Anyone put their 19mo into a big bed and it wasn't a disaster?

[lolsyb1982]

Dd has just turned 19mo and we're having to put her in a BGB 

I never thought we would be doing it this early but she's climbing out and yesterday I actually found her sitting on the window ledge so it's not safe to keep her in a cot now.

Anyone else done it early and had success? I'm not expecting miracles and know we're gonna have a few dodgy nights but hoping she'll catch on early.

Currently we have a stair gate at the top of the stairs but I'm thinking I need to put one on her door too... Is that a must?

Wish us luck!!!!!

[creations]

Our cot-bed instructions actually said to change to the BB at 18 months or if LO climbed out. Whilst many keep LO in a cot as long as possible I don't think it is at all unusual for them to move younger than this either.

My tip - a BGB safari. Which is lots of play on and around the BGB during A time. crawl around the perimeter on the floor, then climb up onto the bed, and off again, crawl around the perimeter on the mattress, roll back and forth etc etc...the idea is that the more they physically explore the parameters of the bed the better the mental map is, and it's the mental map which we all use to keep us in our beds at night when we sleep.

I put a few cushions and a folded duvet on the floor either side of DS's bed, he did fall out a few times but not as much as I thought and never seriously hurt.
I had a gate on his door and made sure his room was safe.

Good luck!

[lily_layne]

My nephew moved into a big bed at 18 months and it was a total success. He needed help falling asleep for the first 2 or 3 nights but after that he actually slept better.

[lolsyb1982]

I think we will start tomorrow then by spending some time in her room and playing on the bed like you said and then having her nap in there. We can use the stair gate that is currently downstairs as she doesn't tend to climb the stairs for fun anymore.

[Katet]

DS2 went into a bed (mattress on the floor for the first month or so) at 19mo & it was no more a problem than when he was in the cot (which had its own issues) I think if I'd realised at the time he was low sleep need, but average A time & needed 23hour days, it would have been easier, but the bed part as ok

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

DD2 was 16 months when I tool the side off her crib and turned it into a toddler bed...made it easier to deal with nw's and she is the type who stays in one spot while asleep (as opposed to my two other wiggle worms!) so I did not think she would have any issues and it went fine.

[lolsyb1982]

Put her down for her nap. Heard her go to the gate once but then got straight back in bed and went to sleep. She is a wriggler but I've put one of the foam wedges underneath her sheet so should keep her in place 

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

Perfect! Sounds like she likes it, I did a pool noodle under the sheet!