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need help getting all 3 kids on routine for bedtime

Meaghan - posted on 10/26/2010 ( 3 moms have responded )

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I have a 7 month old son, a 2 year old daughter, and an almost 4 year old daughter. We all cosleep together, so space can be tight at times. We have a king sized bed, and we put two toddler matteress on the floor for the toddlers. My 7 month old sleeps with us in the bed, so he can nurse threw the night. Sometimes all three of the kids get into our bed, and its really crowded during those nights my husband dosnt like cosleeping much. anyways I guess i have a couple of questions. Is this normal for all of us to be sharing a room? I would like my for two toddlers to share thier own room, but i'm not sure if my two year old is ready. She ends up in our bed almost every night, but my 4 year old can sleep threw the night on her bed on the floor.

I also have a hard time getting my two toddlers sleeping at night. My four year old wants to stay up, and my 2 year old throws the biggest fits, and just wont sleep sometimes. I physically lay there with them until they fall asleep and can take like an hour sometimes two I just end up falling asleep. When they go to bed I wish I had time for myself, and they just dont know how to turn off. Its frustrating with all 3 kids being so young. Its also hard beacuse our routine is always changing. I cant explain everything on here, I guess what i'm asking for if other moms have any experience with multiple co sleepers and how they handled bedtime. I just need things to be more smooth, and zen like. I feel so crazy sometimes with all the needs of my lo.

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3 Comments

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Vanessa - posted on 11/09/2010

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If at all possible, a routine is so important. Winding down before bed is a big deal, for babies and adults the same. If you can, find a book to give you night time tips. I only have one difficult sleeper (hopefully the next, due in Feb will be a little easier). But I have been searching for a solution to our night/nap time problems. And the one thing everyone agrees on is routine. And calm for about an hour before bed. Aside from that, take a deep breath. Don't expect automatic changes. Be patient. And know that you are doing the best you can. In asking for help, you can find great resources. The book recommended most to me is Elizabeth Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution. Maybe give that a try? So far, a lot of good suggestions....I'm not far into it though. Good luck to you. I hope things smooth out. And I apologize if this is a bit out of order...we had a really tough night, and I'm running on empty. :)

Meaghan - posted on 10/27/2010

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thank you Marcy. I will diffantly try reading more books before bed to get them ready. hopefully we will find the right combination, beacuse i'am running on empty

Marcy - posted on 10/27/2010

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HI Meaghan-
Wow, sounds like your hands and full and you could use some down time. I only have one kiddo and he has been co-sleeping with us since he was born. He stopped nursing at 4 years old and is still in bed with us. I guess I would try a few things. Perhaps you could move your 4 year olds bed back to her room and read 2 books with her at night and then sit there with her until she falls asleep. We kind of have a nightly routine with our son. He eats, has some down time in the living room (plays Thomas, puzzels, etc.) then if all the planets are aligned its bath time and book time and then snuggles and bed by 8:30. I am tired with just 1 kiddo so I can only imagine 3 of them.
I am not sure what to say about your 2 year old...its such a transition stage. Maybe try and move her bed to the room with your older daughter and see if that works. Let each of them pick out 1 book that you will read and then sit on the floor next to their beds...Honestly, there is only so much of you to go around and it sounds like you are running on empty. Sometimes I just give my son to my hubby and he falls asleep in his arms watching tv because I am just tired. Good luck and big hugs.

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