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Tips for transitioning toddler to bed

Mrs.TeddyMrs.Teddy member
in Attachment Parenting
DS currently bedshares full time, this hasn't always been the case and even at his 2nd birthday was at least starting some in the night in his bed. Now he acts like he is terrified of his bed and room. He completely panics and freaks out if we even try to lay in there to read, he clutches on to me with such intensity it breaks my heart. I am torn about transitioning him now. We all sleep well 98% of the time, he has his odd bad night but I'm not sure it wouldn't be that way if he were in his own bed. We talk a lot about him being a big boy and sleeping in his bed and wearing underpants, he speaks well and tells us he doesnt want to be a big boy, he just wants to be Logan and wear diapers and sleep with us. I don't want this to be traumatic, especially as we are a few months away from welcoming a new baby (into our room). He is a heavy sleeper I fiberfill the baby will wake him but I'm not comfortable with the baby and him in our bed. DH brought up the idea of putting a toddler bed in our room and moving him to that first. I an even considering one of those small toddler fold out couches instead to start the transition. Any thoughts, tips, suggestions? I'm not comfortable letting him cry or be scared.
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Re: Tips for transitioning toddler to bed

  • Jelliebean1982Jelliebean1982
    What, specifically, is he scared of?  Around that age my DD was terrified of being alone in her room in the dark.  It took me a while to figure out that she was scared of shadows.  We did some exploring with a flashlight and that helped calm her fears a lot.  She still sleeps with a hallway light on and the door open.  We also moved her bed so that she can see right outside her door. 
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  • Mrs.TeddyMrs.Teddy member

    I'm not exactly sure of what his fears are. part of it seems to be that he just wants us. He sleeps independently at daycare so I acknowledge his ability to do so and the fact that we have created this. I have very mixed feelings and love having him beside me (I coslept with my single mother for many years).

    We decided to take DHs suggestion and just go with it one step at a time. he is in his own toddler bed in our room. We let him pick out the bed, the bedding, his stuffed animals, everything. We talked about it being special and avoided the term big boy. He did amazing. I stayed with him until he was asleep, which was only 5 minutes. Eventually we plan on transitioning to him going to sleep alone and then moving him to his room, but for now this will work, we will take baby steps. I'm very proud of him. And even if he's still in there and the baby is too I am OK with that. Its a great start.

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