The 20 Stages of Your Child's First Night in a "Big Kid" Bed
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Transitioning your little one from crib to bed is a big deal. Maybe you're expecting another child and need the crib, or maybe your tiny baby has grown up so fast that it's time to give him some more sleeping space. Whatever the reason, those first few nights can be a little tough. Get ready to say "get back into bed!" more than a few times; these 20 stages of your child's first night in his "big kid" bed might end up being all too real for you and your family.
You put your kid into his new bed the first night.
You wait patiently while he settles in. You're still optimistic at this point.
You proceed with your normal bedtime routine.
Whether it be reading a book, playing calm music, or talking about your day, it is important to keep things consistent.
You hear your child get out of bed for the first time.
And you know that this is just the beginning.
You try not to lose your sh*t while your kid makes you chase him around.
But really, you're kind of about to lose your sh*t.
You start crying because your kid is crying.
Watching that little bottom lip tremble is just too much to handle.
She immediately ends the theatrics and begins playing.
Kids always know when they can take advantage of your fragile mental state.
Finally, you get her back into bed and she falls asleep with you there.
You make a mental note to yourself that this cannot become a habit, or you'll never sleep again.
Just when you think you're in the clear, you hear your name being called.
Probably as soon as you sat down.
They ask for a million things that they don't actually need or want.
Again, taking advantage of your ridiculously fragile mental state.
You wait patiently for the requests to end, trying not to lose your cool.
"Anything else?"
But then you stay up all night staring at the baby monitor, worried and anxious.
What if he falls out of bed? What if she needs another blanket?!
It takes a few more nights of crazy requests and elongated routines.
You feel like you're going nuts, but perhaps you can see the light?
You are exhausted for days to come.
At the end of every night, you introduce your face and bed as if they've never met.
Your kid finally gets used to her new bed, and you feel seriously proud.
Now that you're no longer frustrated enough to throw something out the window.
Then it hits you how big your little baby is, and you cry again.
Because being a parent is an emotional roller coaster.