We have the same issue with our 2.5 year old twins. They never co-slept with us, kids of this age just like to be close to their parents so please don't blame yourself for co-sleeping initially. Getting off to a good start with breastfeeding is so important your your child's health and sleeping together in the early months gives you so much more sleep, if you hadn't done it you may have found yourself constantly exhausted and grumpy.
But I understand the issue you are in now. I really hate co-sleeping as I get no rest with a child thrashing about in the bed so invariably I end up in their bed whilst they are in mine. I have decorated their bedroom which has helped a little, and also made sure their room is very cosy and warm so they don't wake up if they are chilly. If they do happen to sleep through without climbing in with me I over the top congratulate them and make a big show of telling them how clever they are. When they come into my room in the night I gently take them back to their own room and remind them they have to sleep in their own beds. Slowly we are getting there, with more nights of undisrupted sleep. Just be patient and you will get there.
Thanks so much girls. There really isnt anything more we can do to his room. We bought this house late last year and painted his room and did it all up. So its really nice and colourful with lots of toys. He also has a heater to keep him cosy. I think bottom line is that he is used to sleeping with us, so that feels right to him. I might take your advice and just sleep with him in his bed for a little while so that he gets comfortable in there. Fingers crossed for me!! Will let you know how it goes.
when i had my DS i was dead against co sleeping for this very reason.. he was 2 hours old when we first co slept
he will be 5 in sept and our DD will be 3 next month. both still come in to our bed at some point in the night. BUT both go to bed SO easily now compared to when we were trying to force the issue.
i think having a chat with DH why he is so upset by it all? he needs that comfort.. and surely there are other times you (as a couple) could attend to your relationship
The book the "no cry sleep solution" has some really lovely gentle ways of transitioning babies/toddlers to their own beds/rooms after co-sleeping. I intend on using some of those when we move our little one to her own cot.
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Will let you know how it goes.
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