Transitioning to Toddler Bed - Buffalo Grove,IL

We transitioned my daughter to a toddler bed at 19-1/2 months to free up the crib for the new baby. Since it was a toddler bed, it didn't have complete side rails (actually, ours doesn't have ANY rails) and twin rails won't work. We also have hardwood floors...hmmm...we just put a thick pad under her bed and I think she maybe fell out twice. Actually, I think both times were much later AFTER we decided to stop using the pad! We had a queen featherbed we weren't using, but any thick comforter would work to cushion the fall.

We did put up a gate at her door and that worked great. I think using a toddler bed is a nice transition for them because they don't feel "swallowed up" by the big bed. Also, if you are still using bumpers on the crib, it may help to remove them so your child is a little more used to an "open" feeling.

This is what worked really well for us when we did the transition at around 18 months for the same reason...baby brother.
Clear the room of all except the dresser and bed...nothing interesting to get into. Of course make sure it is child-proofed and all. Making it as boring as possible helps. Then a safety gate at the doorway to be able to see out, but not get out. The transition went pretty smooth. We had the bed in there for a while before hand so he was used to seeing it. Also, if the transition is not before the new baby is born, can always use the pack n play bassinet for the first few months. Best wishes to you and congrats on the growing family. :)

Hi T.,

I transitioned both of my kids to full size beds with side rails before they were 2. My daughter was 18 months when she moved and actually slept better than when she was in a crib. Three months later her baby brother was born, and she had no issues with sleep by then. I had a gate on her door to keep her contained - she was and still is a roamer. My oldest son moved when he was 21 months, because my youngest son was due three months later. He went right in his bed no problem, and because he is sharing a room with his big sister, we couldn't put up the gate(she needs to have access to the potty if she needs to go). With him, he doesn't really get out of bed at night, so I didn't have any issues. I think having the double bed rails give them a sense of security similar to the crib, because both my kids went through a long period of not getting out of bed when they woke up, but sat in bed and called me as if they were still in a crib.

Anyway, I bet it will go easier than expected, most of my friends have a had relatively easy experiences transitioning their toddlers at an early age.

Good luck and congrats!

J.

T.,

Congrats on #2. We have a 21M old son and another boy due at the end of August.

We spoke to Jacob's doctor about transitioning to the toddler bed (his crib, too, becomes a toddler bed and then a full size head/foot board for later). Anyway, she suggested that we keep him in the crib as long as possible. Unless he's trying to climb out of the crib, he's safer in there. If you are using your son's crib as a toddler bed, won't you have to buy a second crib anyway?

If you do decide to transition, then I've seen many suggestions about a gate at his doorway. If you can 110% toddler-proof his bedroom, then if he gets out of bed the only trouble he can get in is making a heck of a mess!

One suggestion that my mom brought up this weekend...I don't know what kind of furniture you have, but if your son will be in his room unsupervised I would fasten the furniture to the wall with the furniture straps. That way, if he gets into the bottom drawer (literally), he won't be able to topple it over on him.

Good luck and let me know how it goes!

T.

Well what I would suggest is buy the plastic guard rails so that your son won't roll out the bed because my daughter is almost three and she sleeps so wild that she still rolls out the bed. We have a trundle bed so it's not as bad when she does fall out. But it's good to have the big kid bed so that when he needs to use the washroom by himself, he can just go.

Will his room be next to stairs because if so, you may want to buy a gate as well so he doesn't accidently fall down any stairs. For the most part, our daughter is good with staying in her room at night and not wandering around but for the first week or so, just watch his habits and you can tell from where what you need to do.