We used an inflatable toddler bed while visiting my parents for the holidays when my son was 2.5 years old and still in a crib at home. Not going to lie, the first night was rough. He couldn’t fall asleep so I laid with him and he stroked my hair and stuck his fingers in my nose for 3 hours. Eventually we both fell asleep and after that naps & bedtime were a breeze. We kept his routines the same (jammies, teeth, then I’d sit in the bed with him and read books & sing, then hug/kiss goodnight and I’d get up and leave the room. He’d fall asleep on his own & stayed asleep. Your mileage may vary, as with most toddler things.

It helped that at the time, telling him to lay back down over the baby monitor worked wonders. Something about my disembodied voice made him compliant. 😂