Hi Mamas,
My DD just turned 2 and we decided it was time for a big girl bed. So, last night we moved the crib out ans set up the twin size bed. At first she was really excited about it when she came in and saw it (she spent last night at Grandpa's house). But, when I went to lay her down for a nap in it she started throwing a fit and it didn't take her long to figure out she could get down off the bed even though we have the railing on it. Any ideas on how to get her to start sleeping in her bed?
Thanks!
You already moved out her crib so don't go back to it now. With my daughter I just moved her into her bed and put a baby gate at her door. If she got up she knew she could not get out of her room. I promise it will only last a couple of days. Remind her that she is such a big girl and big girls get to sleep in big beds. If she does get out of bed you could walk back into her room place her back in bed and remind her not to get out.
Why change when they do so well in their crib for up to 4 years? Go back to the crib until she is older and even after a new baby comes, until you need it. You can even use two cribs.
Definetly continue trying out the big girl bed! Don't go back to the crib. You shouldn't give up that easily. As long as you stay consistent with taking her back to her bed everytime she gets up, she will eventually catch on and get used to the idea of having a bigger bed. Just give her words of encouragement throughout the day and when bed time approaches start a good routine such as reading a book or kissing her teddy bears goodnight. Tell her it is time to go to sleep and leave the room and remind her there is no more talking. It doesn't matter how many times she gets up, just walk her back to bed without saying a word. When she realizes shes not getting attention from you she may give up. However there is no way to know how many nights of this she will test you on but eventually it should work.
Or you can try this. My kids listen to music at bedtime and I tell them they can get up when the music is over...they are asleep in less than 10 minutes and by morning of course the music has been off for hours and they know they are allowed to get up.
Give her praise or even reward her for staying in bed. A good reward may be making her favorite breakfast food such as pancakes, or taking her to the park. The point is to make her feel proud of herself so she will want to do it again.
Either way be careful with any expressions you have. Stay calm, no grumbling or sighing...this will show you are easily upset and she may continue until you break down and give in. Its hard to make the transition for some kids but it is never impossible. Hope this helps so you can both rest easy at night again soon!
It helped my dd to be able to pick out her own sheets. I would recommend reading a story to her while laying in bed with her and even laying with her until she goes to sleep. Special time usually helps everything.
