I’ve been pretty vocal about my plans to keep Peanut in a crib forever, or at least until the age of sixteen. A crib is confining, and does not allow my 3 year old to come “visit” on a whim. Plus, we’d never had an argument, an attempt to escape, a complaint. I have friends whose children were jumping from cribs at eighteen months. Not Peanut. It’s basically worked for us, pretty seamlessly.
A few days ago I was putting Peanut to bed after bath, the usual routine. We’d returned only an hour or so earlier from a dinner-time play-date at a friend’s home. As Peanut lay down in her crib, she stroked the bars. “A has a big girl bed,” she said, “L too”. “I have a baby bed,” she sighed, sadly. “I want to sleep in a big girl bed.” I’m not sure how, or when she realized that she was one of the only ones left in a crib. She’d seen her friend’s beds on countless occasions, never commenting, never wondering, never questioning. In fact, she’d often explained, “my bed is called a crib”. That was her normal.
But last week, she decided it was time. And, I suppose, it is.
It was a moment. A moment when Peanut realized she’s ready for the next stage, even if I’m not entirely.
I’m guessing this won’t be the last time. I know this won’t be the last time.
That’s the reality of sleep.
And of parenthood.
Hopefully, the transition to her Big Girl bed will a smooth one.
I would like to point out that when we had to put our twins in the toddler beds at 18 months, they weren’t developmentally ready for them. Didn’t quite get the concept of sleep *in* the bed. We’d put them to bed, and later find them nested on the floor. Pillows, blankets, stuffy; the whole deal. This went on for at least a year. Be grateful Peanut wants a big bed! Make a fuss, give her pretty sheets/comforters, etc. It will probably be a very fun and happy thing for her. You lucky thing!
Awww bless her little cotton socks, those kind of conversations are hard to resist aren’t they. Good luck with the big girl bed x
I’m hoping her desire for the big bed will translate to complete and utter success. And the fact that she never fought her crib should be a good indicator that she won’t resist being in her new bed, either. Congrats to you and Peanut on another big milestone!
She’s ready that’s such a milestone for both of you. Good luck with big girl bed shopping.
Good luck! Cadence had no problem transitioning to her big girl bed. She loves it and we had a great time picking out sheets and a comforter. Hopefully Peanut will be the same : )
Oh how touching and exciting. Peanut is growing up so quickly
All these firsts of growing up are difficult for Moms. I am not ashamed to admit I have continued to save my 21 year olds (recent college graduate…oh so proud)first comforter from her first “Big Girl Bed”. even though it hasn’t been used in so many years, it is still in perfect condition, and even though I am certain it means very little to her, every time I clean out, I decide that I just can’t part with it. it was from my babys first big girl bed lol. enjoy comforter shopping
Awww but look on the bright side you have a sweetheart who can tell you what she wants with no crazy temper tantrums, she’s a sweet girl! They really do grow up too fast, good luck with the transition and hope there aren’t too many pop up visits
Little girl is growing up! The reality of a moment like this is partially sad and partially exciting. I have a feeling Peanut is going to continue to be a good sleeper in her new bed!