Spirited dd hates the crib

[GG]

I'm trying to figure out the deal with my dd. She hates to be in her crib (or her brother's crib, if I happen to put her in there). The only time she doesn't mind being in her crib is in the morning, when she plays in the crib until she poops. This has become a part of the routine, and I'm on the bed across from her crib, so she's okay. But any other time I put her in there she hates it even if I'm in the room. If I walk away for a few minutes she screams bloody murder.  I've never let her CIO, though there were times when I was SOO tired from trying to take care of both of them that I'd put her back in the crib and walk out for about a minute. I could never stand to hear her crying for much longer so I'd always hurry back. I just needed to get out of that room for a breather!

Does anyone have a lo that acts this way? Maybe it's because of her spirited nature?? Is it my fault that she hates it? She's always hated being in there, as long as I can remember.

(Btw, DD is also VERY clingy, more so than her touchy brother was at her age. She hates being apart from me! I'm hoping that the 18 mo mark proves to be a positive one because I can't do much without her tagging along these days!!)

Any ideas??

[Colin Macs Mom]

Have you ever considered using a playpen instead of a crib?

[GG]

She hates being in the playpen, too.   Plus, she's harder to calm down in there if she wakes up at night without my picking her up. (it's too deep, I can't reach her easily).

I've started putting her in there anyway, when I have to run out to the car or to the basement. She cries and complains but at least she's safe in there. She just gets into too many things now. We'll see if she gets used to it or will always complain about being "locked up".

[Colin Macs Mom]

I always had similar trouble with Colin, but he actually took to a playpen rather well. At least for a little bit of time anyway. And he will happily nap in one away from home.

[daybyday]

My DD is now a "playpen" sleeper...the crib is our nemesis...LOL....sorry...don't have much suggestions...would the crib hold your weight? Is she USED to co-sleeping? Maybe she just needs to know her crib is a lovely place...I remember Tracy saying that sometimes to establish trust with a LO she would climb right in...(NOT saying you've lost her trust, but maybe there's "something" bothering her about the crib itself...)

[Layla]

You know I've been having some serious sleep issues with Isabella last week. Next door neighbour was sanding his watherboard home & the electric sander totally freaked her out. Mon, Tues she was "ok" in the cot but on wednesday as soon as I lay her down she stood up absolutely terrified & screamed like I've never heard her scream before. Some of the things that has worked really well for us was to get a night light. I also gave her a cross (its a children's cross with painting of trees, house & animals rather than the more tranditional one with Jesus being nailed, etc...) to "protect her" as well as her lovey & 2 teddies.

I've also been spending quiet ALOT of time in her room & even got into the cot with her a few times to play with playdoh. She used to love jumping up & down on it so I've been encouraging her to have fun with her cot & jump all she wants on it during the day. Yesterday was the 1st night in this whole week that she slept all night without waking up at night hysterical telling me she wants to GET OUT & is scared. Perhaps your daughter has some negatuive association with the cot & its a matter of changing that. Last night I was racking my brain with what other "activities" we could do to make her cot seem pleasurable again & today I'm going to get some paint & get her to paint with me all over the cot. She loves painting & I'm getting DH to draw different characters on it (since I can't draw  )..... you know little fishes, animals, whatever she likes....

Still no naps (well only 1 for 45mins) as she screams the minute I talk about nap time. But I am hoping that painting as well as all the other things we have been doing will help her feel more secure & not be so afraid of the cot


hth a little
Layla

[GG]

And he will happily nap in one away from home.

VERY true! That would come in handy.

would the crib hold your weight? Is she USED to co-sleeping? Maybe she just needs to know her crib is a lovely place...

*HA* Um, no, I'm about 20 lbs too heavy for the crib. She's not used to co-sleeping. I do, however, think that you're right. I keep thinking about that passage as well!

Like Layla, I think I need to spend some time with dd, getting her used to being in there and liking her crib.