18 month old climbing out of cot-hellllllp!!!!

[shreddednips]

My nearly 18-month-old DS can climb out of his cot. Our solution was to put him in a sleeping bag which solved the problem initially, but this morning he removed the bag and climbed out. There was a horrible bang and lots of tears- I've checked him over and he's playing normally now but I'm not convinced it's safe to carry on with the cot.

My husband says his colleagues say it's fine to leave a child who's climbed out a few times in the cot. I don't agree. It's on its lowest setting, there aren't any toys for him to stand on- he can just swing his leg over. I'm really worried he will injure himself but he seems sooooo young for a big bed.

I've tried calling the HV for advice but no answer. Would be so grateful for any advice!

As for your DH being on board, he should perhaps take more notice if you, the child’s mother, than his colleagues at work.

What on earth has their opinion got to do with it?

You're doing the right thing getting a new bed OP, DS did this at around the same time (unexpectedly), and we got an on the floor teepee bed. I wouldn't be able to pop him into the cot worried he would do it again (we all know once they've done something once they usually do it again and again and again). I agree with the toddler proofing being more of a pain though, to be honest at the start we just removed most stuff from his nursery before we could properly fix it to the walls (the bookcases etc we just had in there as he was never alone in there until we changed the bed and he could get out himself), put a stairgate at the top of the stairs, lock thing on his built in cabinet doors- and then slowly started putting it safely back in.

I can put in a vote for the Busunge (sp?) extendable bed at Ikea.

We’ve got them for our twins. Excellent design, very safe and practical.

I will bring back many daim bars from Ikea and as many meatballs as I can fit in my handbag. Husband realises he was being a twit and is now fully on board with the plan. I'm now sitting here feeling bleak about Ikea while toddler DS pats my knee consolingly. I don't feel especially consoled

I don't think he hit his head, no. No red mark and he wasn't rubbing it or anything and seems his usual, perky, climbing self.

Ds was a bit younger when he sussed that he could climb out. I asked him to show me which he did happily and even added a 'tah-da!' Once he was out! We just changed the cotbed and took the sides off and put a stairgate on the door.

As a short term measure, put some soft cushions or something next to the cot so that if he makes another bid for freedom he'll have a soft landing. But yeah, once that happens it's time to get rid of the cot.

Mine graduated to a big standard bed (double) around that time. He hated his cot so much we moved him to his permanent bed as soon as he was able to safely climb down. We put a gate to his door and bedreils, and he's never been happier.
He wakes up maybe once per night, climbs down, goes to the door and calls for us. We go back to his bad together and he normally falls back asleep immediately.
Safe and practical, or at least it works well for us.

That’s good if he didn’t hit his head. Hope he will have a lovely night sleep tonight, either in his cot mattress on floor or in new big boy bed

IKEA do crash mats that concertina up to store. We put one alongside DD's bed when she first moved into a proper bed. You can fold them away during the day.

I've got the bed! He's very pleased with it but time will tell whether I will get him to sleep in it 🤣 put his old cot mattress next to it in case he takes a tumble.

Friend's ds broke his leg climbing out of his cot and was in plaster for ages. No way would I risk this happening!

How was his first night in his new bed, OP?

Really good thanks! I had to go up once to reassure him because he was crying but then he slept through. Just put him to bed now and he climbed in, gave me a kiss and grin and waved goodnight. So I think he likes it 🤣 thanks so much everyone for your advice, definitely the right thing to do!

Cot sides off or bed

Got a toddler bed with guard rails round the side, nice and low to the ground.

@Needmoremummyjuice

My DC did the same thing around the same age I woke up one morning he was stood next to my bed and had managed to scale the baby gate on his door too I put him straight into his toddler bed. Took a couple of nights to get it (3-4 if I remember right) but it was fine. I then put a toy with a bell in it on the baby gate so I could hear if he was climbing that if he got out of bed!

@needmoremummyjuice

The bell is pure genius