Almost 2yr old screaming for 2hrs + at night

[lmw88]

So my nearly 2yr old (2 in May) has recently started wakening in the night screaming and resisting going back to sleep for 2hrs +. Coming up to nap time she recognises she’s tired and will start saying no going to bed / no nap. Nap is usually 12.30-2/2.30. She has the same night routine and happily heads off for bed.

Im having to hold her to sleep but she’s wakening on transfer and it’s back to resisting again. She’ll happily lie on me to sleep. Won’t lie beside me in bed. I’ve tried holding her hand in the cot, playing music, she has no comforts and hates anything else being in her cot. I’ve also tried to let her cry a few minutes at a time but an hour in she’ll still be going strong and I just cave.

Has anyone else experienced this? I’ve read it could be night terrors / separation anxiety.

a few months ago I could have just popped her into the cot and she would have got herself off to sleep.

from a very tired / frustrated mama.

I'm confused as to whether your problem is naps or nighttime? You mention screaming for 2 hours at night so assume it's night time. But the 2 things could be linked 🤔

So for night time is she screaming still when you take her out of the cot, cuddle her etc? Or is she screaming alone in the cot? Because you can't leave to cry or scream for an hour you have to pick up your baby who is obviously distressed.

Maybe cutting out the naps might work but 2 years old is a bit early for this. However it's probably worth a try but you'll have to bring bedtime forward

Also since she's almost 2 assume she can walk so probably should be out of the cot or at least have the side off so she can get out and come to you.

She’s wakening in the night screaming and resisting going back to sleep for 2hrs. Settles when she’s laying on me but as soon as I try to move or transfer her back in then she gets really upset again. I haven’t left her for an hour straight crying. I meant in and out every few minutes to resettle and try again to put her down.

she’s really tired for her midday nap so really don’t think I could stretch her out for the whole day. Generally she does go down much easier at nap time.

re the cot I don’t think it’s the issue. She hates coming into our bed and I don’t think she’d get the concept of staying in the bed. She also hates blankets or duvet so still in a sleeping bag.

thanks for taking the time to reply.

Sounds really difficult OP. I think in your position I’d try the nap somewhere else. Maybe take her out first a walk or a drive and see if she’ll nap in the buggy or car? Alternatively is there another bed you could put her in with a bed guard? I know a couple of Mums who’ve done naps and nighttime sleep in different places and both have said they think that it worked for them.

The other thing it might be is hunger? Have a read of this guide from the Caroline Walker Trust just to see if you can add in a few calories ties in the day, if that’s needed at all.

You might find the No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddler & Preschoolers helpful too

@BunnyRuddington thanks so much for the above definitely a few helpful tips that I’ll look into. Thankfully last night was much much better she woke for 30mins but was able to content her in the cot and sing her back to sleep.

Might be worth shortening her nap if the split nights continue, it worked for us.

Just thought I’d update….suddenly it has all fallen into place and she’s doing full nights 7.30-6ish. Still needs a little bit of company and reassurance to fall asleep but all in all we’re happy again!