Update to..... Yikes toddler beds went up today!

Naptime was a disaster as I expected it might. The boys were running around their room, throwing stuffed animals, jumping in their beds, etc. At one point they even had the mattress to one of the beds flipped up on it's end! Every time I heard them get up I would go in, put them down in their bed and shut the door. Sometimes, however, one would slip by me as I was getting the one into bed and I'd have to chase them in the living room! I then tried sitting outside their door and holding the door shut. That didn't work. At this point, I just started sobbing. I don't why this has me so upset but it just does. I guess I don't adjust well to change. The funny thing is the boys noticed I was crying and started patting me and saying "it's ok Momma"! Finally I just sat in their room and stared at the floor. Nicholas actually stayed in his bed and after almost 1 1/2 hours he fell asleep. It took Samuel another 1/2 hour beyond this before he finally caved. How long they will sleep I don't know...but for now they are asleep!

So.....this was just our second day in the toddler beds. Did I do the right thing by standing my ground that they would take a nap today if it took me all afternoon? My husband said that I just should resolve to the fact that they may not nap for a few days. My theory is that if I don't start now it will only be harder later. I feel bad for the boys because I know this is equally hard for them as it is for me.

By the way.....last night wasn't too terrible. I did end up just sitting in the dark with them until they fell asleep. I, myself, had a hard time then falling asleep. I just kept thinking that I heard them getting up. Samuel did get up once at 3:15 a.m but went back to bed. Nicholas woke up at 4:30 a.m. and was then up for the rest of the day. So...needless to say...lack of sleep makes this transition even harder!

Thanks for listening to my rambles and for any words of wisdom. It is greatly appreciated!

 

You did the right thing! Consistency is key, and you started off being consistent and you can stick with it. If you allowed them to skip naps for a few days, then you'd be re-introducing something and that might not work. Hang in there...

 

I just posted about this yesterday :hug: We can be strong together!! The first day I sat in the room it took a little over an hour but I did it today and it only took 15 minutes for them to crash out. I'm not sure if that's because they are getting used to it or because they are so exhausted. They were up at 5am and aren't going to bed till after 8pm due to the change.

This too shall pass.. right?! LOL :gah:

 

I agree that consistency will likely pay off - it's much harder to let them stop and then try to implement it again. Good luck! This is one reason I'm sooo afraid of switching to big beds from crib tents.

 

:hug:

It will get better. We transitioned to toddler beds less than a month ago and it is getting better. It's not like it used to be but it's better. Hang in there, it's a hard transition for everyone.

 

I agree consistency is key. My DD started off excellent in her toddler bed and over the past month or so has turned into a terrible napper. DH and I have been holding our ground with her and she might not fall asleep right away but she is learning to quiet down rather then running around the room like a banshee.

 

Thanks everyone for your support! Well....they fell asleep not too bad tonight. Nicholas fell asleep pretty quickly but Samuel was having a little harder time. He was staying in his bed but was having trouble staying still and wanted to keep talking to me. Finally I, myself, was struggling to stay awake so I told him that I was going to go but I'd be back to check on him. He started to cry but stayed in his bed. I thought this was progress. What worked is that I had my husband go in and comfort him and he is now quiet. Let's hope it stays this way.

nateandbrig....I'll be thinking about you and sending you well wishes. Keep me posted if you like on your progress and feel free to pass along any tips you discover along the way. I'll be sure to do the same!

Thanks again everyone and I feel more confident tonight that I did the right thing today. This will be hard now but will pay off in the end I'm sure!

 

:clapping: I'm glad to read that it went well tonight!!!
It's funny, sounds like we went through the same thing tonight!! Jake went fast asleep and Aly couldn't seem to stay still. She kept finding things to push with her leg or making noise with her pacifier :headbang: I finally left her and said she needed to stay put and goodnight. Next thing I heard was a thud and found Jake (already) asleep on the floor LOL. So yay for both of us on another night!! Here's to tomorrows naps being easy! :drinks:

 

Glad it went well last night. See, you did do the right thing. :good:

 

Glad to hear you all had a good night! Keep doing what your doing. :youcandoit: It will get better...it just takes time to get them use to the change.