It's not a tragedy by any means, but my 3-year-old refuses to surrender her sleep sacks. She just about still fits in them and does use a blanket. And (sigh), not potty-trained yet so that's not an issue---yet. (Wish it was!)
I say we have to make them "disappear" in order to resolve this--that is if there is anything to resolve.
I guess I could keep letting her use them as they probably provide a sense of security.
Anyone else have "little big ones" still in a sleep sack?
***PLEASE DO NOT ASSUME THAT I AM NOT POTTY TRAINING MY DAUGHTER!!!! THAT'S JUST WRONG!" I've posted a lot about potty training and many people were supportive about it and had similar "late bloomers." Yeesh!
I didn’t even think they made sleep sacks that big…
It’s probably become a security thing with her, like a pacifier for many kids. Maybe you will need to have a special “fairy” come at night to take the sleep sacks away for babies that really need them, and leave her a special big-girl blanket instead. Or will she go for a kid-sized sleeping bag?
They make the ones with feet that kids can walk in. Basically a lot like a sleeper but with more room. I would not be embarrassed. They fit. She’s happy. She sleeps. My 4 yr old sleeps in footie sleepers still, but I have put a tshirt on her because otherwise she unzips them if she feels hot and then gets chilled in the night. Whatever works. And though my DD is daytime potty trained, nighttime she is still a heavy sleeper. I’m just going with the flow, so to speak, with pull ups for a while.
Don’t worry about the sleep sack. She’ll outgrow them soon enough and I’d see if she’ll use footie jammies (or similar, without feet).
ETA: My DD had trouble potty training til she was past 3. She’s slow on physical abilities. Once she was ready, she was ready and it didn’t take us long at all. The pediatrician was NOT worried at her 3 yr visit.
I really see little difference between a sleep sack of this size and variety and a set of sleeper jammies, which many, many children wear well above 3 yrs old.
Have you discussed this with your ped? I think that you should. How are her developmental milestones? Is she a bit behind? Is she showing any interest in potty training?
I don’t know when she turned 3, but I do think that if you put a lot of this together, that perhaps your child should be evaluated by a developmental pediatrician. Ask your ped about this - I think it would help you. I would NOT make the sleep sack disappear until you’ve talked to the ped.
I don’t even know what a sleep sack is!! If it’s (I’m imagining) some sort of pj that is sew together at the bottom, how does she walk? If it’s more of a nightgown thing…well, that’s no issue.
Either way, if she makes it work…she’ll soon outgrow them, and at that time, it’s just time to let it go. We can’t wear clothes that are too small for us, and what other reason do we have of getting rid of our kid’s clothes (besides being worn out?) I don’t think it’s a problem, honestly.
If she’s truly outgrowing them and you just want an easier transition, maybe take her shopping and let her pick out new pj’s herself.
***ETA…my first child didn’t show any interest in potty training until she was 3, and then zip, done in one day. ONE DAY. My youngest, who is almost three, similarly shows NO INTEREST at all in the potty and I don’t see it happening in the near future. However, both my children are very intelligent, bright, fun, and a joy…I think your daughter and mine are both just fine!!
Maybe have her pick out a sleeping bag? They have so many choices of characters. But honestly I wouldn’t freak out too much. Atleast she sleeps. And don’t worry about the potty training thing too much. My son was three and a half before he’d even try to use the potty. But once he wanted to do it, it was done.
I’d switch them out with a fun sleeping bag when she’s not around, and get rid of them so you’re not tempted to give them back. Then when she sees it, the “Sleep Fairy was here, look what she brought! Oh, and she took your sleep sacks for little babies who need them!” And smile
If this seems harsh, think about it…how WILL you potty train her? She’s old enough to be trained. This is something you take the lead in as the parent.
ADD: Don’t be embarrassed. Some adults still sleep with stuffed animals. It’s just a comfort thing and not a problem. And my son was potty trained right around 3. Fully by 3.5. It’ll all be fine
ORIGINAL: Start talking to her about the fact that she will soon be too big for the sleep sack and ask for her help in choosing a sleeping bag or similar item. She may enjoy the cozy feeling of a closed sleeping environment vs. blankets. So work with that and find the kid friendly version. Involve her in the transition.
Any “transition” may be, dicey.
But transitions are what childhood is about.
She is 3.
Having a lovey/her blanket is fine.
Talk with her about it and don’t fear it or her reaction.
Just explain to her… about options.
ie: a toddler sized sleeping bag.
Pick one with her.
Try Walmart etc.
In the camping section.
Or find one online. They come in all sorts of designs/kiddie characters etc.
She probably likes the “cocoon” feeling but also it has been a routine for her all this time, to sleep.
But she is growing, and is 3.
At some point, she will have to get out of it and into something else. Even if that is a sleeping bag or a cool toddler bed/bed for herself.
i was just going to say, that I wouldn’t go with a sleepign bag, I would get the footie pajamas. My kids love to be cuddled up with lots of blankets and all cozy, but they just toss and turn in a sleepign bag, it gets too hot, it twists up. just not good.
From what you wrote i could’t get a clear picture, Depending on a few things there might be some alarm bells or there might not. You didn’t really tell us enough, Is she 3 and still in a full crib? is she in your bed? what happens if one is in the wash or what do you do when it’s hot in the summer? how hot is your house? Does she throw fits and refuse other transitions? what is her weight etc/ I usually don’t go in for percentiles but is she growing? cuz i thought the sacks stopped at 18 lbs? personally i think 3 is a bit late for potty training and shows either a lazy parent or willfull child, but my definition of potty training is taking a 2 yo to the potty every few hours, not waiting until she independently walks over to the toilet herself every few hours. I would also ask if she has any other lovey or securitiy item, usually around this age kids find one.
Depending on those answers that’s when I would be Oh ok no alarm bells or holy smokes what all is going on here. please don’t feel you need to respond to the questions they were just for you to think about. and i’m tired tonight and not goign back to read every post you’ve ever made on here. so take my advice and insight or not, that’s what this board is, I don’t have to take my time and respond and you don’t have to like what i say, I do hope it helps and i do hope you know you don’t need to be embarrassed as long as you are doing what is best for your kid. I mean it all kindly.
I actually don’t see any harm in letting her sleep in the sleep sack. If it keeps her warm and cozy and she fits, no problem. It’s no different than a teddy bear, as far as I’m concerned. As for the potty training, it will probably be awhile before she’s ready to make it through the night anyway (even if you do get it done during the day), so that wouldn’t really be a problem either.
I loved sleep sacks and used them way past two yrs old, or whenever he outgrew the biggest size. Footy pajamas are what we transitioned to.
My son was 3.5 when potty trained. When he was ready it went fast and he was trained in a week or so, including nights. Don’t stress about it is all I can say.
I hope you can overcome the feeling of embarrassment. No worries! As others have said, you could try footsie PJs. Definitely continue to offer different options. But if sleep sacks still fit her and aren’t a safety issue at all, I say let her wear them. She’s only 3, and needs to feel secure. I’d be so happy if my 3-year old slept through the night wearing just about anything. Good luck!
Depending on her needs, you could cut the bottom out of it, you could try a weighted blanket that they sell for sensory seeking kids.
I grew up sleeping in a feather bed. No, I don’t mean those high dollar things they sell now! But kind of like sleeping cradled in a big pillow. I understand the comfort factor.
They all have their things, one was on the bottle until 3 and had to sleep with a ceramic garden ornament, one a pacifier…it happens. Let them have an idiosyncrasy, parenting by the book is for people with no kids.
If it’s (I’m imagining) some sort of pj that is sew together at the bottom, how does she walk? If it’s more of a nightgown thing…well, that’s no issue.