Transitioning to Toddler Bed - Littleton,CO

I regret using a toddler bed. I wish I would have gone straight to a twin bed (with a rail, of course) with mine because he slept so much better in it that in a toddler bed because he felt so much like a "big" kid.

Also, have you heard of a crib tent? It's a mesh tent that fits on top of your crib - much like a mosquito tent. You can see in, and the child can see out, but he can't get out because he's zipped in. It's a great way to help them stay in their crib during their independent adventurous stage, and yet many kids like it because it feels like a tent. Anyway, those are my thoughts.

Like many have said, make it fun. To give ownership, you can also let him pick out his sheets (for us, we just got the basic frame, so picking out a bed wouldn't have been an option). We made a big deal of going to get both our kids' mattresses. Made a big deal of getting it an putting it in her and his room. We also went straight to the twin bed, mostly because we needed the crib mattress for the next kiddo. I agree that it is a waste of money to do both. Also, we just put the mattress straight on the floor. Then if they fell off, it was only 6 inches and not a big deal at all. Our kids didn't like the rails and they have learned to adjust and stay in bed. Set your expectations and consequences (all kids are different and no one thing works for all kids, even sibblings) and stick to them. Can have a few tough nights or not. We also made room changes at the same time so it was all new and exciting. Good luck.

Help your child be excited about the transition. If you can, let him "help" you pick out the bed. We gave my son several options (showed him pictures on the computer) and he picked out his bed. Then he "helped" his dad put it together. Letting him be somewhat in control of this transition helped a lot. As for keeping him in his room, first just tell him it is bedtime and that he needs to stay in his room unless... (there are exceptions, like if there is a fire, or a nightmare, or...). Once you have set the expectation, then if he comes out of his room at night for other than the exceptions, just calmly (and silently) take him back to bed. I had a friend who spent 1 week after the transition peering under the closed door, watching for little feet getting out of bed so she could say "stay in bed" (through the door). She would watch until she was sure they were asleep. She swears it only takes one week, and after that they think you have amazing powers to know they are getting out of bed. If that doesn't work, a safety lock on the knob could prevent him from leaving his room (it didn't work for me, my son had already figured them out). What did work for me was sitting in his room (in a rocking chair, on the end of his bed, on the floor) and reading with a small light (or if I was tired just resting my eyes) until he was asleep. Good luck with the transition.

My advice would be not to waste your money on a toddler bed. Just go straight to a twin bed. It really is the same thing and you will be there soon anyways. Also, there will be room for you or your husband if you need to lay with him to get him calmed down some nights. Just use the bed guard rail until you think it's necessary. I like one of the other responses having to do with making the transition a big, exciting event. That has really helped my 3 girls in our past expereinces. Also, we leave a hall light on and threaten to shut their door if they get out of bed in the first few weeks. This has worked. You could do the same with the night light if you think your son really likes his cool new night light. Or threatening to take away a favorite blanky or stuffed animal has worked too. Right now my older kids (9, 5, 3) do not get TV time or computer time the next day if they get up. Bathroom, ONE drink, and emergencies are the exceptions. This has really worked nicely. I know it may sound a bit harsh, but getting kids to stay in beds is quite a challenge at times. I am now about to do the same with our son (2) going to a big boy bed and he will pobably be much more challenging. Fingers crossed for both of us! Best of luck!

It sounds like you have most of the baby proofing covered. We just recently moved our 2 year old into a twin bed about a month ago. He has taken to it pretty well. We left the crib in his room in the case we needed to start out small with just naps. He was too excited about the whole idea that he did not take a nap in his big boy bed, so he was so tired that night that he went right to sleep in it. He does not want to go back in his crib now. We also have a gate at his door so he is not wandering the house at all hours of the night. But, if your little one is climbing out of the crib, I'm not sure how he would do with a gate. You might need something heavy duty if he would try to climb it or knock it down. I hope some of this helps. Good luck!

We transitioned right to a twin bed with a side guard. We then put a cover on the inside of the door knob so he can't open the door, but anybody else that gets into his room can open it. We have his toys in drawer like totes so he can play, and we usually find his room a mess by the time he is asleep, but it makes going to bed fun when he can play for a few minutes. We have found him in some pretty funny positions sleeping in his room and closet, but usually with a smile on his face!