Sitting up while sleeping-2.5 yr old

[abaker89]

My 2.5 yr old has been sitting up while she sleeps.  She is still in her crib and leans against one of the slats.  She has a lovely mark on her forehead that never goes away.  It started in July when we moved to a new house and has just never stopped and now she is stressed with a 2 mth old in the house.  I have talked to her about it, she is very verbal but it doesn't help.  We have "practiced" laying down before sleep times.  She sleeps most of the night laying down but sometimes is sitting up (we have a video monitor) and sits up for most of her nap.  I just feel bad cause she looks a bit rough with this mark and she sometimes tells me that it hurts.  I can't see taking her out of the crib now since she seems to use it as security with all the big changes we have had in the last 6 mths.  Any ideas on how to stop this??

Thanks,
Aileen

[becky1969]

Boy, this is a toughie! I think I'd be inclined to talk to your ped about it.

since little sib is 2 months old I think it would be OK to transition to a BGB.  I realize that it is still a bit crazy, but it's not a brand new idea any more.  And now that sib is here you can make a huge party about it and say that it's her reward for being a big sister! Go shopping together for new bedding, buy a new 'sentry' animal to watch over her at night, and just really celebrate the change.  There's also some great books out there about sleeping in big kid beds that can help prepare her for the transition.

I have a feeling now it's more of a habit than anything.  It probably started due to stress and now it's just kind of a physical habit.  Breaking it may take changing beds.