Toddler Bed Transition

One can dream cant they? I've thought maybe this was going to be stressful on her at first being as we also just started potty training again, but since her bedtime routine isnt changing all that much, im confident she can do this! Also, her bed hasn't changed all that much since its still actually her crib, just without the railing, and toddler rails instead.

We've attempted this once before. About 3 months or so ago. The reason then was because she continued to push her knee through the bars and get it stuck. It was hard and painful for us to get it out. This transition didn't last long because we couldnt get her to stay in her bed (we found her in numerous locations throughout her room passed out) and she was waking up during the night.
This time around, the reason is she has leanred how to successfully climb out of her crib and it was becoming a safety concern. We have no choice but teach her to stay in her bed now.
Every night, just as i did before, we brush teeth, read stories and cuddle until she is completely ready and settled down enough to comfortably relax and fall asleep on her own in her bed. She is so excited every night to get into her bed that she would rather skip the cuddling and jump right in bed. I go along with it, kiss her, say goodnight and walk out. I wait outside of her door until i hear the sound of her pitter-pattering out of bed and heading for the door. Before she gets a chance to grab the door handle i open it, pick her up, kiss her and say "It's bedtime, you need to stay in your bed." while putting her back into bed. This will repeat about 8 times before she reconsiders the cuddling. lol. After 10 minutes of cuddling and rocking in the chair, she finally goes down without a hitch. If only it could be this easy when we started!
Shes on her second night in her toddler bed. For a couple weeks now, periodically, she won't take a nap. Sometimes it will be a late one on the couch, or a regular one at 11:30/noon, or like i said, not at all. But today, surprisingly, she climbed into her bed with her drink and her teddy and fell asleep for just over an hour. Without a diaper on, might i add.

Patience is key, and its important i keep telling myself that. So far, we have made a little improvment each night. Thats all i ask. We have no other choice but to make this work this time, no matter how hard it is.I do enjoy waking up to the sound of her little feet smacking against the floor, and opening my eyes to have a beautiful little face so close to me i can feel her breathing. Its bitter sweet.