When we set up Zoe's crib in her new room, we decided to set it up as a toddler bed, ie, no cage-like rail on one side. I figured that she was going to be in a big-girl bed before too long and it wouldn't hurt to start the transition. Oh how naive I was.
The first night was tough. We had to go in a few times and regulate. And by "regulate" I mean of course read her yet another book and lovingly place her back in her bed. She eventually fell asleep around 9 pm. The next day I put her down for a nap and she went to sleep all by herself. In the middle of the floor, certainly, but still, all by herself. That night was awful. She was so upset and couldn't calm herself down. Climbing in and out of the bed was just too much fun to go to sleep, but she was so tired that she was fussy. As James and I tried, fruitlessly, to accomplish things around the house, the thought came to mind, "Why am I doing this? Why am I squandering these nighttime hours when I could just go back to locking her in a cage? Why did I think this was a great idea? How long would it take James to put the rail back on?"
Turns out, James could reattach that rail in about 10 minutes. I thought Zoe would freak out at being re-fenced in, but to my astonishment (and relief) she merely curled up on her side and fell asleep immediately.
So here is where I call for the aid of all you moms who have children who are currently NOT sleeping in a crib (or in your bed). How do you do it? When do you know they are ready to handle the responsibility? Zoe was absolutely overwhelmed by the possibility of getting out of bed and seemed happier (and better rested) when her choices were taken away from her. I guess my most important question is this: Is there such a thing as bunk-cribs? I might be in the market for one shortly if things don't change...
10 years ago
