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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to not want my son to keep waking up at 4 in the morning?

17 replies

TiredofYorks · 10/02/2011 06:32

DS is 2.9 DD is D 5 months.

DD wakes a( 3am for a feed and then DS wakes anywhere between 4 and 5am and then intermittently dozes and tantrums until we allow him up at 6am.

He's tired during the day and won't nap unless we're out in the car.

I feel at the end of my tether and just don't know how to deal with it.

I've tried putting him to bed later / earlier (he's usually in bed about 7pm)

We've tried ignoring him, shutting his bedroom door, removing a teddy. We don't want to go down the root of sitting with him as that just fuels the fire.

I don't know what to try next.

OP posts:
Original poster
TiredofYorks · 10/02/2011 06:34

Route not root

OP posts:
Original poster
TiredofYorks · 10/02/2011 06:34

Route not root

OP posts:
mumbar · 10/02/2011 06:36

Is he thirsty? My DS did the same about the same age and I found leaving a lidded cup of water or milk for him when he woke helped. He would drink it and sleep again. Also tried giving him a cereal bar before bed so he wasn't hungry.

ambarth · 10/02/2011 06:39

I don't know, my son who is the same age is doing this. He doesn't have a daytime nap either so it's not like I can drop his nap and put him to bed later. I'm just hoping it's a phase.[knackered emoticon]

controlpantsandgladrags · 10/02/2011 07:42

Not what you want to hear, but a lot of the time it's just a phase they decide to go through......no reason for it and it won't last long Smile

I'm still traumatised by DD1's 4.30am phase almost 2 years since it ended......half past sodding 4 every day for 2 months. It nearly killed me, but she's almost 3 now and sleeps til 6.30/7 most days. We've even had the occasional 7.30!

Hang in there Smile

WimpleOfTheBallet · 10/02/2011 07:50

Mine did this so I got rid of her nap. She was actally just 2 when she began to do it...I kept her up all day and then put her to bed at 6.30....it was hard that first day as she got tired at around 4....but I kept her busy...then a long bath and playtime and put her to bed at 6.30.

She's nearly three now and never naps...goes to bed at 7.30pm and gets up at 7.00 or thearabouts.

WimpleOfTheBallet · 10/02/2011 07:51

Oh I see he wont nap unless you're driving...so I asume he only sometimes has a nap. What a nightmare!

Could you keep him up really late one night? Say around 10.00? Then redue it by an hour a night?

LadyintheRadiator · 10/02/2011 07:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

pigletmania · 10/02/2011 08:58

Ever since the bad wind last week my dd 3.11 years has started doing that. Tried all my usual tactics like keep putting her back without a sound like supernanny but it's not working. Prior to this she was sleeping so well. Hope it is a phase I am like a zombie.

ScroobiousPip · 10/02/2011 08:59

4am! Poor you.

I'd also consider letting him into your bed. My DS, 2.2, is another early riser (although it's getting better, and never 4am). I leave out some books and toys (quiet ones) and he knows he can play with those on my bed if he wakes early, but he's not supposed to be noisy until the alarm goes off at 7. Doesn't work every day but sometimes he'll come in for a quiet cuddle - me with eyes closed - and other times he'll sit and play or read on my bed.

pigletmania · 10/02/2011 09:02

I agree lady, instead I just lay down with her in bed and go when she back t sleep, anything for an easy life, when they are older they won't want to sleep with you and you will have problem getting them up. Try a later bedtime, IMO 7 pm is not that late and if I put dd to bed at that time so most certainly would get up at 5am

notyummy · 10/02/2011 09:07

You could try a rabbit clock? DD was 2.6 when we started here with it and it has worked a treat. Yes, there will be a pain barrier to go through for a few days (rapid return whilst the rabbit is asleep etc)but perhaps a treat/stickers when it works/he stays in his room?

Original poster
TiredofYorks · 10/02/2011 18:25

Hi thanks for the replies.

He wouldn't go back to sleep when we let him in our bed the other day and also I think we'd struggle to get him too bed if we started that. Give him an inch and all that.

I do have a rabbit clock but can't get the stupid thing to work but will have another go.

We're going to keep him up later tonight to see if that helps.

We're also getting him a new bed tomorrow so whether that will help or hinder who knows.

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Pixieonthemoor · 10/02/2011 18:33

We had exactly the same problem and here is how we solved it on the recommendation of another friend. The whole waking at 4 or whatever time has developed into a habit. What you need to do is break up this pattern. Before you go to bed at 10 or whenever, gently shake your son so that he just stirs ie dont wake him fully. What you are aiming for is for him blearily open his eyes a tiny bit and then turn over and go back to sleep. This means that his sleep pattern is altered and you should see some improvement. Worked for us so its got to be worth giving a go!

mumbar · 10/02/2011 19:15

Pixie thats genius Grin

pigletmania · 10/02/2011 19:36

Will try that pixi, thanks very much Grin

Original poster
TiredofYorks · 10/02/2011 20:45

Thanks Pixie will definitely try that.

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