Posted by dad2u on March 26, 2007 at 20:48 [69.106.122.239]
In Reply to: Bethan is naughty at bedtime... what shall i do? posted by Bethan's Daddy on March 26, 2007 at 18:37
I have found a "bedtime ritual" to be of help for my BabyGirls. First off, I can't tell from your post if you are putting Bethan's bedtime dipees and jammies on right before you put her in bed, or earlier in the evening. All BabyGirls seem to hate having fun then just being told it's Bedtime. I usually wash them after dinner then they have some time for quiet play, a board game or coloring perhaps. They are then dressed for bed (thick nighttime diapers- and a sleepshirt. After that, we usually watch a movie (quiet time to cuddle and wind down). I'll have them brush their teeth and get a little drink during a break, halfway through the movie. All of this gives them some lil reminders that bedtime is comming and they have a chance to get used to that. If they fuss, then they lose this option the following night. To be honest, most seem to do well with a routine.... the only "surprises" they want are the ones that come wrapped !
We all know Bethan is a headstrong lil one ! you might want to look into a bed restraint belt. it's very mild (a belt on her waist with D rings attaches to another nylon webbing belt that wraps around the mattress. It allows her to roll over and sleep normally- just not sit up. Add a pair of mittens to keep the lil fingers out of trouble! It's worked well with sleepwalkers I have known. Hope this Helps, Paul.
Email: todavem@yahoo.com