Ask:
I'm asking for help for a friend, the mom of one of the kids I watch, actually. The little guy is a monkey!! He's 14 months, and is very physically active. He was crawling, walking, climbing pretty early, and very often! He NEVER settles down, for ANYTHING!! Anyway, at home, in a regular crib, he's now climbing out. He was caught on his way out the other morning, but didn't fall. He shares a room with his older sister (4). He has a crib bumper but has netting running around the inside of the crib, so he can't really use the bumper as leverage.
Anyway, she needs to know what else she can do. He's way too young to be in a big bed for a number of reasons. I suggested she take the mattress platform (spring thing) out of the crib and put the mattress on the floor, with the sides still up. Anything else? I'd love to hear some great ideas!! TIA
Answer:
Emmy was about that age when she climbed out of her crib, I got her a toddler bed and she has been in it ever since.. Once they climb out its time for a bed before they get hurt..
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Sounds like they need a toddler bed and a few really good baby gates. My little one was in her crib until she was over 2.5 years old and then cried when we moved her to a toddler bed. We had to keep her crib in her room for a week for those times she missed it...and until she was willing to let us take it down.
Every little one is different
Jen
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I would mover her too a toddler bed. DD was 18 months when we moved her to a twin bed with rails.
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You can buy something called a Crib Tent. One Step Ahead makes them, but you might be able to find a similar one for a cheaper price if you look around.
"Our deluxe Cozy Crib Tent not only prevents climbing and falling...it keeps little limbs from getting stuck between crib rails! The safest crib tent ever! Ours not only encloses the top of the crib, it surrounds the entire interior with soft, safe netting. Arms and legs can't get wedged between slats, because the crib rails are shielded from top to bottom. Offers plenty of visibility, air circulation, and headroom. Keeps kitties out, too. Easy to attach — just slide under the crib mattress and secure the hook 'n loop straps. Will not interfere with lowering of crib rail. Fits most standard cribs and sleigh-style, too, provided all four sides are equal in height. Fire retardant; hand washable. Imported."
Answer:
Thanks for the ideas! I was just looking at my own dd's crib and I don't think it would work to put the mattress on the floor like I had thought....I also looked into the tent cover things (Thanks, Suzie ) and I think that might be the trick. Personally, I think he's too young and too into EVERYTHING to be independent enough in a toddler bed just yet. I know they have gates on their stairs, but he finds anything and everything to get into, climb on, put in his mouth, to be "trusted" in a toddler bed just yet. He's also not the best sleeper....
I think I'll forward on the info about the tent, as well as all other opinions you've given and obviously let mom decide. She did say this am that she didn't think he was ready to go to a toddler bed yet....
Oh, another thought I had was having him sleep in a pack-n-play, which he does here just fine. It's a bit higher and I don't think he'll be able to get his leg up on the rail just yet....he's a peanut, to boot!!! I think he's only 20 lbs and about 30 inches...
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I am so waiting for this is happen with my 22 month old. She is such a monkey. No advice, but good luck.
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My cousin used one of those crib tents with both of her girls who were climbing out at 14 and 15 months. The tent worked beautifully!!! I am waiting for my crazy man to start climbing out and I am going to borrow it from her. He isn't ready to be loose in his room either. He sounds a lot like your friend's little boy. Luckily he loves his crib and hasn't tried to get out of it, but he certainly could do it if he tried. Last time I tried to put him in a pack n play he just casually stepped right out of it.
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I showed my friend the pic of the tent thingy and she said, "YES!!" She apparently had been talking with another mom at ballet who told her about them, that same day, and she's going to order one (I found them on e-bay for great prices!) Hopefully the little monkey man can be contained~and safe!! Thanks for the help!
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When my monkey...oooppps! I mean daughter started doing that, we put her into a big girl bed. Our neighbors tried using their pack and play (harder to climb out of!) but I can't imagine that would be very comfy for a long term sleeping arrangement.