Last night I tried to get my 1 yr old to sleep in the crib. She just cried and cried. I let her cry but then she won't lay down. So I comfort her and she wants to sleep so I put her back in. I basically had to be there and stay next to her the whole time. She is more attached then my first 2 were. They were easy to get adjusted to the crib. Any ideas?
Thanks so much for the responses. This is only the second time I have tried to get her to sleep in the crib. She is more like passed out in it. We are getting through it and even though I still snuggle with her in my bed I am just happy she is sleeping at least 5 or 6 hours in the crib. I figure she'll get the hang of it. She doesn't seem to cry if I am there with her and my arm is awkwardly rubbing her hair. It's my last time to do this so I am taking it in stride. I don't mind her not enjoying the crib cause it's me she wants. What more can I ask for. Thanks again for the advice.
Where has she slept before this point? If she has been sleeping with you or in your room, this is going to quite the adjustment for her. I believe you will have a couple of rough nights but you need to let her cry it out. I know it sounds horrible but at this point she is old enough to know that she can get her way.
Give it time. The first night will always be the hardest.
some kids will accept no substitute for being right near mom and dad. that is ok! :D do your best to be sensitive to your baby's needs; you obviously are or you wouldnt have written for advice. my son was this way. we coslept/bedshared until he was between 15-17 months old. he still sleeps in his crib in our room. right now, its just easier for us to not have to crawl all the way across the house to get him if he wakes up, which has been rare... so its probably past time to do something else :P
but im telling you, the more you just have patience and consider your daughters need for you right now, the more confident and secure she will be able to move past this phase! :D my son sleeps WONDERFULLY! :D we have NEVER had a problem with him screaming when he went to bed or anything.... he goes to bed, and either just chills in his bed until he falls asleep, or he goes right to sleep! :D
www.askdrsears.com might have some good info for you! :D but just keep swimming you know? :D good luck!
Why are you making her sleep in the crib then? If she is used to co-sleeping and it is comforting to her, why not continue? You can always try again when she is older. Plus you guys can get some good snuggle one on one time. I'm sure she would be very thankful, lol. They are only little once so take advantage and give her all the love you can.
When our son had problems sleeping in the crib I would let him cry for 5-10 minutes (at first). I'd enter his room with a tissue to clean his face from tears and snot, hug him between the crib bars explaining in a calm voice how it's night time and he must lay down. Do NOT pick him up. I'd explain to him how I needed to go "night-night" and he also needs to go "night-night". Then I would leave the room. If the crying continues I would do it all over again but in longer wait intervals with a tissue, a hug and calm voice. They eventually get tired of crying and used to the routine. Good luck and stay firm.
I had this same problem, it was not a great experience, but I continued to return to the crib every 5-10 minutes, laid my child back down, told him "night night" and left the room. I did this over and over for 2 nights and after the continual reinforcement everything turned out fine. Now I say "night night" and close the door, and he is asleep in five minutes. Good luck!
