To ask you about 16mo sleep

[DontFundHate]

Sorry I know iabu but posting for traffic.

I recently weaned DS2 16mo from breastfeeding as started medication last week. He didn't mind at all except that I had been breastfeeding him to sleep which worked very well and was quick! Now sleep time is hard. I give him some warm milk, story, then I lie in the cot with him until he falls asleep... Lots of him chatting, cooing, getting up and down... It takes about 90mins!!! Any advice? Do I need to do the whole "just nipping to the loo" thing and keep popping in and out? Should his room be totally dark? Never had this with DS1 so totally totally clueless! Hope someone can help!!

We're totally changed DDs bedtime routine at a similar age to break the breastfeeding cycle. Rather than doing what we always did but just swapping breastmilk for cup.

Now she has her bath and PJs. Comes downstairs for milk and story. Goes back up for teeth brushing, hair brushing and then straight into bed.

Thank you bean. How did your dd take to getting into bed by herself? Did she just get in and you left her to fall asleep by herself? It's this but I'm really struggling with. I wondered if a bed with covers instead of cot and sleeping bag might help? I'd be so grateful for any more advice!

this bit not but

When I stopped breastfeeding we decided that once DS was in the cot he wasn't allowed out.

So would give him some warm milk on me and then put in his cot. I would sit next to him sing, rub his back but he would have to stay in and lie down. If he got up I would lie him back down.

If he got really upset I would pick him up until he calmed down then put him back but only had to do it a couple times.

After 3 days he would stay lying down. It's now 6 months since I did it and he's now happy for me to leave the room and he babbles to sleep. (Unless he's poorly)

The cot and sleeping bag should be fine, but I really think you're making a rod for your own back by staying in there with him until he's asleep. He needs to learn to go to sleep on his own.

I'd suggest you do your routine, get him into bed. Say goodnight and then leave. Then it's up to you what technique you want to use, whether it's shh and pat, or going in every couple of minutes. I'd advise that you don't actually TALK to him when you go back in, just soothe with a stroke or a pat and get him to lie back down again. It might take a few nights but once it's done you'll not have to spend 90 minutes a night for the next lord knows how many years lying with your child until he sleeps.

Meep what a lovely way to do it :)

I agree with the 'once in bed you stay in bed' rule. Be consistent OP! Consistency is the key.

Thank you all. Haha yes I never got the "rod for your own back" until DS1, he's 5 and we still have to hold his hand to sleep hence why I'm so clueless, so keen to try something different this time!