To Toddler Bed or Not To Toddler Bed…That is the Question!

She didn’t walk early.  She didn’t talk early.  And yet somehow, my daughter figured out how to climb out of her crib by 18 months.  And then again at 22 months.  While I don’t want to flip out about it…I am sort of flipping out about it.

The first time she did it took me totally by surprise.  I opened her door first thing in the morning to find her running towards me with a huge grin on her face.  I thought that was a bit odd, since the last time I saw her she had been safely ensconced in her crib (and before you ask, yes, her crib is on the lowest setting).  And then this past weekend we walked in to discover her reading books in her rocking chair, which she has also learned to climb into (cute, yes…in a “I hope you didn’t break your arm while mountain climbing your way down from the crib”).

I did some research online after the first time Peanut crib hopped – and several sources recommended that parents not rush out and buy a toddler bed the first time their child jumps the crib.  Sage advice, I thought.  So we decided to hold off on making a decision and surrounded the crib with pillows and down blankets instead.

Now that Peanut is six months older with much more refined climbing skills, I feel that it is only a matter of time before she does it again.  So the big question now is has the time come to transition her to a toddler bed? 

If safety was our only concern, I’d say it is definitely the right choice.  But to be honest, I’m just not sure Peanut is ready to transition to a toddler bed (ditto for us).  Her listening skills are sorely lacking (typical toddler behavior…my daughter loves loves loves to assert her independence).  No matter how many times we tell her, “You need to stay in bed until Daddy or Papa comes in to get you,” I just don’t see her following that particular directive.

Take last night, for instance.  I awoke at 1am to hear her moaning, “Daddy, daddy” from her room.  I walked in, at which point she “played dead”, flattening herself against the mattress, feigning sleep.  I checked for fever.  I checked for a dirty diaper.  I checked for anything that might be keeping her awake and found nothing.  A quick rub of the back/kiss of the cheek, and I zombie walked back to my room.  The moaning, however, didn’t cease until nearly 3am, at which point she got a squirt of ibuprofen and thankfully nodded off to sleep.

Now let’s look at this scenario again, imagining that Peanut was in a toddler bed.  I have no doubt that she would haul her little tushy from bed, read, play, shout, and be a general pain.  All of a sudden, she’ll have a free ticket to do whatever she likes…and I have no doubt that my daughter will take full advantage of the opportunity.  It’s a recipe for disaster!

There is one other option – the dreaded crib tent (aka crib cage).  Advertisers refer to them as “cozy crib tents”, but to me they magically transform the crib into a jail cell.  I fully expect to come into her room to find her banging on the bars, playing the harmonica or singing about working on the chain gang.

Now be honest - does he look happy?

The other problem is purely aesthetic – my mom bought us this beautiful tea stain crib and changing table set, and I can’t find a toddler bed that matches the exact color.  I am no Design Star, but I do like my furniture to match.  And I can’t get Peter to agree to a princess bed – which I know reinforces potentially negative stereotypes and sets up poor role models – but is OH SO CUTE!

Isn't this just darling...wish I had one.

Let’s be honest – this decision is more about me than it is about Peanut.  I’m worried a move to a toddler bed is going to mess up my sleep – which after months and months of being less than ideal has finally returned to a semi normal state.  It just seems so unfair.  But the clock is ticking and my days are numbered.  A toddler bed is indeed in the near future.  I just hope we are all ready for it!