Are crib tents cruel? Considering using one for my 19 month old.?

Question

She is getting out of the crib,and I already tried taking the rails off to convert to toddler bed, nothing is working.... is she too old to start using one?

Answer 1

I don't think they're cruel, but I'm not sure she won't just be able to pop it off and still escape. Maybe look at the underlying reason WHY she's coming out in the first place and address that. (Is she potty training? Does she need a drink? Is she sleeping too much during the day and not tired? What's waking her?)

If the crib rails are posing a risk because she's falling off them then I'd say switch to a bed and put her back in and be consistent and firm (not angry).

You have to let her know who's boss. (I know, easier said than done with a 19 month old, but if you can't solve this one then what do you do later when she wants to stay out till 2:00 a.m. with "bad influence" friends??? We have to learn to adjust to everything on the fly as parents huh? It's all trial and error, but for the most part we all do okay in the end.)

Take care.

Answer 2

Get a bed at that age. The crib tents are more appropriate for a child under a year old. I have a friend whose child climbed out at 10 months!

Answer 3

Cribs arent containment units. If she were young and strong and just able to flip herself out of the crib, then yeah, a tent would be great.

But with her being nearly 2, its time to put her in a bed and have it over with.

Answer 4

I dont think they are cruel but you might just try a baby gate on her door. That might work better for you.

Answer 5

If she has her own room, COMPLETELY babyproof it, and then lock her in there. It's not cruel, you can relax, and if there is an emergency, you'll know exactly where she is.