Questioner: JULIE
Subject: 22 Month old toddler sleep
Question: Hello! My name is Julie and my 22 mo old daughter is Chelsea. Chelsea is in the process of learning to sleep in her toddler bed. (Because she can pull a Houdini out of her crib.) My question is: Is it a mixed signal if we still let her come in to our room when she awakes at 300am?
My husband and I are very consistent in her schedule. However we do enjoy her falling asleep on her own AND still being able to come in and “bed bug” if she chooses to.
Answer: Dear Julie:
First of all it is more important to be consistent with her bedtime routine, schedules are about time and sometimes get compromised however routines are what cue children as to the next sequence or order of things. (Don’t get me wrong I am not saying a schedule is wrong, just that a routine is more important). Please feel free to read prior answers on bedtime questions here.
As for whether or not letting he sleep with you later in the night is okay. Ask yourself if that is for your benefit or hers. I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as it is about her needs being met. I promise you she will not be climbing into bed with you when she is in her teens, she will outgrow this stage (and you will more than likely miss it too!).
Best Wishes!
M Kay Keller
