From Cradle To Crib. *Featured Post*

 

 

From Cradle to Crib

9-14-2011

 

 

 

 Third times a charm, right? When it comes to moving my third child from the cradle to her big girl crib in her own room, this old saying is not holding true. It seems as if it has gotten harder to make that transition with each child. My youngest daughter is 13 weeks old and starting to fill up the cradle just a little too much.

 

My husband says we need to move her before she starts kindergarten, but I’m not so sure. I feel so much more relaxed when she is nestled right next to my bed. There is no fear of not hearing a gurgle, spit up, or cough through the monitor. I enjoy being able to simply raise up and make sure she is safe when I wake during the night.

 

However, I also realize the transition to a crib will be much easier the younger she is. I know deep down that the monitor will ease the process and she will be safe and secure in the crib in her room that we spent months making just right. This process is much more difficult for the parent than the child and is a major step in realizing this sweet little newborn is going to grow up. Keeping your sweet one in a cradle past a certain time doesn’t keep them small, no matter how much we wish it did.

 

I have begun the transition by placing my little munchkin in the crib for her naps throughout the day and she has transitioned to the larger bed and different surroundings like a champ. Tonight I will swaddle her up and lay her in her crib and know that she may not be in the cradle beside me, but she will always be my little baby.

 

So if you are wondering when the ideal time is to start the move, I would say to go with your instincts. You will know when you and your baby are ready to sleep in separate rooms. And in the meantime, cherish your little one and enjoy the special moments with your precious baby you waited so long to meet. Now, I think I might go shopping for a video monitor…

 

Gillian Eberhart is a mom to three small children and a military wife. Gillian enjoys spending time with her children, scrapbooking and photography. In her spare time she is a freelance writer for My Baby Clothes dot com. You can check out the new fall collection of baby clothes, tutus and baby headbands.