We waited later and later with each child. The first time, we shoved poor DS1 out at barely 2 years when DD outgrew the bassinet. Big mistake, as we spent many nights chasing him around the house. DD was 20 months when DS2 came along, so we decided to buy a new crib that could convert to a toddler and then a full bed and move DD to that so DS2 could get the old crib. That worked out really well for us, and we took rails down, etc., on DD’s own timetable with no pressure.

Now our laxness on the crib has reached new heights…DS2 is nearly 4 and still calls it home. He’s been able to safely get in and out for over a year now, of course. We figure we’ll bring out DS1’s old firetruck toddler bed for his 4th birthday this fall.

Matt was moved out around at around 18 months because Jude needed his crib. He transitioned fine.

Jude on the other hand…we tried at 2. For 10 days we tried to correct him consistently, but he would not stay in bed for anything. So we decided to scrap that idea and tried again at 3. He was ready then and we were all much happier.

Mary Beth is 2.5 and is still loving her crib. She shares a room with Josh now and I don’t want her to have too much access to helping him awake or stay awake…so we’re waiting.

As always, I try to remember that each kid is different and we must approach them with that in mind.

Hope our varying situations help others to know that their situations are probably within the realms of “normal.”

I know it always helps me know that we’re not alone in our journey of parenting.

God bless.