Transition into Toddler Bed

Updated on December 12, 2006
L.G. asks from Avondale, AZ
4 answers

My 18 mo old (so young!)has learned to climb out of his crib! I know the crib must go. Any advice on the best way to transition into a big boy bed? We must do it immediately so my son doesn't get hurt falling out of the crib at night. We have a sleigh crib and the rails don't lower, just the mattress, which is on the lowest setting.

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C.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I can so relate...it is very scary! My son fell out of his crib at about 14 months old and he broke his ankle. Ever since that day he has been in a toddler bed. He fell out of that as well, but landed on the soft pillows and blankets I had around his bed. So my suggestion is get him out of the crib before he gets hurt, get him a toddler bed, and surround it with blankets and pillows!! Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from Phoenix on

Wow been there done that already four times over! You have to make it a fun process, I learned that with my hard headed son. The girls where easy. I got him a toddler car bed and he loved it. For many nights I would find him on the floor and would have to put him right back in it and in the morning he would be on the floor again. I put blankets on the floor right by his bed so he would not be sleeping on the floor and would have a little comfort, but kids dont care :o) Also try decorating his bed in his favorite theme, encourage him and praise him once you get him to sleep in the bed. But getting a BIG BOY bed is the safest option at this stage of the game....Good luck

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M.S.

answers from Denver on

Hi L.-
My son started climbing out of his crib when he was a little over 2 and what we did was just lower the side rail of his crib so he could just jump down and not be hurt, but at the same time there were rails surrounding him so he would not fall out of bed..When he got use to that then we bought him a big bed (we never did the toddler beds) and we just put rails up on both sides and he LOVED it he loved being a "big boy" ...
My daughter is 20 months old and she has not learned how to climb out yet (hopefully not for awhile) but with her I would just leave the side rail down she does not seem big enough to me for a big girl bed yet???
Good luck,
M.

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S.

answers from Phoenix on

I know some people who have used crib tents with great success. My son started climbing out at 2 1/2 so I felt it was probably time to make the change. So we converted his crib to a toddler bed- I do wish I tried the tent though. We had some really rough nights in the beginning. The freedom was so exciting for him! Exhausting for me.

My friend who used the tent has triplets. She loved the tents- it also kept the babies from "accidentally" throwing their fav blankie or toy out.

Good luck!

S.

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