She'll get up and wander around but she'll get it eventually.  Make sure the room is totally child proofed, including securing dressers etc. to the wall.  Get a doorknob cover or a baby gate and just see how it goes

cedenton

I've heard of removing the bottom of the crib and laying the mattress on the floor. I'd have to test it out, though, before I'd be comfortable doing it.
I think you'd be surprised what your DD could adjust to. DS sleeps on a cot for nap time at daycare. Because of that, if necessary, I think he would adjust pretty quickly to converting our crib to a daybed (crib with toddler rail). I don't plan on doing it until I have to, but it's an option.

missjenna84

Thanks ladies, y'all are the best!

I'm feeling a lot better about it already.  I was just panicking when I posted! lol I know it probably won't be "easy" so to speak, but not unbearable.  My MIL did suggest a lock on the outside of the door- baby proofing her dresser drawers and putting all her toys in her closet at bed time (not hard to do). 

kderham

I have some friends who had the same issue at 18 months! One of them simply put all the toys in the closet so there was no motivation to get out and play and then put a baby gate in the door but left it open (opens to the outside) so they could hear if she was up. The other friend - and I thought this was crazy brilliant! - converted their crib to a toddler bed but never let him climb in or out himself. They acted like it was still the crib. He didn't even figure out he could get out on his own for 2 months! By then, he was so used to it, he never got out! I think its genius but I'm not sure if its child specific. Good luck! I'd be interested to hear what you do. Mine is a climber at 15 months and I feel like its going to happen pretty soon.

allardr

elmoali said:

No worries on the crib tents because you can't even buy one - they've been recalled for safety reasons.  She'll get up and wander around but she'll get it eventually.  Make sure the room is totally child proofed, including securing dressers etc. to the wall.  Get a doorknob cover or a baby gate and just see how it goes

This. We plan to switch DD around 22 months before LO#2. Extra toddler proofing and just let her roam, eventually they learn bed is the comfy place to sleep. I also plan to only leave books & stuffed animals in the bedroom no toys. I figure both those are sleep friendly activities even if she does get up. I'd put mattress directly on floor too to start.

mommymegan831

DD started climbing out of the crib at 18 months.  We put her in a twin bed, without rails (one side is against a wall) and it's never been an issue.

preggersin2011

I took the side of the crib off and put up a bed rail

g8trkim

We converted DS's crib to a toddler bed right at 2 and put the baby gate in the doorway. I was definitely worried but it was never an issue. When he would wake up he just wanted us so he would cry and it would wake us up. Even now at 3 1/2 he just comes straight to our room. He's never gotten into anything. And trust me he's mischievous!

summershanty

I can't help you from an experience point of view (my LO is 17 months and still in a crib), but the Toddler 411 book says the average age of children transitioning to beds is 20 months.  Also, as other said, they suggest you make their room their "crib" so everything is safe in case they do get out of bed.