Staying in Bed

Shortly after graduating to her big girl bed, Madi realized her freedom of getting out of bed and doing whatever she wanted to do. At first she'd just bring books into bed (which didn't really bother me much), but then she began getting out to play with her toys. I quickly became annoyed and began looking for ways of keeping Madi in her bed. I started going into her room and putting her back into bed. Didn't work so well though. Madi would just get right back out. Then I remembered my friend Krista having a similar problem awhile back. So I got onto her blog to read about what she did. I loved it and immediately put the idea into practice! My sister got me hooked on this book right after Madi was born. It was the book I'd turn to when I started sleep training her, and I believe it's what helped me get her sleeping through the night (and when I say sleeping through the night, I mean 12 hours straight) by 4 months old! So I was not surprised that Weissbluth's suggestions pulled through again. I made Madi her own set of sleep rules and began the sticker chart the next morning! Thanks Krista for the reminder!!

Today marked a whole month of using the sticker chart and check out the results we've had! Way to go Madi!

Some nights I'd hear Madi talking and/or singing in her bed (ok- most nights!), but as long as she stayed in her bed, we'd give her a sticker in the morning (or after her nap). I was super impressed with how well Madi took to these sleep rules. She went from getting out of bed every night to staying in her bed most nights. Nap time still needs some work, but it's a heck of a lot better than she was doing before!

Oh, and I also have to add that this month included a change of bedroom for Madi. Elle moved into the crib on October 14th, forcing me to move Madi into the office. Surprisingly Madi was thrilled about the change and hasn't been phased a bit!

Now, just in case this idea gets old, I'm including another idea that my friend Krista gave me (she really is amazing- always full of great ideas and fun ways of spicing things up)! In the words of Krista: "Lately she's (her daughter Kate) been doing the million-excuses-to-get-out-of-bed thing, and you can't deny a child who has to use the bathroom or wants a drink of water! So what I started doing was I made her three paper flowers, and they live in a paper flower pot by her bed. Every time she gets out of bed OR calls me in for some reason, it's fine, but she loses a flower. If she loses all three, then not only will I not come back again under any circumstances but she also loses her blankie. If she keeps all three, she gets a sticker in the morning. Just a little spin on the sleep rules (they lose their power after a while if you don't keep it fresh, I guess) that I thought I'd share."

Thanks Krista for sharing!!