Hi D.,
I really enjoy what Susanna said earlier. And the KURA bed works like a charm. Routines are important, too... you can explain the routine, and... honey, it's time for you to sleep in your big boy bed now,.. you are older now and the new routines are for big boys!!! (and take long naps w/him when you can! or snuggle in the bed w/him for 15-20 minutes like i have always done - regardless what anyone said i should or should not do. i budgeted the time to have with him.)
here is an extraction of another response I made about instilling routines and a sense of security. God bless:
* find a special drink, chamomile tea, water w/infused lemon, etc that he really enjoys. and make it a special treat at the same time in the morning or evening every day.
* bedtime routine is the catalyst: at 9 months, have your routine. bath, dress, books, nightlights, soft music, gentle bible reading, rocking, songs... the same order at the same time for month after month
* and as he is falling asleep (or even after he is asleep) say these magical words, in a soft monotone voice - emitting your love for him:
"My son, I love you so much. Daddy and I have waited for you all of our lives, and now you are here. Thank you for picking us. You are a Child of God. You are Nurtured. You are Loved. You are Respected. You are Adored. You are Supported. You are Secure. I am always here for you. And you know instinctely the difference between right and wrong. And you can see right through people because God has given you the Wisdom to see bad people from good people. And I Trust You. God fills you with His White Light and Love. And you radiate your Love and your Light in a 6 feet radius. And wherever you go, whatever you do, you emit His Love and Light. And you are Secure. I will Always Love You, my beautiful child. You are Funny, Cute, Smart, Handsome, Wise, Joyful, Creative, Loving, Compassionate, Sincere, and I thank you for being You. God sends his Angels and they Wrap their A. wings around you and hold you... through the night... so....... tight........ God bless you my Love. And Good night." let soft music continue to play and lie with him for a few more minutes... this encouragement is SOOOOO nice... they absorb it in. sometimes you will see a great big sigh after you have been in the bed w/him for 5-6 minutes. I love that nice sigh.
The KURA bed lets you put a real twin mattress on it. :)
Oh, and making his room comforting is ideal. No bright reds... replace w/dark blue, soft yellows and white. put some moons and stars up... touches of green.. like the IKEA green/blue/white round rug. If i could decorate his room w/green on lower walls, sky blue on upper walls, and clouds painted on the ceiling, trees on walls, I would... nice soft themes..
Oh, and your lower back bothers you?? Tell yourself "I AM SUPPORTED" and trust that you can support yourself just fine and that you are "enough"... loved enough, financially abundant enough, secure enough and give enough time, money, love, energy and more...