Getting a 2 Year Old to Nap on His Own

Just want to remind you that you will miss those sweet naps lying down with him watching him breathe- because he will grow out of it. I agree they need to be able to fall asleep on their own, but there is a price to pay either way. What ever the problem, try to enjoy the present- they grow up sooo fast!!!

It sounds like he is in need of a real bed and not a crib. Toddler beds are waste of time and money. Then you can help him sleep in his own bed. I too rocked my son - It was my time with him and enjoyed it, so don't be so hard on your self. Then when we got him a twin bed, I laid with him since it was new till he fell a sleep. To ween him (about 4yrs) I would start laying shorter and shorter times and we would just tell him he needs to lay on his own and I would be back to check on him. When we would leave him with a sitter he'd go down on his own with out some one laying with him. So I think it was his time with me just as much as it my time with him.

He's 5 now and I still lay with him after I put my 15 month down, if he hasn't fell asleep on his own. I rock her too or she'll cry till she barfs all in her crib. It's okay to do what you feel is best and if your mom or others are putting the pressure on you - just remember it's your time with him - you worked all day. He also comes on his own to our bed in the middle of the night. Lucky we have a regular King bed. Enjoy it, soon he won't want to hug you good bye.

Go easy on yourself (and your boy). With so many changes upon both of you, maybe this isn't the time to change his nap routine too. Enjoy this special time you get with him and know that "this too shall pass".

M.-
I wanted to let you know what a friend of mine did to keep her toddlers in their cribs. She got them the sleepers that were like bags with a zipper down the middle. No legs! That way her climbing boys couldn't lift their legs over the side of the crib to climb out.
Just a suggestion!

Also, there are no perfect mommies out there. We all try our hardest and do the best job we can, but we make boat loads of mistakes. Don't let anyone tell you different.
Glad you're getting on this now!
S.

How is he doing with naps at his daycare? You might want to try emulating the daycare nap routine. That would mean have a place for him to nap other than the crib,probably in the area of the house where he plays. Get him a mat or cot similar to what the daycare uses and have that be his naptime area. Put on some quiet music, and sit next to him until he goes to sleep. What we have for our home childcare is cots that fold (like the folding canvas chairs). We got them from Walmart online for about $30 and they are a great way for the children to nap. They are also great if you travel, because they take up little space and are a ready way to put the child down to sleep wherever you go.

I also agree that it's time for your little guy to get out of the crib and into a toddler bed, or even a regular twin sized bed. If you choose a twin sized bed, it will last him until he's grown. You can simply put the box spring and mattress directy on the floor to eliminate the fears of him falling out of bed, and maybe put a soft cushion next to the bed to soften a fall if he does roll out. Getting him to stay in bed may be a little difficult at first, but with positive reinforcement, you can achieve that without too much trouble.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm doing the same thing with my 2 1/2 year old. It wasn't intentional, it just happened and became the norm. I get criticism from my mother in law about it, but it works for us for now.

One thing that helps is a crib tent. It attaches to the top of his crib and he can stand up in it and still be contained. I did have to attach a bungee cord to the zipper so that he can't open it by himself.

My son has been in daycare for more than a year and easily goes down for a nap by himself. It took a few days for him to adjust, but it wasn't a struggle. He can do it, I think it's me who isn't ready to do it.
Anyway, know that you aren't alone. I wish you luck with whatever you choose to do.

let me know what you find out! I'm worse... still nursing my little one to sleep at 2 1/4! (he does go to sleep w/ Dad and babysitter w/out me by reading and then some singing...) I have to say - it's easy to nurse him to sleep and he's still in our bed. He's never been in his crib much and we have a BIG bed ready for him to move to...

You are right, too many changes all at once is very stressful for a young child. Really stressful for anyone.
A child in a new day care has alot to adjust too; new environment, new friends, and new teachers plus perhaps alot of new foods unless child brings his own food. And then to add toilet learning to the list is alot. And now Mommy wants to change things at home too. I would wait at least two weeks before changing things at home; a month would be even better.
F.

since your son can climb out easily, maybe it's a good time to switch to a toddler bed. you can get him excited about it, have him help you pick out new sheets and then bedtime and naps will be exciting.

it's never too late to adjust your night time routine. after dinner, we bathe the kids (2 yr old and 11 months together) then get ready for bed, brush teeth etc, then read 2-3 stories, then sing a good night song we made up. then off to bed.

good luck!