Hi Mommas-
My son is very attached to his crib. I probably could have kept him in there longer but he turned 3 at the end of April and it just seems to me that he should be sleeping in a "big boy" bed. His first night in it was Wed. He fell asleep right away and didn't come out or anything. But last night he did not do so well. I laid him down around 9 and then I laid down myself. Around 10 I heard him playing with the doorstopper. I went in there and told him he needed to go to sleep. He went in his bed reluctantly and then I heard him again around 11. Did the same thing and then around midnight when he was still not asleep I went in there and he refused to go in his bed. His crib is still in the room so I just moved the mattress and put him in his crib. Didn't hear a peep after that. Any suggestions?
Mine did the same thing - so I got on Craig's List and bought a cheap mattress so that there was one in both beds. Then when bedtime came he could choose which bed he wanted to sleep in. He told me when he was ready for me to take the crib away - it only took a couple of weeks and we didn't have any bed time issues.
Take the crib out of the room and commit to the big-boy bed! He's really too big to be in the crib and it will be unsafe soon (too heavy, climbing out, etc). Better to start the effort now than wait for an accident!
Put him to bed at the same time each night and with the same routine. When he gets out of bed, quietly walk him back to his room and tuck him back in. Don't get into a dialogue with him about it- just put him back to bed. Eventually, he will sleep through the night again, but think of it as another transition that you will be through quickly!
Just don't cave and let him back in the crib or in your bed or you will start "over" each night!
I would commit to the bed too. Its going to take time, patience and persistence to get him to stay in his bed. But, eventually in time he will get it.
You don't HAVE to move him out of his crib. I think I was in mine until I was 5 (and I have a cousin who is tiny who was in her toddler bed until high school-lol). If he's happy in there, let him be, as long as it's not a safety issue with climbing, etc. He knows about the big boy bed now and you can tell him that big boys stay in bed...If he seems like he wants to be in the big boy bed, keep the crib in his room for a while as a "reminder". We moved my daughter when she was about 3.5...she had just started climbing. She had been going to sleep on her own, but in her big girl bed wants someone there with her until she's asleep. She worries about shadows. She feels less secure. We got her (at 3.5) the seahorse toy that lights up and plays music (like the glowworm) and it helped a bit. Have you asked him where he wants to sleep?
You can put the rail down on the crib, and let him get used to the idea of having the freedom to get up anytime. After awhile, he'll be ready for the toddler bed. Just keep his door closed and let him play. He'll get tired of the novelty after a few nights. Most kids spend a few nights on the floor before they decide to sleep in the bed. When he decides he's ready for the big boy bed, remove the crib. (Remember, this was your idea, not his.)
it's up to you to be in charge.....& if you want your child to learn to stay in bed when you place him there.....then you need to find a method of discipline/reward & be absolutely consistent in your game plan.
AND I agree it's time for the big boy bed....when he starts playing with older kids, they will make fun of that baby bed! Preschool kids also talk about their beds..... Good Luck.
My son, was in his 3's, and was still in his crib. He LOVED his crib.
He continued to sleep and nap in his crib... until one day, HE told me he wanted to not sleep in there anymore.
So then, I put him on a floor mattress.
He has done fine ever since.
It was his choice... and he expressed to me his thoughts.
We don't have bedtime battles.
Next, before my son sleeps, he likes to twiddle around with or play with a toy car or whatever. So that is a PART of his/our routine. I let him. It helps to wind him down. Its no biggie and its okay.
My son knows that. Then, after a few minutes I tell him to put away and he does then he goes to sleep.
At this age.... a parent STILL needs to "cue" a child... they can't tell time yet nor even know that it is 11:00pm or that 1 hour has passed.
AND they simply cannot self-regulate on their own. You need to cue him and help him. He is only 3.
all the best,
Susan
It's something new and it will take time to get used to. I would suggest that you stay consistent on putting him in bed and when you hear him during the night put him back in his bed again. If you continue to give in and put him back in his crib you'll have to start the process all over again. Good luck.
