So..today we started the transition from cot to bed. We have done a couple of day sleeps in the "big girl bed" previously with success but due to circumstances we couldn't keep going.
DD has always been good at self settling so I'm hoping the whole process isn't going to be an overly long one.

DD had her lunch at 12pm, started the wind down process about 12.30pm to be ready for bed for 1pm.
Layed DD in bed, layed next to her while I read a book to her, gave her her bedtime doll and her bottle, kissed her, told her mummy loves you, put her music on and walked out closing the door behind me. All the same routines.

First time up - went in, put her back into bed and sat for a while stroking her hair. She started looking dozy so kissed her and walked out again.
This went on for sometime (about an hour and a half).

After many tears, many up and downs out of bed, much banging on the closed door, a number of times opening the door and DD walking out and 2 hours - she has FINALLY gone to sleep.
Lets hope she sleeps for a while now. Ready to do this all over again tomorrow.

My plan is to do this with day sleeps for the next week while i'm off work and then on days when i'm at home. (DD is in daycare for 4 days a week). We'll keep this up for a month or so then see how we are going.

I felt so horrible sitting outside her door and up the hallway a bit out of sight listening to her crying (not screaming - just a whinging cry) but I know that this is going to be a process that has to be done.


Feel free to join the journey and share your experiences along the way.