Moving a toddler to a bed

DD#1 is going to be 18 months old in Nov. She's been sleeping through the night since 2 months old. How do I know when she's ready for her crib to be converted to a toddler bed?

I'm concerned she'll get out of bed and play with toys instead of winding down to sleep when she first goes to bed. I don't have any other place for her toys so moving them out of the room is not an option as her room doubles as the playroom until we find a bigger house. Also, on my bed she stands and runs on it and jumps - not that she's ever slept in it. Would this be an indication she is NOT ready?

ETA: DH is saying he doesn't want to do this till the spring and insists she still needs sleep sacks b/c she doesn't use the blanket in her crib, in fact she uses it to sleep on top of, and he says it gets too cold at night. Her sleep sacks don't fit and while I know they do make them in size XL, I just want to start working on the transition. He still insists on her night time bottle too which fustrates me. He says: she asks for it... which she does, but too bad is what I say. Anyway, could also use advice on where to get a pillow that would be good for a toddler, how to convert a Bellini convertable crib to a toddler bed and how to keep her in bed and under the blanket.

Message edited 10/27/2009 11:07:02 PM.

Re: Moving a toddler to a bed

my girls were in a twin beds by that age (my oldest was 17 months old and my youngest was 15 months old when we made the transition). They did great with the change. Some nights they did (and at 2 and 3 years old still do) play with toys before bed...but they get tired and eventually go to sleep.

Re: Moving a toddler to a bed

DD is 19 months and we are in no hurry to transition her. I think she would be ready, but she is happy in her crib for now. Probably in the spring we will do it.

She still gets a night time sippy cup of milk before bed too, but we always brush her teeth...

She has normal blanket and she does sleep on top of it most of the time. I will go in an check on her if its particularly cold during the night -

Re: Moving a toddler to a bed

I have no idea-I'm having the same concerns and my DD is 26 months. Only difference is, she is getting kicked out of the crib in a month for her baby brother so it IS happening.