Name: BlakesMom Title: Tent ...... for toddler bed or twin bed?

My soon to be 3 year old son is outgrowing his crib which has a crib tent attached. We purchased the tent about a year ago because we could not keep in in his bed over night. We are at a loss of what type of enclosure we can add to a toddler bed or twin bed that is sturdy enought to withold him pushing and pulling on it. I 'googled' and found plenty of play-type bed tents , but they seem to be just for decor or play.....not to actually create a safe, confined space. Anyone else find a solution to this problem?  ?

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Name: BlakesMom • Date: 02/07/2008 00:32:58

You are kidding me........ Has noone else ever had to deal with this issue? After, checking and rechecking for a response and not having a single one, I feel as if no other child with autism has had issues with sleeping at night and staying in their bed. I find that hard to believe. I am a good parent........and love my son. I am not looking to imprison him......just offer an environment he will be safe in....one which will allow my husband and I some rest in order to recharge ourselves for whatever battles with him the next day might bring. He does not at all mind the tent we have on his crib and sleeps through the night........however, if an escape is available, he acts upon it and it territys me thinking what could happen when the day comes that he figures out how to get out of the house. I am sorry if I sound rude..........I don't mean to be. I am just a desparate mother looking for some ideas as he is growing every day and the time in his safe zone (his crib) is limited.
Sincerely, Cindy  =

Name: sross844 • Date: 05/09/2008 17:48:03

Hello, I am having the same problem. We took Landon out of his crib at the age of 2 because he starting climbing/falling out of it and not understanding the whole you'll bump your head scenario. We put him into a toddler bed which he absolutely loved in the beginning. When he came home from being gone he would run and get into it and pull the covers up and just lay there and he pretty much stayed in it the whole night. Then he outgrew it really fast. We now have him in a queen sized bed just sitting on the floor with a box spring so that if he falls he won't have far to fall but I still put pillows and blankets down because of the hardwoods. But the problem that we are having is he always wants to crawl under the fitted sheet and lay there with all the covers on top of him. I think he feels safe under there but I am afraid that he will suffocate himself. People do not understand that children on the spectrum like to be closed in for some reason, it is there sanctuary. So I too am looking for a tent that is sturdy just for him to have as his safe haven.

I had read somewhere a long time ago about someone having a large crib like bed made for their older child (4-5) to sleep in not only for his safety but because it was the only way the child would go to bed. Hmm maybe it‘s something we should invent.

Good Luck with your search.  =