I need help with bedtime. DD is 3 years (+4 mos), has been going to bed independently since we stopped BF after her 2nd birthday. Our routine is always the same: loo, brush teeth, pyjamas, story, and a cuddle in the rocking chair. I then tuck her in and she chatters a bit to herself before falling asleep. UNTIL NOW!
She's had every nursery bug under the sun and been sick since at least Christmas. When she's ill she prefers to stay in the rocking chair and be cuddled whilst she falls asleep. But now she's well and wants that, too. Only she doesn't sleep, she fights it and wants to stay awake and chatter. If I try to lay her in her bed she screams and yells for mummy. She's also stopped napping at nursery which makes her quite grumpy by bedtime. I've tried shifting bedtime a bit earlier (we already head upstairs by 7, can't really bring her up earlier than 6:30) but doesn't seem to help.
We never did cry it out and it feels quite cruel to do that. If I hold her in the chair she's up for ages. If I lie down in bed with her, she'll sleep eventually but I'm also not keen on making that our routine.
She is our youngest and I do need to put the other children to bed, too, plus all of the washing up, etc. I know she's my baby and I should enjoy this while it lasts but I'm not keen on reinforcing the screaming and demanding mummy at bedtime. DH has tried to step in but then grows very cross! Any suggestions appreciated.