We moved our 2.4 year old to a big boy bed 2 weeks ago and it's been a nightmare getting him to stay in bed! He was pretty good for the first few nights, only getting up 2-3 times before going to sleep, since then he is getting up numerous times and it takes between 45 mins-1 hr for him to fall asleep most nights. Day naps are even worse, I've had to resort to either standing at the doorway or putting him back in his cot just to get him to go to sleep. I know it hasn't been very long, but I'm finding it so frustrating and exhausting! To make matters worse, I'm 34 weeks pregnant with number 2 (hence the reason for the move) and feeling symptoms of the PND that I had after he was born creeping back (I was at my worst when he wasn't sleeping between 8-14 months).
Not sure what I'm asking for...maybe tips on how to get him to stay in the bed, stories from people who've been in my position before...I'm just feeling completely at end of my tether!!!
3 Replies
The only way I could get my son to stay in his bed was to lay down with him. The first couple of weeks I would wait until he had almost drifted off, then start heading for the door slowly. Then I would just get up a bit earlier each time until I could literally get him into bed, give him a kiss and cuddle and walk out. It probably took a good 6 weeks to get him sorted (I am pregnant with our second too so I know how anxious you must be feeling). I think it's sort of a game with them, and once the novelty wears off they tend to settle back into their routine. Make sure you keep your routine the same too - for example my son now knows at night time that when I say it's time to brush teeth, once he's done that he goes out, gets his cuddle bear, gives dad a kiss goodnight and heads straight to his bedroom. I think having a good routine helps them acknowledge that mum will always be there when they wake up etc, and it takes away the excitement of a "new game" so to speak. Just keep persisting with it and don't get upset or frustrated (hard I know!), and if you feel yourself getting into that zone before PND comes on, then speak to your gp now before it gets any worse. Good luck mumma, it will get easier xx
Thanks for the advice :) We've improvised a little the last few nights, one night we ended up leaving the dog in with him, which worked really well (but I'm not too keen to keep that going). So last night, I stayed in with him, sitting near the door, and left when he was almost asleep (I find he just mucks around when I lie down with him). We'll see how that one goes! We've always had a good solid bedtime routine, which we've stuck to in the transition. But as you said, being able to get out of the bed has become a bit of a game for him so far! Thanks again!
That's great! My advice - do whatever works (and hey I'm sure the dog loved it just as much!!). And like I said it was a good 6 weeks of persistence before we saw results so don't panic just yet :)