Toddler bed

[pearlvirus]

Last week DD1 started trying to climb out of her crib for the first time. We were watching on the video monitor, so we were able to go to her before she actually fell out, but her belly was on the top rail, so she definitely could do it. So far she's only tried when she does not want to be in the crib, so she's yelling/crying too, so we're watching. I'm worried one of these nights she's going to be more stealthy and fall on her head. She's still wearing a sleep sack. So I think I have to switch her to a toddler bed now, right? But how can I make her room safe? She is a climber in general, so where do I keep the dresser, book shelf, lazy boy? And should I install a latch on the door? She can open it and when I tried to install a gate she scaled that too and there is a flight of stairs pretty much right outside her door...

[younglove316]

We aren't there yet so I'm talking from things I've seen, not experience. They make those know handles that you could put on the door so she can't open it. I would also recommend anchoring everything to the walls.

[Deleted]

^wss for safety. We recently switched DD and I put the knob cover on the door. It keeps her from opening it. I also have a gate at the top of the stairs.

So far she has done great in her bed. She stays in it until I come get her. I told her that's what she needed to do before she went to bed the first night.

[lakecountrygal]

We went right to the twin mattress on the floor. I usually snuggle with him until he's asleep but we've been having sleep issues in general with DS so it's better for everyone in the long haul to snuggle him to sleep in his bed.

So far if he gets out of bed he's come right to our room. He usually stays in bed and cries though until we get him. We never had issues with him crawling out of the crib though either.

[katka512]

DD went right to a mattress on the floor. We put the cover on the door knob, but she never gets out of bed by herself. She plays with her stuffed animals and books when she wakes up and waits for us to get her.
You can bolt her furniture to the wall so it can't tip if she climbs it.

[pearlvirus]

Last night was her first night in the toddler bed! It went pretty much as badly as it could have without her hurting herself she won't even try to sleep. We read a book and she says "sleep now" climbs in to her bed, lays down for a second and then jumps up and says "morning!" So I read a bit more... Repeat repeat repeat! I left her in there and she just stood by the door screaming and pulling on the (locked) handle.

[Deleted]

That is bad. I'm so sorry it went that way. When we switched I made sure I told DD she was to stay in her bed until I came to get her. The only time she has gotten out of bed is when she had to use the bathroom really bad.

I just purchased an Okay to Wake clock. I haven't used it yet bc we are leaving to go out of town for a week. It may be worth it for you to try. You just have to be firm and consistent with it.

Also, you may have to sleep train for the toddler bed. Do the Ferber Method and go in intermittently to put her back in bed and not continue reading. That was my plan had it not gone so well.

[katka512]

That sounds rough.
We also told DD she couldn't get out of bed until we came to get her. It's worked very well.
We had one bad week about 3 weeks after she started in the big bed where she would scream and cry when I put her down. And she did get out of bed repeatedly for one nap. I sat outside her door and continually put her back in bed until she stopped getting out and fell asleep. No talking other than saying "it's nap time." It wasn't fun but she hasn't gotten out of bed again. And there hasn't been any crying at nap time other than that one week.
I hope it gets easier for you.

[lakecountrygal]

When we transitioned the only way I got DS to stay in bed is to lay there with him until he's either asleep or completely relaxed and super drowsy. It sucks because I'm sure I've created a monster, but he only gets out of bed in the morning and I've got some downtime after he goes to bed before I go to bed. Plus he's usually asleep within 20 minutes instead of it being over an hour long battle.

[RandomName]

We are struggling with the toddler bed right now too. We just transitioned 2 days ago. Right now we are repeatedly going in and putting her back in bed. We emptied out her room so there isn't anything to do. She takes a bit longer to get to sleep but it seems to be working. Last night she kept getting up from about 2-2:30. At first she thinks it's a game (us putting her back in bed) but when we don't make eye contact, smile, or interact she seems to get it.

[pearlvirus]

I don't get how all your kids just do what you ask them to do, lol.

[walkek85]

We put DS in a full size bed about a month ago. The first week I would lay with home until he fell asleep then after that I would stay for shorter and shorter times. I would alway tell him I was right outside the door. Luckily we never really had issues with him getting out of bed.

I agree with the Ferber method of intervals to go in and soothe/put back in bed. They seem to get it after a few nights and it teaches a valuable skill of putting themselves to sleep.

[RandomName]

pearlvirus lol. If only For us, I think it's the repetition. And I'm not even kidding that we go in 5-10+ times.

[RandomName]

Last night we let DD fall asleep with me in my bed before moving her to her bed. She slept great in her bed all night. Didn't get up and slept until 6:30 am. Now to try again tonight without cuddles in my bed first.

[pearlvirus]

Has anyone else's kid said "big bed too big, want small bed" or similar? Should I go back to the crib?!?

[RandomName]

Apr 11, 2016 6:35:37 GMT -5 pearlvirus said:

Has anyone else's kid said "big bed too big, want small bed" or similar? Should I go back to the crib?!?

My DD hasn't said anything like this (although she's not verbal enough to say this). But: Did you try just the mattress on the floor? Is your toddler bed one where the side of the crib was removed? Could you try to put the open side up against the wall?

[katka512]

pearlvirus lol we got lucky with her bed. She definitely doesn't listen to us all the time!

[pearlvirus]

We put the crib rail back on and she happily took a 2+ hour nap. I guess she's just not ready.

[RandomName]

Apr 11, 2016 16:27:25 GMT -5 pearlvirus said:

We put the crib rail back on and she happily took a 2+ hour nap. I guess she's just not ready.

That's great She napped. I hope it helps night time too!

[zandeela]

Dd transitioned with no problems, but they use mats at daycare and she knows she has to stay on it until someone comes to get her. I have her in a daybed (crib) with no problems going to sleep or getting up at night.

How young is too young for a bunk bed? We have a 2 bedroom mobile home at the ranch and she has out grown the p&p. There is no room for two needs so are looking at the twin/full bunk beds. Was looking at the staircase ones and possibly a bed tent to contain her