Any tips on bedtimes?

Krista - posted on 02/04/2009

From what I've read in parenting books and my supernany book about crying when you leave(I dunno about crying when you are sitting there,that would be hard but this might work for that too),when they cry,you let them cry for about 5-10 min,if they get too upset you pick them up quietly and hold them until they calm down and then put them back in bed.Sometimes when my 2 yr old throws fits about bedtime I just stick him in his room and leave because it's easier than trying to talk to him about going to bed and he will either calm down after a few minutes or I'll go in there and he'll calm down so I can lay with him for a few minutes.

Sarah - posted on 02/04/2009

Quoting Sami:

I agree with Krista completely! The other thing I would add is that with my son it helped him when we said we'd come and check on him in a specific amount of time (he chose the time). He never got out of his bed again and every night he was already asleep when we went to check on him.

Thanks for the extra tip.  I'll have to remember it as she gets older if its still necessary.  I'm just not sure she'd understand that quite yet?

Sarah - posted on 02/04/2009

Thanks ladies.  I did see that technique on "Super Nanny" - :0) - just wasn't sure it would really work in regards to a crib.  So would you recommend I just sit there until she goes to sleep even when she's standing staring at me crying, or do I get up each time to lay her back down?  Again - appreciated.  :0)

Courtney - posted on 02/04/2009

I think Krista has the right idea! -- Sounds like you have started a bedtime routine. I would stick to it. Try to not to deviate from it, this will help set the routine in her mind. When I took my 2nd child out of the crib and put her in a "big girl" bed we had to sit with her for about a week or so before we could start moving out of the room. We started with sitting on the floor right beside her head. Prior to bed time we explained to her that we would sit in the room with her for a few minutes but there was no talking, or touching. after a day or two we moved to the end of the bed and then about a week or so later we moved out side the door. Now she goes to her bed with out a problem ( most nights) as does my oldest. The girls do have a nightlight in there room as well. it is reassuring, and makes it easier for me to see with out turning on other lights when I do have to take her back to bed.

Sami - posted on 02/04/2009

I agree with Krista completely! The other thing I would add is that with my son it helped him when we said we'd come and check on him in a specific amount of time (he chose the time). He never got out of his bed again and every night he was already asleep when we went to check on him.

Mindy - posted on 02/04/2009

We are going through the same thing with our 10 month old. I have been giving her some oat meal before bedtime. That seems to help some. I have been leaving the radio on for her as she lays in bed, so she doesn't feel alone. We let her cry it out until she falls asleep. The periods of crying are getting shorter now. If your little one wakes up in the night let her sooth herself to sleep. I know that it is hard, but she needs to learn on her own how to make it through the night.

Krista - posted on 02/04/2009

A bedtime routine such as bath,dress in jammies,brush teeth, bedtime story and then lights out is definately the right way to start. You could also start out by sitting in her room til she falls asleep,gradually sitting farther and farther away over a week or two until you are eventually out the door. Try also a nightlight and reassuring her that if she needs you during the night you will be right down the hall (or wherever your room is) and you'll be able to hear her if she needs you.