The Bedtime Conundrum

It was all so easy with the crib. Now that the crib is out, it seems that easy is out, too. To make the toddler bed more inviting,  I ordered some bedding that I thought would make it irresistible. What Thomas fanatic could resist, right?  (Note the Donald Trump doll face down on the floor)

Exhibit A

Apparently my Thomas fanatic can resist. Where does he like to sleep? On the futon in his room. I told him I'd lay down on the floor beside the futon while he settled down for his nap; he decided to lay on the floor too. And that is where he napped. On two separate days this week.

Exhibit B

Not shown here is Exhibit C:  Mom & Dad's bed -- also a highly desirable middle-of-the-night sleeping destination for this toddler.

And you can't just put him down and leave him anymore. You have to sit with him or lay down with him til he settles or falls asleep. Otherwise he'll follow you out the door!

I didn't realize how easy we had it til now! Will someone please hurry up and make a giant crib for toddlers who are done with their baby cribs?

Comments

[raehan]

Ah...hard isn't it? I've been through it. If you want advice, let me know. Very cute bed, though.

[Melody]

*giggle giggle* We've been talking about moving Monet out of her cot soon, maybe after Christmas we think. We have also decided to buy Monet a Queen size bed, similar to ours so if she does wake during the night one of us can go and sleep with her, in her bed, rather than 3 of us piling in our bed. Smart idea?

[Jean-Luc Picard]

I think you may have hit on a market that is not yet explored.

[caltechgirl]

heh. I wish you luck.

[Penny]

Just went through this battle with my three year old. I was given some helpful advice that worked - really, really well. Although it took time everynight and you have to be vigilant. And now, I'll share my unsolicited advice with you... just in case you're ready for it.

First night - sit beside the bed without looking at him. Every time he climbs out - put him back - the first two times you say it's bed time and he needs to stay in bed. After that you don't say anything at all, just put him back in bed.

Once that works well, after a few nights. You move a few feet away and repeat... until you're outside the door - waiting for him to settle down. After a few weeks of this, I am on my own after he goes to bed. And he stays put!!! yeah!

Good luck!

[Marie]

Thank you Penny! And Raehan, I'd love to hear what worked for you, too!!

[vw bug]

I'm with Penny. Worked for me with Tot. Except I have to repeat this every so often... I seem to not be able to leave his room when he gets sick and we start back at square one. I usually sit in a chair versus his full size bed... I do reach over and let him hold my hand when he is sick to help him fall asleep.

[InterstellarLass]

My kids both loved their beds when we moved from the crib. I don't recall too many jack-in-the-box nights. Good luck!