20 Month Old Will Only Sleep with Mom or Dad in Bed with Him

Hi L. -
I know that a lot of people have said that maybe he isnt ready for the bed yet... but if you want him to be in it... then so be it! And you have 2 month old boys... so I am assuming that the crib that your son got out of is now one of your infants crib....

As for the sleeping w/ a parent, I know your pain. Been there, done that. What I may suggest is that you put a gate up to his door in his room, and do the cry it out method.

Start by putting him in and leaving. Telling him that you are in the other room and that everythign is fine. if he climbs out of the bed and wails at the gate... he is still in his room, so it is ok. at 5 minutes, go to him reassure him that he is fine, but dont go into the room. then 10 minutes, do the same, then every 15 minutes until he finally falls asleep. It very well could take 2 hours...or longer... and it wont happen over night either... they say that it take 28 days to break a habit and 3 days to create one. So... keep your vigilance in this. It bites, and breaks your heart.... but it will make you a much happier couple because your son will be going to sleep at the same time and you wont have to spend half your night in bed with him. I know that some people are not fans of the cry it out method, and Dr. Ferber isn't as strong willed on that it is the only way now... but it is worth a try!

Good luck with all 3 of your boys!!

L.

My son is 26 months old and still sleeps in his crib. You might want to put him back in his crib if you still have it and do the toddler bed thing a little later. Or you can put a gate at his door and when he wakes up just visit him and put him back to bed. You'll have to keep doing it over and over again until he realizes that mommy and daddy aren't going to sleep with him. He may scream and cry but he really is just trying to get what he wants and if you don't want to sleep there then this is what it might take. It may take you a few nights or even a week, but it may be worth the pain and effort.

Hi there. Do you think he is not ready for a toddler bed yet?
Otherwise put him to sleep and do the WI/WO method. Say - I'll be in a few minutes to check on you. Walk out, and in a few minutes walk in, comfort him, and repeat, repeat, repeat!
You'll have to do it all night for a few nights, so maybe stay with him for the next few days, and start on a Fri night.
How is he at nap time?
Be VERY consistent. Does he have a blanky or stuffed animal to keep him comforted? That could help a lot too.
Good luck!

to tell you the truth, i think he is a little young to leave the comforting confines of the crib. that is why he is seeking the comfort of you and your hubby. my girlie is 25 mo. and is still LOVING her crib. that said, i absolutely agree with the walk-in walk-out method. it is tough, but if you are consistent and tough, it will work. if you cave even after a whole night of it, it is wasted. good luck girl!!!