My 2 years old son won't sleep (sleep regression) - I am exhausted

[Mimi1808]

Hi,

My son used to sleep really well until now. He sleeps in a cot with a sleeping bag (only at night). He fights bedtime and nap sleep (except at nursery). every day is a battle to get him to sleep. as soon as I put him down he stands up, cries and screams mummy. He only wants to sleep on me. I can't get any sleep. I am exhausted.

We are doing the controversial control crying method. We always end up (after 1 hour of him being wingy and crying) rubbing his tummy (for less than 5 minutes) while he falls asleep. So nothing seems to work.

I spoke to the health visitor she is recommending us to move him into a grown up bed. But I am concern that he might not be ready. He hasn't try to climb out of his cot yet. I am scarred it could get things worse.

any advice or experience shared would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks for reading.

Sounds tough.

I would change the scenario and see if you can break the cycle.

So yes, a big bed. 2 is a good age for the move. Put sides on if you feel he needs it. Involve him in picking a new grown up duvet cover. Buy a new grown up bedside light, or musical toy.

Turn bedtime into a positive new thing, rather than the routine of screaming, crying, everyone upset.

We did a version of CC too. No judgement. It worked for us.

But when their sleep is unsettled we often find a change resets things. So we will move a bed, or it coincides with a trip to granny, or there is a new bedtime toy etc.

P.s doesn't sound like it could get much worse, so don't be afraid to change. What is happening now isn't working, try something else