Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Flip

Original poster

Waking at 300am and not going back to sleep again.

10 replies

roundabout · 12/02/2009 09:25

My dd is 2ys 5 mths and has recently started to wake at stupid o'clock in tears. We are trying controlled crying but last night we kept going for an hour before I gave in and sat with her until she fell asleep. We have a new baby (13weeks) and think it could be related, but have read that you shouldn't use controlled crying if there has been a new situation like a new baby and that it should only be used when the situation has passed. - Guess what!?! Little sis is not going anywhere?! Has anyone else been in my position, and if so what did you do?!?!?!

OP posts:

Gledhill · 12/02/2009 09:34

we had the same - my DS kept waking up really early especially when he heard us with new DS. Just awful as you're so tired from a new baby and then the day starts so early. He settled down a bit and I tried to put him down later so he was really tired and more likely to sleep through. Little DS is now 8 months and things are a better, but still have early starts sometimes.

It will get better
Hope you get some rest at some point

Original poster

roundabout · 12/02/2009 09:57

Thanks for the reassurance - If I was sure it was just early rising I might be able to deal with it a bit better but it is any time onwards from 1200 really!!! I don't remeber signing up for this!

OP posts:

johana · 12/02/2009 15:44

Oh roundabout poor you. I have only just got my ds of 1year to actually go to sleep at night!! I never thought of that problem arising in the future ugh!!
I would let her just have lots of cuddles at the mo (not that I'm an expert) as I'm sure she's feeling left out or confused as to why she's awake having been woken by little baby's crying. Try controlled crying again soon maybe

Original poster

roundabout · 12/02/2009 18:23

ha ha if it was no2 waking her I could understand it - but it's number 1 waking up babe! Love it!

OP posts:

jazzandh · 12/02/2009 19:09

Could she be overtired? I experienced similar with DS and eventually realised he was overtired and this caused waking. It would start with a cold or something, he would wae in the night for a while and it accumulated. I found (and still do he's 4) that a few early nights would stop the wake-ups in the first place.

When he did wake up - I always went in, to settle him, take him to the toilet etc, then snuggle in and leave..always being neutral and not talking too much. IF neccessary would re-visit (when DS very tired would call out again after 20 mins or so) but didn't stay in the room.

johana · 12/02/2009 21:11

Oh jeeze roundabout!! Having had a baby/toddler who did nothing but scream day and night until recently I am of no help to you . Wishing you luck and some sleep soon x

pavlovthecat · 12/02/2009 21:16

roundabout - I am with you. And we do not have a newborn. DD is 2.6, and for the last month she has done the same. Awake at 3am, almost on the dot and awake until just before I get up for work! It took us just leaving her, I guess controlled crying? We would go in once, tell her back to bed, then leave her to cry, 2 hours, then 1, then 5 mins. It sort of worked, although she still wakes from time to time for a while.

But now, she is refusing to go to sleep at night, when she used to sleep instantly, and now wakes up at 5am. Or, sometimes, she wakes at 3am, still. I have not found an answer that definitively works yet, so you have my full sympathy and understanding, I am just sorry I cannot offer you something concrete to help you. I certainly do not know whether my method for what of a better word, would suit you with a newborn.

Good luck

iwantitnow · 12/02/2009 21:46

Is your DD still having an afternoon nap - maybe cut it out if she does put her to bed earlier and maybe that will help. Due no.2 soon and crossing fingers that no.1 won't wake, although it is quite common amongst my friends.

Original poster

roundabout · 14/02/2009 19:14

Well last night was a good one and she only woke once - she has an awful cold at the moment and we did give her some night cough medicine so that might have something to do with it! She is not sleeping in the day time now - we were having such fights I decided to give it up as I was getting stressed about it! It just means it's an extremely long shift when you are up in the night and starting the day at 5 or 6! Thanks for all your sympathy and advice! If only it were ethical to drug her every night!!!!!

OP posts:

jazzandh · 15/02/2009 18:58

I would just re-iterate that if you have given up day time naps and she is up early - you really must get her into bed early. Ds is 4, gets up at 6am and is in bed at 7.10pm asleep in 5 minutes because he is tired.

At 2yrs or so up early with no day nap - I would be aiming for a 6.30pm bedtime or expecting a severe night time wake-up!

Just keep putting her to bed early until she stops the night problems and starts to wake later in the morning. You have to persevere - but it will pay off!

I have been there and you have my sympathy!

Flip