Cranky Toddlers

My girls have been particularly cranky this week. They are being very mean to each other for no reason. Hair pulling, biting, pushing, the works. I think they may be teething and tylenol helps a little, but they really are only happy in their cribs. Seriously. They are just playing in there right now. I put them in there after an hour of fits and outbursts. Is this okay? I have done this before, but never multiple days in a row. I would like to reiterate the fact that they don't cry in there. They talk and babble and jump around, but if they cry, I bring them back out. Sometimes it feels like their room is the only place they are happy lately.

 

My girls get really cranky when they're teething. When they were in cribs I used to put them in there for up to an hour a day to play. It kept them from driving me and each other insane. I don't see anything wrong with it as long as they're happy.

 

Maybe they're just overstimulated, especially with the added pain of teething. Being in the cribs may give them a chance to feel safe and calm without too much going on. I think if they're happy, it seems fine to me. I actually think it's good for kids to learn to enjoy a little alone time and not have to be constantly entertained, anyway. Plus, you know they're safe in there.

 

I don't think that's a bad idea, if they are happy there, I'd do it and I have done it. Sometimes kids just need some chill out time, I know it helped my DS when I'd give him some quiet time.

 

My guys really like to play in their cribs sometimes too. I'm not sure why. But they get a kick out of running back and forth, tossing stuffed animals from one crib to the next, etc. It doesn't generally last a long time, but we're all happy for a few minutes

 

You are not alone! I have done, and still do this and my 2 are almost 2yrs old. I found that in the beginning of me doing this, it seemed to be around the time their first nap would have happened. They both lost their first nap of the day round 15-16mos. They both seemed to need some down time in a very familiar place. I would give them some cheerios or gold fish and their sippy cups a couple of toys and a few books. They were completely content for 1/2 hour. They loved snacking while playing and reading and cuddling with their blankets. It gave me a some quiet time too. When I would get them up, they seemed to be much happier.

I still do it even tho they are close to 2yrs old. Not every day but when the morning has been hectic and they have been fighting a lot and I need a break, I pop them in their beds and they come out happy!

I feel when you do put them in their cribs, it teaches them when they get over stimulated or overwhelmed, that it's ok to remove themselves from that situation to calm down. I know when I am overwhelmed I just want to curl up in bed alone.

 

I don't put mine in their cribs but at least once a day I put them intheir room to play by themselves. I would put them in their cribs, but they would just scream at me (and that defeats the purpose right). I see nothing wrong with what you are doing. I am all about saving my sanity....especaially now that I have three girls under the age of two. I say do what you have to do, and as long as they are happy go with it!

 

My kids still enjoy playing in their cribs sometimes. (Maybe it's because that's the only place they're aloud to have their pacis). I say, if they're happy, then do it!

 

I put mine in their baby cages to play sometimes too! :lol: Usually when they start to melt down in the afternoon (when we're going through nap transitions and/or teething) I will put them in and they'll either have a short nap or just play for a while. They're happy and they're amusing themselves, so I don't see anything wrong with it. Plus it gives me time to get a little laundry done or dinner started.

 

I do it too. They LOVE it when I put them in the other one's crib. Same room, different view....it's like having a new toy to them I guess.

 

Sounds like you found a good way to calm down overstimulated toddlers. :good:

 

great idea! if they enjoy it, go for it! keep your sanity!!

 

If they are happy I'd do just about anything (as long as it was healthy for them). Sounds like you found a good solution.

 

I can't tell you how many times I have to relearn this lesson: don't mess with a happy baby! If they are happy, it's good for them and good for you. Let them enjoy their downtime!

 

Sounds like a great idea to me! Sometimes they probably just need their space. I wish someone would stick me in a crib so I could be alone for awhile!!

Shannon