[OnTheJourney]

I don't flame you for rocking her to sleep, but it does make it harder for the child to know how to go back to sleep when they wake in the night. Also, waking gets to be a huge habit and their little internal clocks get "set". My advice if you are willing, start teaching her to go to sleep by herself. there are many methods, from the cry-it-out to the no-cry (google them for more info). Find one that works and stick to it. Once she is going to sleep by herself, the night time waking may just go away. If not, push her 5-10 extra minutes if possible before going to her and then follow your same method for her going to sleep on her own.

As for the toddler bed - sleep experts recommend children stay in their crib until a) it is no longer safe because of climbing or b) they are potty training. My DS started diving out at 22 months and we had no choice but to put him in a bed. This happened to be 3 days before his sister was born) The first 2 months were He**! No sleep for anyone! The next 2 were a little better, only up 2-3 times a night and naps got to up to an hour! (did I mention he used to sleep 12-14 hours a night and nap 2-4 hours!) 6.5 months later, it is better but he still gets up once at night and only naps about 1.5 hours. He is still over tired and cranky because of it half the time.

My DD who is 6.5 months is staying in her crib until college! I am keeping her in sleep sacks and putting a lid on it if I have to! lol kidding, but there is no way I would ever voluntarily take a child from their crib and put them in a bed after my expeirience with DS. Now of course, each child if different, this is only my experience and opinion!