How to Adjust to New Bed

I'm like you I let my children sleep in My bed as well. But when it came time for them to sleep in their own bed because they were getting to big to sleep with Mommmy and Daddy it was hard. What I did to get them to sleep in their own big bed is My husband and I made a big deal about it. We tried to get our children excited about it. We even let them pick out their new sheets, pillowcase, and blankets for their big kids bed. We even told them that all big kids slept in their own room all night and they really wanted to be big kids. I had no problem with my daughter. However it took some work with my son. For him we had to get him a night light because he said he was scared of sleeping in his room by himself. He complained about monsters, dinos, and ghost bothering him at night. After giving him a night light and reassuring him that the night light would scare them away because they don't like light. It worked. However every once in awhile they will come and climb in bed with us.

Good luck. I hope this helps you out.

L., I can totally relate!!!My husband and I have spoiled our daughter since the day she was born! It is very hard to tell that cute little face "No!" Some small tricks we used were: Of course letting her have some say in her new bed with lots of persuasion from us. Letting her choose her new bed decor. Set up a nightly routine. While she took her bath I sat in there and read a book or sang silly songs. Then we brushed our teeth together. As she settled in to her bed I put on a classical music cd. We read another book and the first few nights I laid with her until she fell asleep. As the nights went on I would say "Mommy has to change the laundry around or I had to get things ready for school tomorrow. I'll be back as soon as I get it done." I would check on her but after a week she knew Mommy had to get things done and was ok with going to her very own bed by herself. We still have the same routine with a few minor changes (she's 6 now) but she knows that at 7:30 her and I have that time for eachother. I know some moms say let them cry it out but I guess I'm weak. I could not stand to hear my daughter cry in fear. If you think about it, it is frighting to leave the comfort of Mom and enter a NEW room all by herself!
Good Luck on your bedtime adventure! Keep us posted and let us know what worked :)

L.~

I had the same problem even though it takes most of your night
start in bed with her and then leave when she falls asleep. Sometimes I fall asleep before her. I would tell her that big girls sleep in their own beds and if she does it for a whole week she will get a surprise. Trust me I know she will end up coming to you in the middle of the night but it's better than every night.
I am hoping one day to be able just to tuck my daughter in and leave. My daughter slept with us every night for over 2 years. I know what your going through.

Make it a fun and relaxed time for bed. Put on her jammies and tell her it is time to go to the big girls bed and read a story. Let her pick out her favorite story and snuggle with her on her bed (as best as you can). After her story, tuck her in and tell her good night. If she cries or gets out of bed, the first time, quietly take her back and tuck her in and then tell her good night, that she needs to go to sleep. Everytime thereafter, do not speak, just put her back to bed. This may take quite some patience, but persistance is the key. You may get tired and want to give in, but don't. She should be used to her big girl bed within a week or less. Just remember patience and persistance will pay off. Good luck!

We allowed our daughter to sleep in our bed as an infant and then when we moved her to a crib, at age 6 months, we put the crib in our room and then slowly moved her to her own room. If you have the space in your room place the toddler bed in your bedroom and allow your child to get use to the bed by herself and then slowly move the bed into her own room. Hope this helps.

You can make a big deal of the bed, let her pick the sheets and if you are decorating her room you can let her choose some of the decore. Make it all special and just for her. It might help her feel comfortable in the room.

Good luck.