DC2 due tomorrow - DS's sleep gone to pot - normal??

[IWillOnlyEatBeans]

DS (2.10) has had a pretty settled few months sleep-wise. Bed for 7-7.30pm, then asleep for 12 hrs with maybe the odd whinge/cry if he loses his gaga or needs covering up.

However, for the past few weeks it's been a different story. He can't seem to switch off or settle down so is really restless. He wanders through into our room a couple of times per night asking for a snuggle. We generally let him have 10 mins and then take him back to his own bed. He will then wake up every 2 hrs (ish) screaming and crying - it's not clear whether he's fully awake during these episodes or not. He can't/wont tell us what's wrong (despite being very verbal) he just says he doesn't know or he wants to go to sleep.

DC2 is due tomorrow so I was just wondering whether he might be reacting to the forthcoming changes? Has anyone else experienced similar?

The whole situation is not helped by the fact he's been poorly for ages - cold after cold after cough and now conjunctivitis...

Any suggestions? I don't want to co-sleep as I find it impossible to sleep with a hot, wiggly, thrashing, coughing toddler in my bed. Also, I'm a SAHM, I value having time away from DS, even if it is when I am asleep!!

[tiddleypompom]

Sorry just a quick fire response - just thought it is worth checking no ear infection? Our DS suffered a while back (legacy from cold virus) but seemed well in all other aspects except sleep. And clinginess. DS is younger than yours however and not yet vocal so perhaps not relevant - but if in doubt I always check ears!

Good luck with forthcoming arrival - I am sure things will settle down before too long and meantime DH can deal with wakings whilst you rest up!

[IWillOnlyEatBeans]

Thanks.

He had a pretty thorough check by the Dr earlier in the week when I got his conjunctivitis seen, and she didn't mention his ears being a problem - I'll keep an eye on it though.

DH would happily deal with the night wakings, but I wake up anyway as I'm such a light sleeper. It doesn't bother me too much really, but I imagine it's going to be difficult dealing with both DCs waking at different times...

[AngelDog]

No advice but sympathy. Sleep often goes to pot between 2.5 and 3 years - it's another developmental leap.

We have DH co-sleeping with DS1 and me co-sleeping with DS2. DS1 and DH have separate beds though, as otherwise DS1 rolls onto DH and wakes him up.

Off topic, but DS1 has really taken to DS2 (10 weeks now) and in the last fortnight even started talking to other children for the first time in his life - giving or showing them things in exactly the way he does with DS2. It's been amazing to see. It seems to have helped him be more confident with adults too. :)

All the best for the little one's arrival!