At what age (and/or developmental stage) did you move your babies to a big kid bed? Every time I put my 16 month old on a regular bed/mattress he sleeps like a baby (excuse the pun). It is a constant battle to get him to nap and sleep through the night in his crib. I don't know if he doesn't like the hard mattress or he's cold or what. I've tried making the room lighter and darker. I've tried giving him a variety of different blankies. We've tried letting him cry it out & we still don't see any progress. He even slept better in my MIL's playpen when we visited for the holidays. I think I've slept through the night about four times since he's been born and mama is getting worn out. Anyone have any insight?
I would move him as soon as you can. All kids are so different, but sounds like you little one is letting you know he is ready. Plus you could use some much needed sleep.
If he is comfortable and sleeps on the regular bed, pack up the crib. You can purchase bed rails for safety and as long as he can safely climb down you are set. Maybe add a step stool by the bed if he needs it. I waited until my daughter was 2 and had a perfect transition as you are having, and I should have done it sooner.
We moved my daughter to a "big-kid bed" the second she turned 2, but honestly I think she would have been ready sooner. The toddler bed would be perfect for your situation, low to the ground, just the right size. My daughter loves hers and my 19-month-old takes naps in it well too. I say go for it. You can get a rather inexpensive one and just try it out, sleep is a must for you and him!!
My girls were each about 18 months when we moved them. We used a full mattress with NO box spring, just a piece of wood about 1/2" thick (I think) under the mattress, and a side rail on one side and it up against the wall. Both did great.
Go for it!!! Put him in a big kid bed. When I moved my son to a big boy bed I just bought side rails so he would not fall out. And he did just fine also. He was almost two when we moved him out of the crib, Straight in to a twin size bed.
