My dd is almost 2 1/2, she has a very nice toddler bed in her own room complete with dora and yo gabba gabba bedding, which she refuses to sleep in. The only way to keep her out of our bed is to let her sleep in her pack and play, which results in a peaceful nights sleep for everyone. The problem with this is we have a new baby coming in 3 wks and since our pack n play converts to a bassinet/infant sleeper, thats what we were planning on using. Now we are looking at buying a second pack n play, does anyone know a cheaper brand that would still be long enough for a tall 2 yr old to sleep in? Or have any other ideas on what to do?
I would just get a used Pack & Play off Craigslist/eBay, or whatever for now. You might even be able to get one for free from FreeCycle.org if you have an active group in your area. You'd be amazed what free stuff you can get.
My 2 yr old is also not willing to STAY in his toddler bed. He actually will only fall asleep if in a crin or pack & play.
I would just get a used one like the other Mom's said. We have found a lot of great things on Freecycle.org. You just sign up for groups in your area and you can either post for something you want or put things on you no longer use yourself and everything is FREE. I keep my Great Nephew a few days a week and needed an exersaucer, swing and a bouncy seat since money is tight I asked for them on Freecycle and in a day I had all three we removed the cloth padding and covers, threw them in the wash and disinfected all of the hard surfaces and they are all good as new. I signed up for all of the groups in my area that are with in a certain distance away. I like using freecycle much better then Craigslist I have made a lot of friends and it seems safer to me most put things out on the porch so you don't have to go in their home. Good Luck and congratulations on the soon to be new baby. PS be specific as to what you want if you do post on there.
Is the pack n play in your room or her room? If she prefers your bed or a pack n play in your room, maybe thats the answer.
she might be ready for a big girl princess bed. i would put one of those net things above or some curtians around the bed. IF you think she can handle it and wont get caught up in them in her sleep. Saftey before cute. When we had our second we got him into the toddler bed. I stood firm about him going to bed because at this age they get it. Girls are more sensitive and a firm get back in bed/go to bed/ you better get back in that bed NOW is all it takes at this age. I said the last line and it worked for a year or so.
Do you have a crib for baby that you put him/her into after the first several weeks? If so, I'd get the Fisher Price Rock and Soothe bassinet. It is super light weight, folds up, and keeps baby in a cuddled 45 degree position. It was the best baby gear I bought. Perfect for an infant up to 4 months (depending on how quickly baby learns to start rolling over) It is $60 new. I bought mine 2 years ago for $50 and sold it for $35. It was worth the $15 I ended up paying for it.
I'd put baby in the Fisher Price bassinet any day over using a bassinet in a pack and play. Less space and more comfortable for baby (especially if he/she is a spitter or has acid reflux).
That buys you a couple of months before you need to "make" the 2 year old sleep in her own bed. I know easier said than done, but it can be done. :) If you can, try to get her to stay there now, before baby comes and you are not sleep deprived. Even if she regresses (and she will), you have laid down the foundation of what you expect.
