Ds won't sleep in his own bed,

[JammyK]

At Xmas we had some spare money so we bought ds2 a bed in the sale. He was always really good in his cot but my brother's just become a Dad and we promised that they could have the cot as we don't want anymore children. So the cot's gone and ds has been in his bed now for about 4wks. He's always really good at going off to sleep but he wakes up at around 2am every morning and screams if we put him back to bed. So we usually bring him in to sleep with us. I'm afraid to let him scream at that time of night as we have neighbours on both sides and the walls are thin. Also he has woken ds1 up several times and that's not really fair. Any suggestions? Thanks.

ds2 was 2 last wk by the way

Is it really a big deal to you?

I would either get a matress and put it by his bed and settle him back in his bed you sleep next to him, or make up an extra bed by your bed so it doesn't disturb you.

My dd keeps asking for her baby cot and wanting it back - it's been gone for about 2 months and she's nearly 3.5 - can't tell whether she is just moaning or genuinely misses the familiarity of sleeping in her cosy cot.

I'd just like to get back to normal, we never had any problems with ds1 when he went into a bed. I know all children are different though. I'm fed up with the disturbed sleep and I don't think it's really healthy for a child to get into a routine of sharing the parental bed like this. I just don't know how to break the habit. ???

Why's he screaming - is it that he's unfamiliar with being in a bed, or is he having a bad dream? Does he settle in easily and happily at bedtime? If he does then maybe it's not the bed at all, but a bad dream that's waking him.

I hadn't thought of that but I don't think it is as he's quite happy when he's getting out of bed, he only starts crying when we put him back in the bed. He was always fine in the cot but obviously when he first got out of his bed I should've put him straight back cos now he expects to come in with us every night!

Is he old enough to talk to you and explain? If so, tell him before he goes to sleep tonight that if he comes into your bed in the night, you're going to take you back, but that you'll stay until he's okay and there might be a treat next day as a reward if he doesn't make a fuss about it. Don't get into bed with him, but keep a blanket to wrap round yourself by the bed and sit near the bed for a few minutes. With a bit of luck he'll drop off back to sleep quickly. After a couple of nights, he won't even get out of his own bed as he'll know there's no point. It might take a few nights of you curled up on the floor next to his bed, but he'll soon go back to resettling himself.

My dd (2.7) has always come into bed with me in the small hours. I've just started to put her back in her bed and find its easier if I stay close but dont cuddle too much when first put her to bed, and just do the same when I put her back. There were a few tears to begin with but tbh I think it's near impossible to make these changes at this age with none, everyone just has to put up with it for a few days, then (apparently, I haven't quite got to this bit yet!), you can move further away gradually after putting him in bed. My dd is fine so far as long as I stay close, so will have to do the moving away very slowly! I also put an extra blanket to provide her with extra 'cuddle', which seems to work.