Transitioning to a sleep mat

[Judy Trickett]

I don't know who decided there was an age where a child "should" move to a mat. I figure as long as he fits, is safe and comfortable then stay in the play pen!

Most providers move kids to mats because PNPs take up so much space and you either have to live with them taking up space or constantly have to put them up and take them down.

[playfelt]

Agency care has "rules" about where kids sleep based on age not size, development, temperament, etc. Another reason I like to work independently.

[treeholm]

I also like play pens. I have two here who co-sleep at home, and will not lay down unless a parent is with them and/or they are nursing. Here, they go into their play pens quite happily. I have the younger one (1.5 years) in a sleep sack so she won't climb out. The two year old has not tried to climb out yet, but I am concerned that he might. I guess he'll go into a sleep sack at that point LOL. The fact that neither child goes to bed at home without nursing, or at least a parent going with them means I doubt they will simply stay on a mat here.

[Robyn]

We have a spare room so I have 2 cribs set up. I will keep kids in the cribs until they attempt to climb out. Then I just turn them into toddler beds and then I have cots when we need the cribs again for new babies joining us! So far this has worked out great! (I detest playpens)

[Wonderwiper]

Most providers move kids to mats because PNPs take up so much space and you either have to live with them taking up space or constantly have to put them up and take them down.

That makes sense! I have a dedicated sleep room where I have the space to leave 5 pnp set up permanently!!