When my son was ready for the crib-to-big-boy-bed transition, it was an easy one to make. He asked one day, we bought the bed the next weekend and within a week the transition was done. Our only problem became early wake up time meant he was get out of bed instead of hanging in the crib because he had to.
Now we’re about ready for this same transition with my daughter; however, this time around I have very different feelings about getting rid of her crib. Part of it is nostalgia since this crib has been part of our décor for almost four years now, but part of it is fear. Fear of her never wanting to sleep once she upgrades to a big girl bed.
My son is very independent and very well-behaved when it comes to bedtime. We tell him it’s time for bed and 99 percent of the time, he stays in his bed with no question. My daughter is a very different breed. I anticipate the movement from crib to big girl bed will be a whole new opportunity for disobedience. Is that horrible to say about your child? Right now, we put her to bed and she sings herself to sleep. I hear her in the early mornings talking, but she tends to fall back asleep until a more reasonable hour.
Many friends who had to give up a crib for a new baby, lost the toddler nap when the crib left the room. My daughter, who never seems to need near as much sleep as her brother, I feel may go this route if the crib makes a grand exit. But on the other hand, I worry about her curiosity and her strength in scaling the sides of the crib. She hasn’t done it yet, but Alex has shown her how to do it.
I know we can always put up a gate at her door or even a door-knob cover to keep her in her room. But she has some pretty strong lungs, and I don't think a gate will stop her from screaming her way out of the room.
Is it safe to leave a two-year old in her crib? Should I take the leap and give her the freedom that I fear might temporarily throw off everyone’s sleep? Should I trust that since we had an easy go with my son, this one might go well, too? Is it really the parents that have the harder time with this than the kids?
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Just wanted to let you know that I like your blog . . .it feels very familiar because it reminds me of my blog(www.ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com)
I also contirbute to Chicago Moms Blog (that is how I came across it). Anyway, I like what you are doing.
Wow, you sound like you're in the exact situation I'm in. Older boy, younger girl. Girl is sassy and hates to sleep. I'm keeping her in the crib until she's at least 3. Preferrably 3 and a half. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. The crib is a comfort for her and for me.
Well, if you don't mind being the guinea pig...I'll wait to see what happens for you. I have a 3 year old daughter and 20 month son. When our daughter woke me at my bedside for the first time...I was so excited. I think we took the side off of her crib before we even got out of our pj's. And she has done great ever since. The self controlled child of the two. Our son crawled out at 16 months...just a month after our twins were born. Needless to say, I was NOT ready to transition him to a toddler bed. Soooooo....and I hope no one turns me into child protection...but we bought one of those cribtents. He doesn't mind it at all...and reminds us to zip it after we put him in and take him out. Anyways, I was wondering the same thing...how and when to transition the second/higher maintenance child. Sorry I have no advice.
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