Switching to the Big Girl Bed??

Updated on November 03, 2008
A.N. asks from Gilford, NH
16 answers

My daughter is almost 15 months, and she has always slept through the night pretty well. And already has her teeth...but has recently started not sleeping as well. She will be crying or whining at night and we go to check on her and she is still alseep but is moving around and sometimes all scrunched ina ball a tthe top of her crib, almost sideways with her feet sticking out at times. She just seems uncomfortable, we go in and adjust her, and she stops and is soundly sleeping again. This sometimes happens a few times a night. I just dont know if its too early to look at putting her into a big girl bed...just seems like it might be more comfortable but im unsure. What age do you usually do this?

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R.K.

answers from Springfield on

I know you say she has all her teeth but are you positive that her 2yr molars aren't starting to come in. My 18 month old starting to get one of his and my oldest got his early too. She could be dreaming or if she isn't waking up she could be having some mild night terrors its not uncommon for those to start at this age. If her feet are getting stuck she's old enough that a bumper poses no danger my boys always had bumpers in there cribs if they are put on tight and fit the crib right they are fine. A toddler bed is the exact same size matress as the crib so putting her in one probably won't help too much.

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N.P.

answers from Boston on

I have read the other responses and I think it is really an individual choice. My daughter moves all around her crib and makes some noise (loud whine and sometimes crys) but I think it is just dreams. We put up a crib bumper that is made of mesh. that way her legs/feet don't get stuck in the slats. It works great and I don't worry about the suffocation factor that bumpers can cause. Even though she is kind of out of the stage I still kind of worry about it. Just a first time mom thing I guess.
I can find out the name of the bumper if you like. Just let me know.
Take care and good luck!

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L.E.

answers from Hartford on

each child is different, i don't believe there is a right or wrong age tomove them out of a crib.if she's uncomfortable in the crib then the time is right for her. i would suggest putting a twin or full size mattress and boxspring on the floor to start, with a side rail. you might want to also put a gate across her doorway to prevent her from wandering around the house when you're sleeping.

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J.E.

answers from Boston on

I think all children are different. We moved our daughter out of her crib around 2 because she "tried" to climb out of the crib..I admit she was a great sleeper but it was challenging once she was in a bed. I claimed that with my son he would stay in his crib until he was 3 if I could help it.. well he did climb out of his crib and I still left him in it for a while but then he was doing it all the time and I didn't want him to get hurt so he was in a big boy bed at 2 also..he so far is doing much better then my daughter did and he is/wasn't as good as a sleeper as she was. If you think she will be more comfortable in a big girl bed go for it. If she has a bed that she could fall out of put up the toddler rails I had to do that with my daughter because she is all over the place when she sleeps! Good Luck!!!

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J.M.

answers from Boston on

I would wait it out if you can. My daughter's pediatrician said around 2 1/2 or when she needs to get out for nighttime bathroom trips. You don't want her showing up at your bed in middle of the night (which I guess she could do at any age!) My daughter is 2 1/2 now and still happy in crib!

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K.D.

answers from Providence on

I woudl try giving her some motrin before going to bed. from experience keep in the crib as long as possible for safety issues and bedtime routine completely changes as soon as the are out of the crib you want to make sure she is old enough. 2 1/2 -3. my son started climbing out when he was 11 mths we used a crib tent and that worked very well.mother of 13 11 8 and 18mths sahm with home based business K. D

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L.M.

answers from Providence on

A. -

Honestly, I would keep her in the crib for as long as possible. We took my daughter out at 2 years old only because we "thought" that was the right time. She was a fabulous sleeper up until then. After that, it was a nightmare. She would not go to sleep at night, and we ended up having to take her to Dr. Ferber, the sleep specialist.

The other thing about taking her out of the crib early is that she will have the ability to come in to your room in the middle of the night if she wakes up.

As far as how they sleep... my kids still sleep sideways (and they are 4 and 5) or in a ball. I think that is just how they are comfortable.

Again, it is completely up to you and how you feel, but I am just giving you my opinion.... if you do end up with the bed... just do the mattress on the floor, that way, she can get up and in by herself.

Good luck!
L.

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D.D.

answers from Boston on

My little guy hes been in a big crib/toddler bed since he was14 months and sleeps through the night better than in a basenet crib. hes a roamer and I find him sleeping in all contortions happy as a clam. Footsie PJs are the only way I can Keep him covered! Sounds like if your little princess is curling up and making sad sounds about the same time each night she might have a food alergy that is cousing tummy truble ,something to look into ! good luck!

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C.M.

answers from Boston on

Im sorry i just have the same ?,
Is there a better way to check on others responses?

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N.H.

answers from Boston on

We moved our son into a big boy bed for the same reason. He moves around so much. He went in the bed at 18 months and has been doing great since. He loves it. You could always try a bed and keep the crib set up. If she has a tough time you can put her back in the crib for a little longer. Good Luck!

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A.B.

answers from Providence on

Hi A.,

I put my daughter in a toddler bed at around 18 months for the same reason. It worked out great! She did roll out a couple times so make sure to put some pillows around! I was very happy we made this decision because it was a huge help in getting her independant enough to potty train. We kept her bedtime routine exactly the same so we didn't have issues with her getting out of bed or anything.
Good Luck!

N.R.

answers from Boston on

I am going through the same thing right now with my little guy. I think he's just outgrown the crib and I have moved him to a toddler bed however, it's the same size as the crib. I let him sleep in his brother's twin bed last night and he seemed to do well. I think I will just put a twin size mattress and box spring on the floor in his room. I have one son that went to a toddler bed and did well, one that went from the crib to a full size bed and now this little guy that I am putting into a twin. I don't think it really matters what age. It's just when they are ready. Good luck. Of course now they can all come into my bed during the middle of the night. :)

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O.H.

answers from Hartford on

Hi A.,

If you still need any help with the "big girl bed" or making her room special and unique I would love to help! I am a small business owner specializing in custom children's rooms including hand-painted murals, furnishings and hand-sewn bedding and drapery. If you'd like examples check out my website at www.bumblebug.com

Thanks and ggod luck!

O.

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H.Z.

answers from Boston on

My youngest is 16 months old and I would absolutely not switch him into a big boy bed as long as possible! They actually love their enclosed environment...makes them feel secure. Plus it is much safer for them, they can't get into trouble. So unless she is actually climbing out and hurting herself I would let her stay put.

Good luck!

H. Z. (SAHM 5, almost 4 and 16 month old boys)

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L.S.

answers from Hartford on

I think she is still too young. It sounds like if you put her in a big girl bed she will still sleep sideways -- but instead of her feet sticking out of the slats-- she will be falling out of bed! Just my opinion Good luck! :)

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T.A.

answers from Providence on

My son went into his toddler bed at 1.He was able to climb out already and I thought he would hurt himself.he actually did fine without any problems.I think as long as the bed has sides so she can't fall out it should be fine to switch her especially if she is all scrunched up.T.

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