Help me stop Tantrums

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Help me stop Tantrums
2
Wed, 12-08-2004 - 1:33pm

Hey everyone, i am new here but have read some of the things others have posted. i know you will have some great suggestions. here's my problem. My DD is only one and just started having tantrums when she is put in her crib at night. She will sleep for about 30 minutes and then wake up irratated that she is in her room. She sleeps fine during the day in her crib, but once it is time for bed she starts throwing a tantrum. at least i think it's a tantrum. She doesn't want to be held, or be put down and if you do put her down she throws herself back and stomps her feet. It is so frustrating. My DH is no help, poor guy, he has to be at work very early and will just give in to her and brings her to bed. I do not want her in our bed, but he doesn't mind. PLEASE HELP! My DD is such a joy during the day but once bedtime comes i'm dealing with a different baby. How do i get her to stop the tantrums before she gets used to sleeping with us?

Andrea

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
Wed, 12-08-2004 - 6:44pm

I hear ya! My dd used to pull the same stunts with me...


Putting her in bed with you is a REALLY bad habit, and you need to break it ASAP. Make sure she's not getting too long or too many naps during the day. Play with her for a while before bedtime, then give her a calming bath (it's best to develop a bedtime routine so she knows what to expect). Find a small stuffed animal that she only holds at bedtime.


After doing this a few days, pick a couple of nights when your DH doesn't have to be at work the next day, and let her cry for a little bit. It sounds horrible I know, but she will survive. Go in every five to ten minutes or so and lay her back down, and quietly & calmy just remind her that it's "time for night night" or whatever expression you use. Whatever you do, don't pick her up! It will be absolute torture, more so for you than her, but eventually she'll get the point.


I wanted to just die the first time I did this. It killed me to hear her cry, but I didn't feel so bad once she started going to bed without a fight & sleeping all night.


With my second dd, I made sure to start routines very early. She has a pink bear that she would sleep with, and used the same blanket every night. Slowly, we started changing out the animal & blankets, and altering her routine a little every now and then. Now we can go out of town to a family member's house where things are completely different, and she still goes to bed when told.


GL!


 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 12-08-2004 - 9:07pm

Thank you so much for your suggestions. We do have a routine but unfortunately it has been fussed with since we just moved to our new house. I am going to try the stuffed animal suggestion tonight after story time. Please keep your fingers crossed. thanks again.

Andrea
Mom to Havyn