Submitted by Leah from O Mamma Writes
Several months ago we tried to make the switch from the crib to the big girl bed when we feared our daughter being able to climb out (and fall out, break her neck or something dramatic like us parents think!). Savannah was 18 months old at the time, we knew other parents that had their children in a big bed at that age successfully, and the doctor said she very well could be ready and mature enough for it. So we did it.
The first night it took 2 hours to get her to sleep, but she did it and slept through the entire night. The next day, she took a nap in her new bed. I was hopeful, frustrated, but hopeful. The second night she sobbed and sobbed so I bought back out the pack-n-play crib to ease her fears (and get sleep myself). The process by far had been the most frustrating and hardest thing I had to deal with as a parent. Some nights she screamed bloody murder about going to bed, some nights she falls asleep without any problems, some nights she just played and played until we just had to put her in the crib so we can go to bed ourselves.
Our Dr. recommended to just leave her in her room (baby proofed) with a gate so she cannot get out. He said she may play, but eventually she should go to sleep. Logically, that’s the only thing that worked when we were training her to sleep in her crib throughout the night. Sounds good, right? One day, after an hour of her playing alone in attempt of a nap I came into this:
At least she knows how to keep humor in a sitatution. Though, needless to say, after many week of frustrations and failures, we decided she wasn’t ready yet for the big girl bed. And, our lessons learned? Don’t rush our child into being a big kid, she’ll get there when she’s ready. And, it’s okay to fail and laugh while you’re at it! We also learned that a Crib Tent a blessing from above. She gets her beloved crib, and we know she’s safe.
We just made the transition ourselves and I can’t imagine having done it when she was 18 months old The first day time nap she got out a couple of times but we just had to put her back and remind her that it is “night night” time. The first night I did have to go in there and lie on her floor for about 15 minutes until she fell asleep. The second night she woke up at 5 a.m. and DH laid on her floor (actually he passed out there for about an hour). But ever since then she has been fine and naps have been great.
You’re right she was probably just too young right now and you can try again later.
Jill@ModernMommyBlog’s last blog post..Potty Time Tuesday
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