Lindsay, have you read the No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers? It might have some tips. With my boys, though, it was a similar progression. Once they started going to sleep in their own bed, they'd come to our bed after a few hours. As they got older, that stretched out further, and so there are nights like last night where the only one who was in my bed was Judah (who fell asleep nursing on the couch and came in at 4:30am).
One idea that might or might not work at this age would be some sort of reward for staying in her bed until whatever point you desire. Some parents will say, until the sun is up, or until the clock starts with a "3" or "5" or whatever. Probably starting incrementally is better than expecting her to stay there ALL night, but you can work up to having her there longer by the time baby arrives. Then, perhaps she gets a sticker, or ... whatever works in your family.
We also use the Accountable Kids system, which would work for that (they have a particular thing for those extra accomplishments) - but I don't use it with Judah.
Judah actually went to sleep with Iain for the first time the other night! They were all exhausted, should have been asleep hours before, but weren't cooperating. Eventually, Judah got his pacifier, a string (he likes to finger yarn, especially a certain kind), and sauntered off to the boys' room. They were both tired enough that they actually slept instead of playing!
He stayed in there a good while, too. I also hope that by the time this baby comes, he'll be ready to stay in there more!
One idea that might or might not work at this age would be some sort of reward for staying in her bed until whatever point you desire. Some parents will say, until the sun is up, or until the clock starts with a "3" or "5" or whatever. Probably starting incrementally is better than expecting her to stay there ALL night, but you can work up to having her there longer by the time baby arrives. Then, perhaps she gets a sticker, or ... whatever works in your family.
We also use the Accountable Kids system, which would work for that (they have a particular thing for those extra accomplishments) - but I don't use it with Judah.Judah actually went to sleep with Iain for the first time the other night! They were all exhausted, should have been asleep hours before, but weren't cooperating. Eventually, Judah got his pacifier, a string (he likes to finger yarn, especially a certain kind), and sauntered off to the boys' room. They were both tired enough that they actually slept instead of playing!
He stayed in there a good while, too. I also hope that by the time this baby comes, he'll be ready to stay in there more!
You are not freaky, just misunderstood by the uninformed.
. He's like a new man today!!
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