co sleeping with ds but still having problems

[LEMONADEGIRL]

Ds is nearly 16 mths and is terrible at sleeping so by about 1am he ends up in our bed. Have tried different methods to get him to sleep but he still wakes up regularly. Am at work p/t so co- sleeping came out of desperation.

Trouble is ds comes to our bed has a b/f and then proceedes to keep us both awake by taking over the bed. Twisting around, kicking dh and we end up awake trying to keep him with head on pillow.

Any ideas to help us we are so tired

[Chloe55]

I think you will have to be strong and suffer a few terrible nights and don't bring him into your bed.

I have allowed ds (23mths) into our bed on a few occassions, it always ends in me putting him back in his bed a few hours later as he is such a fidgiter!! This obviously then ends in hysterical screaming which I have to ride out for the next couple of nights as he thinks he can come back in our bed. Sometimes I have to put him back in his bed but I don't talk to him at all when I do this. Presumably your dc is still in a cot so you may just need to pick up/put down a few times but don't talk to him when you do so.

You will be thankful you persevered with keeping him in his bed in a week or so when he settles and sleeps through, knowing he will be there all night.

[LEMONADEGIRL]

Hi Choloe55,

You are right am just so tired that have been going for the easier option. I know that I will have to just tough it out but dread feeling even more tired than I do already.

We have tried cc but he kept screamimg for nearly and hour it was awful. Tried again and same thing so gave it up as was worried about effect on ds.

[Chloe55]

I can normally tell the difference in ds's crying - he has a particular cry which is just pure exhaustion and after a few attempts at putting him back in bed he tends to intermittantly whimper then fall asleep. If he is almost uncontrollable then I will give a little hug (still don't speak to him) and then put him back.

It won't happen overnight and I think you know that put then you can't live with the little sleep you are getting either. My friend did a similar routine you are doing and she is still having problems with her 5 year old so the sooner you try and nip it in the bud the better.

I find that a strict bedtime routine - bath, pjs, milk, teeth, story and light out has worked wonders for us - does your ds have a regular pattern which he does everynight before bed? Just a thought.