So we bit the bullet today and lowered Hailey’s crib and took off the front rail. This is her “toddler bed” now. It looks kind of funny to me but the main purpose for doing this at all is so that she is able to get in and out of bed on her own. Today’s nap went well. Although, when she woke up, we heard a big “thud” and Eric was half way up the stairs to try and catch her. Turns out she didn’t fall after all. Not sure what that thud was, maybe our imaginations? It could be, since we were practically swallowing the monitor, listening for it to happen.

She seemed pretty thrilled with her new sleeping arrangement. As long as “blanken” (her blanket) is in there with her, I’m sure she could really care less. We also bought a mesh side rail since we’re a little concerned about her falling out. There is just and I mean just enough room for her to get in and out of the bed on her own. We had her do a couple of practice up/downs earlier to make sure. They really don’t make side rails for toddler beds, so we’ll see how this goes. I’m not too entirely worried about her falling out because what she does is tuck herself way up in the corner of her crib. That’s where she sleeps and if we ever have to go in and wake her up, that’s where we find her.

I just put her to bed about a half hour ago. She was so tired because we just got home from the Spring Fest in Plainfield (another post). I told her she could go ahead and get into bed by herself and she just sort of stood there and stared at me. She was either too tired or really didn’t get it that we are giving her independence from the bars.

My friend, Natalie, commented that she and her husband tried the toddler bed with their little girl, Gabby, around 18 mos. All went well the first night but then went downhill from there over the next few days. I will be interested to see how Hailey reacts to this new change once she really gets wind of her new freedom.