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21 months old still wont sleep- at a loss thinks its play time

2 replies

caringmummy · 11/07/2012 20:55

hello, was after some advice please, my little girl will not sleep. She goes through stages, were she is ok for a few weeks then were back to non sleeping, she wouldnt stay in her cot, so she eventually ended up in our bed. I have bought her a big girl minnie bed thinking she may go in it, instead she kisses the headboard climbs on the bed n kisses the border n comes back in our rooom, she then wakes up 3-4 in the morning shouting minnie minnie i get her a teddy but she wants to go in her room n play she stands up in the bed occassionaly buts the wall the wall whilst doing so, she just wont seem to settle she used to fall asleep after her last bottle she is so full of energy,

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Bossybritches22 · 11/07/2012 21:42

When you say wouldn't stay in her cot what do you mean? Climbed out or just cried?

I would say she is pushing the boundaries linightke they all do at this age.

Whatever you decide to do, stick to it for a good month.Sounds like her cot again would be best so you can contain her safely!

Bath, bottle, book ,bed. Then no fuss, no other attention, just a big hug & kiss & "night night" & gently push her down. Rub her back/tummy quite firmly, maybe play some favourite nursery rhymes or tunes & keep lying her down when she bounces up.

If she wakes in the night, leave her as long as you can bear it then go in & repeat the above. It is boring & repetitive ( for you AND her!) but it helps her to realise its nightime & sleep time not play time.

She'll get there!Grin

OhTheConfusion · 11/07/2012 22:08

Firstly, we have all been there and it is frustrating and exhausting but it passes.

Can she escape from her cot? If not I would suggest putting her back ino the cot as it is the safest option if she is waking alot. Try to establish a good routine - bath, pj's, story, milk and bed seemed to work best for my elder 2DC's (we will see with DC3 in time!). Then into the cot, a good night DD and leave the room.

If she cries wait as long as you can before hysteria sets in and go back in to re-assure her you are there but it is time to sleep, stroke her back or face but don't keep repeating the hug/kiss of the origional bedtime or you will be there all night. Repeat the same throughout the night.

Also try to alternate between your DH/P and yourself as you don't want a child who will only go to sleep for her mummy.

Good luck :)

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