[Stormster]

He's never tried to get out though. I made his bottle for his nap and said Nap Time! Lately he likes to start his bottle while he's playing but I left it in there and went to get him but I couldn't find him because HE WAS ALREADY IN HIS CRIB HAVING HIS BOTTLE. Man he LOVES his bottles

That was crazy! So do I have to take the side down NOW? He's NEVER tried to climb out.

[Withay]

If I remember correctly E is around 2. Is that correct?

If so, the short answer is yes. Transition him to either a toddler or twin bed.

[Stormster]

Thanks Withay. And thanks for not saying anything about the fact that he still gets bottles at naptime!

[Cjmeck]

Get in the car. Go to Babies R Us. Buy a CRIB TENT!!

[Stormster]

I don't know Jen....I"m not sure about the tent now. He may be ready for the bed. I guess it's worth a try!

[feelingreyt]

Hayden really likes his toddler bed! I think E would too.

[Withay]

My boys, both 2 yo, love their race car toddler beds. A little more spendy, but on Craig's list a real bargain.

[Stormster]

Thanks. We actually have a convertible crib though so it's a matter of taking down the side.

[kellyjames]

Storm, this is cute. Our kiddo started climbing into the crib (he has a "big boy bed" but it was still in his room) when he was 3 and we brought home our new puppy in March. Classic sibling rivalry! After a couple nights, though, we talked him into staying in his own bed, and recently took down the crib and gave it to my brother and sister-in-law, who are expecting in January.

[Fe2002]

So is 2 the "normal" time to transition to a toddler bed? I don't know why I thought it was about 3. In any case, I was considering it since DD climbed out of hers last week.

The crib tent didn't work on DD's crib...

[feelingreyt]

Age 2 was the time all 3 of children went to big kid beds. Not sure if it's "normal" in most families, but it's definitely normal in mine!

[Lovebug]

Both my boys were in twin beds before they were 2....but they both hated the crib. We've never had a problem since they have been in beds.

[SuzBerg]

Originally Posted by Fe2002

So is 2 the "normal" time to transition to a toddler bed? I don't know why I thought it was about 3. In any case, I was considering it since DD climbed out of hers last week.

The crib tent didn't work on DD's crib...

All 3 of my boys were in "Big Boy Beds" (twin beds) at about age 2. We did have a rail on it so they wouldn't fall out. But they all adjusted really well to it. I'm not sure if that's "normal" but it worked for us!

[jalapeno]

I don't think there is a "normal" age. It's just whatever works. My kids were 21 months, 27 months, and 23 months respectively when we moved them. It was a difficult but short transition for my DD. The boys are an ongoing issue mainly because there are two of them in the same room.

Storm - Good luck!

[OnTheJourney]

I agree that there is no "normal" age. It is whatever works best for you and your kiddo. I am a believer of keeping the kids in their cribs as long a possible - and safe. The transition can be different for all kiddos too. DS started sleeping in a bed at 22 months - WAY TO EARLY for him IMO - but it had to be done as he began "crib diving!"

One thing do feel though, once you make the decision to transition - develop a plan and stick to it so E knows what to expect. It may be a couple nights and you are good, or it could be months of on going struggle - but like everything, consistency is key!

Also make sure E is safe, ie gate at door/ locks on the top of all exterior doors/ door alarms/ gate at top of stairs if you are on a 2 story - whatever it is that makes your house safe and keeps E from getting out and from getting into the kitchen. We have a 2 story, so we just have a gate at the to of the stairs so he cannot leave the floor. There are only bedrooms up there - so no biggie. That way he can also come to us in the night if he needs.