How to keep a toddler in the crib-- start early (more)

Posted by Dana on March 08, 2002 at 15:05:21:

I started my first child out in a crib with a crib tent. It's a tent made to keep out cats, but it also keeps the child safe inside. There is a link to a picture below that I found on ebay to help explain (it's made by Tots in Mind). The tent can be zipped and safety-pinned (if necessary).

But I think that getting your child used to the idea of being confined needs to start early - like 6-9 months of age-- before they start trying to escape out of the crib. My friend tried the crib tent with her two year old and he just screamed because he hated feeling confined in bed.

But I can do yardwork outside with my son securely sleeping in the crib with the tent, knowing that he can't try to climb out and hurt himself. He can't throw things out of the crib either, which saves on my headaches when he gets put in the crib for a timeout.

Now that my son is 3-- I found a neat tent that goes over a twin bed from Heartsong.com. My son likes having the security of the tent so much that he can't sleep on an open twin bed well. And his tent is more like a fun playzone when he has friends over.

This has been a lifesaver for me!

Dana

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