Toddler Bed How-tos

My 20 month old has been sleeping in a full size bed (with rails) for almost a month now. He took to it at night without a problem. As long as he is tired, he stays in bed. We don't have a problem with him getting up and coming back out to see us. Nap times were a bit different since it was daylight outside but now he is good with naps.
The first night, I laid down with him until he fell asleep. I was so nervous about him falling out of bed that I ended up back in his room around 3 am and slept with him. The second night, I laid with him for about 15 minutes until he drifted off. After that, he was good to go!
I know it seems early but for us, I knew that we were going to need the crib soon for our next baby so we started the transition early thinking it would take a long time to get him to the point where he would stay in the bed. It didn't but we might have some regression next week when the baby arrives. I figure I have another 6 weeks at least if he does regress since the baby will be sleeping in our room for at least 6 - 8 weeks.
Hope this helps.
D.

i agree with the others til he get used to it but here is some food for thought, he might take to the car bed with nooo problem! i thought my two kids wouldnt take to the big boy/girl bed and they did great!! my daughter has been in it for about a month now and she does get out of bed but just to get the toy she wants and then she plays with it in bed. and if he does get out he may just play for awhile then go back in. my son used to cry at his door during naptime and actuall fall asleep at the door. so dont worry when it is time he will probably do just fine, if he gets up and plays for a little bit then fine he will eventually get tired and go to sleep. oh and by the way they usually dont get up and play at night because it is too dark. but congrats on the move!! and good luck!

Hi A.,
Congrats on the move! I can imagine after seeing him not having a room of his own you are ready to set him up with one. How exciting for you and him! I too would suggest that you keep him in the portable crib until he feels comfortable with his new environment. You could go ahead and set the bed up in his room and just use his portable until he is ready to move up to a toddler bed (This is what we did). We would do a bedtime ritual in the car toddler bed (getting dressed, reading books, telling stories) at night and then put him in his crib for sleeping. In time he will express when he is ready to sleep in his big bed. We started with nap time and up into night time.
Also just a suggestion, don't wash his sheets for the first couple of nights in the new place and keep the lighting the same as you did before, trying to keep it as familiar as possiable.
Good luck with you move,
C.

You may have to start him out sleeping in the portabed in his new room. My sister just moved her daughter's bed a little bit every day until she got her into her own room. She let her get used to the change before she moved her to the new bed. You may need to let your son have one of your shirts you have worn in his room. He is used to being in your room. Children identify us by our smell very early in life. I definitely would be sure he has his blankey too. The move to a new home may cause him some stress to. It is a change in his life. You might see some regression in some areas such as potty training too.Stick in there and he'll get it. Keep taking him back to his room and let him know you are still there for him. I don't believe in "crying it out." Many parents do though. You only have your children for such a short time. Before you know it, they are all grown up and you'll wish they needed you more. Treasure these times.
From a 54 year young SAHM of 3 and a STHGM(grandmom)of 7 now raising her grandchildren plus some other little ones from within my family.
My E-mail is ____@____.com if you'd like to talk.

Hi A.,
I have to agree with Melanie. Try letting him sleep in the portable crib for awhile until he's more used to his new environment. I have to ask, why are you wanting to transition him so early? He's still pretty young to start off in a toddler bed. My son is 27 mnths old and still sleeps in his crib. I know if I were to transition him now, he would be quickly climbing out so I just know he's not ready yet. Have you considered buying a full size crib instead of using the porta crib? You can find some great deals on craigslit and then of course re-sell it when you're done using it......either way, good luck in whatever you decide. I hope he transitions easy for you! : )