I have a 20 month old son, who to my dismay, climbed out of his crib last night. I am so not ready for this!!! What age is good to introduce a big boy bed? I have recently started putting together his new room, but am nervous for the transition. He seems too young, but I dont know what to do if he wont stay in his crib. HELP! Also, any tips on the transition would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Our 20 month old has been in a bed for almost 4 months now, as we need the crib again. He is actually much happier in the bed. He can't get in on his own without a stool, but he can get out on his own, safely and efficiently. He loves this new step of being a big boy! It sound like your little one is ready, as well.
The fact he climbed out it is time. He can get really hurt and will continue to do it. I have always heard it doesn't matter what age, if they climb out time to get them out of the crib. Is it on the lowest level?
You can go get one of those zipper net things that goes over the top to keep him from escaping, those made me nervous.
First put his crib mattress on the floor, put him there and tell him not to get up.
I just got twin beds from my kids (toddler beds are a waste of money as they outgrow them so fast), but got bedrail for my son on his bed. After he turned 2 1/2 the bedrail came off.
I can say I had no real issue with them getting out of bed. They knew if I laid them down that was it and not to get back up somehow. Only now at their age do they come wake me up, hee hee. Also, make sure his room is dark at naptimes and bedtime, put a baby gate on his room doorway too.
There isn't a transition period when they have just climb out! Sorry.
The only thing that I have to suggest is to establish bedtime rules for him. Make sure he understands that at bedtime, we stay in our beds and sleep - we don't get out of bed or play around. After doing that, you need to be sure to reinforce the rules by putting him back into bed if he gets out. We have been working on this with our 3yo recently.
Hope that helps.
Sounds to me like he is deciding to make the transition himself. I have found that once they start climbing out of the crib (whether you are ready or not) you need to get him the next bed of your choice, be it toddler or a twin with a railing. It will be safer for him and easier on your mind that he doesn't fall as he is at the top of the crib railing. As far as helping make the transition easier, just do it and then don't look back. Once you start putting him in the bigger bed don't go back to the crib, it will just confuse him and make it harder in the long run. Keep all the bed time routines the same and just keep reinforcing that this is his new bed and go from there. Good luck!
J.--SAHM w/6
