Home Security System Protects Toddler During Bed Transition

Transitioning a toddler from a crib to a bed is a major milestone, but it often introduces new parental anxieties. One parent discovered that while their 2-year-old daughter eventually adapted to sleeping in a 'big girl' bed, the parent's own sleep was disrupted by fears of nighttime wandering.

To address the concern that the child might unlock the door and leave the house, the parent opted for a home security system rather than traditional childproofing methods. By installing door sensors and programming the system to arm automatically at night, the parent was able to regain a sense of security and sleep more soundly.

The transition began with significant missteps. The parent switched their daughter to a bed during a week that followed an international trip involving a 15-hour time difference. The resulting jet lag left both parent and child feeling delirious.

Instead of researching best practices, the parent initially 'winged it.' This involved sitting outside the child's door and returning her to bed every time she emerged. This approach continued night after night without improvement.

Eventually, the parent changed tactics and researched the recommended ways to introduce a toddler to a new bed. Once the best practices were implemented, the child began sleeping peacefully. However, a new concern emerged.

Even though the daughter was staying in her room until she fell asleep, the parent remained unsettled. There was a lingering fear that the child might wander out of the house in the middle of the night.

The parent considered several options to secure the child's room:

• Locking the door: This raised debates regarding safety in the event of a fire and potential emotional distress.
• Doorknob covers: A common childproofing solution.
• Baby gates: Physical barriers to limit movement.

Ultimately, the parent decided that a home security system was the most effective solution. While home security is traditionally used to keep intruders out, the parent realized it could also be used to keep small children in.

Because the parent was not handy and lacked the time for a DIY installation, they chose Vivint, a professional smart home security company.

The primary goal was to install door sensors on all exterior doors. The system was programmed to arm automatically between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If a door is opened during these hours, a loud alarm sounds and the security company is notified.

In addition to the door sensors, the parent added an outdoor camera to monitor the backyard while cooking dinner. They also installed a smart lock on the front door, planning for the future when the child is old enough to enter the house using a code rather than a key.

The implementation of the security system transformed the household's nighttime routine. The parent no longer wakes up at every creak of the house or checks the baby monitor obsessively.

Knowing that the system will alert them instantly if the daughter opens a door provides the reassurance needed to sleep soundly. While the security system did not solve the initial bedtime struggles, it allowed the parent to rest once the child was sleeping well in the new bed.

By repurposing a home security system for child safety, the parent found a solution that protects the toddler from wandering while simultaneously preparing the home for future needs.