posted 10-03-2002 04:31 PM            

I set one rule for the bed for both my children. One rule. Do not get out of bed unless your bedroom is on fire. There was no "i need a drink" or "i have to go pee" Those issues should be addressed before bedtime....

One thing that helped trememdously was to create a bedtime routine. My kids adored going to bed and I never had one problem. I did it by using the routine below:

1) Never under any circumstances use the phrase "If you don't behave, you're going to bed" This just sets up bedtime right away as being something to use as punishment instead of something we all need to do every day of our lives. Wouldn't you see the bed as a bad place to be if you got put there when you behaved bad?

2) Same bedtime every night. This is critical.

3) I had a clock set in the livingroom for my son and it would go off twice. Once, 1/2 hour before bed, which was "get ready" time. Then it went off again at bedtime.

4) When the alarm went off it was time to brush teeth, get jammies on, go to the bathroom, kisses for everyone, then pick out a storybook.

5) Either I or my husband layed in bed with them every night and read the chosen story.

We did this until they went to kindergarden. It's a wonderful memory to create. I think it also helps them read better. They are in college now and both love to read.

The biggest issue you will probably face is her wanting to get out of the bed. If you NEVER let this occur, it should never become an issue. You have to be the one in charge for sure.

I didn't put the mattress on the floor. I don't ever remember them falling out. Let's face it, the way we learn how to stay on the bed is by hitting the floor a couple times.

Good luck to you and her and congrats on your new bundle soon to come.

posted 10-03-2002 05:58 PM            

My daughter loves bedtime, but I am afraid to change her over the big bed for fear of disrupting her schedule. I had a friend who suggested to me when she was a baby that I put her in her bed when she misbehaved, but I, like you, looked past that advice. I wanted her bed to be fun, and it is. I like the timer idea too. I think I may try that tonight.

I am planning on doing the big changeover in the next week or two (she will be 2 next week). I am glad that it is getting dark earlier now, because I am hoping that it will be too dark for her to see her toys and want to get up and play with them. Naptimes may be harder, though. I guess I will have to be on patrol, at least for the first week or so until she learns not to get out of bed. That first night or two will be very hard.

And, oh yes, I am a huge fan of the same (early) bedtime every night. Since my daughter was born, she has gone to bed late (after 7 p.m.) maybe 8 to 10 times in the nearly 2 years since she began sleeping through the night at about 3-4 months. It has been great for me to have it that way, because I have several hours in the evening to work on projects or help my husband with our business. Plus, I get to actually have a conversation with my husband every now and then too!

posted 10-21-2002 09:56 PM            

Is the baby crib and big girl bed in same room? If so, she will probably take on the attitude that she is big sister and will be protective of her baby sibling.

I am the mother of 5 grown children but I remember when our 3rd daughter was age 2 she refused to go to bed in the baby crib. Yes, it was in same room with 2 sisters but she wanted a big bed all her own, like her sisters. We had a bed frame so at midnight I was sawing slats for the frame and put her baby crib mattress on the frame. She was very happy that night and next day we bought mattress and boxsprings.

Don't think you have anything to worry about as far as the sleeping goes but don't be surprised if your 2 year old reverts back to being a baby to a certain extent. It is a way of testing to be sure mom/dad still love her and no one has taken her place. Make allowances and don't be too strict during this time. You want her to bond with the baby and feel she has not been booted over.