Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

I am beginning to think she hates her crib mattress. She’ll sleep in it but after tossing and turning for awhile she gets uncomfy, wakes up and looks for softer options. Those options have been our bed or the couch.

She will sleep in our bed without us. Its not us she’s going for, it’s the bed. She’ll sleep on the couch, without the TV just because its soft. Last night we did a ‘wind down’ a little early and she fell asleep in my room with me. Three stories and OUT like a light. That’s never happened before. It was strange, she got in bed, pulled her covers up, I read the books she turned over and it was done. She even said good night to daddy, cats and was just so totally not her normal anti-sleep self. Not a peep out of her until exactly 7am she woke herself up. Hubby slept on the couch because he said she looked so comfy (which was surprising to me because we normally move her.)

Wherever she sleeps in her bed, she seems so restless and tired the next day. Even if she spends time in our bed in the morning hours.


So… what to do?

Do we get her a full size mattress and stuff? Do we find some solution to making her bed softer. We already have it piled high in whatever blankets and comforters I could find. But I lay on it and really… ouch! Hubby says there has to be a pillow top or something for her. I think that’s crazy.

Only other option I have is to try it out on my brother’s bed (fullsize) but I’m worried that if that works and we don’t get her a bed before he comes back, she’ll start invading HIS room!

Oh and no, we don’t CIO, never have, never will
No she’s not a bother to us in our bed
No I don’t think it’s a bad habit starting etc just her trying to get sleep
Of course I want her into her own room and bed but more I want her to get a good sleep.
Continuing as is (even tho its only been a like a week) is an option but I am curious.
Yes, Money is an issue

Watching her act like a regular kid with a standard tuck in, story and sleep was just so shocking to see last night. Its the first time I've taken her to our room specifically just to go to sleep. To moms who have kids who do that daily (regardless of which room).. wow.. thats pretty neat!

ETA: I haven’t been sleeping well, for another reason. My mind has been racing and keeping me awake. So I’ve noticed the pattern – I guess (or its my lack of sleep speaking). Two nights ago she fell asleep at the foot of our bed without bothering us at all. I handed her a pillow because that night I got less than 4hrs of sleep. Last night I was exhausted and that’s why we did an early sleep time. She and I both passed out early!

Message edited 1/12/2012 12:51:04 PM.

Re: Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

So is she in a toddler bed right now but using the crib mattress?

When she eventually moves on to a "regular bed" were you planning on getting her a full size bed/mattress (or converting the crib?) If so, maybe just start by getting the mattress and put it on the floor to see if that helps? If not - no harm no foul since you're gonna have to get the mattress eventually anyhow.

Re: Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

My ds is 3 and we have him in a full size bed. He always hated his crib,to th point I was on the couch and he was in my bed . Now he LOVES his bed just loves it. My 19 month old naps in my bed, and falls asleep in our bed ( we transfer him at night) I think both of my kids hate the crib because the mattress is uncomfortable. I would go right for the bigger bed w a comfy mattress. Ds mattress is from Macy's in (sealy) clearance was just over 200.00

Re: Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

DS is 3 and he just of lately is asking me to buy him a big soft bed with lots of pillows just like mine. If he had it his way he would take our bed over haha. We converted his crib into a toddler bed a year ago when he turned 2 so he is also using the same crib mattress and we are going to change him to a full size bed in the next few months. When we went mattress shopping we were told the firmer mattress is better for their spines and not to get a softer one as uncomfortable as it may feel. Did you also hear this?

Message edited 1/12/2012 2:17:25 PM.

Re: Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

I would get her a twin size bed and say bye bye to the crib.

Re: Question about crib mattresses and 3yr old's sleep

Ok.. thanks

I had lunch with a coworker (shes a mom too) and talked it out.. stupid me.. She said "Just put the full size you have now INTO her room" well duh!

I was afraid at getting her used to using my brother's room. But if I move it into her room we get to check if the bed is the solution with no cost. Worst case scenario I just have to buy another set for him. This set is only like 2 weeks old anyway.

As PP said, yes we fully intended a full size bed for her soon or later. My aunt has even bought her sheet set already WITH matching art work!

Message edited 1/12/2012 3:15:48 PM.