Please help with my 20 month old

[mamablondie]

My 20 month old daughter has had a radical change in routine since this lockdown. Before, she was at nursery full time and loved it as both me and DH work. We had a very clear routine, bedtimes and weekend naps were never an issue as we just emulated the nursery timings and had outings and play dates etc.

Anyway, fast forward to Sunday and the clock changes seem to be one change too far for her. She is now not napping and taking up to two hours to settle at bedtime, we follow all the usual steps (bath, warm milk, story etc you name it we have tried).

I’m also pregnant and at breaking point though it’s only been three days, I’m expected to work from home and this is pushing me over the edge. Please help, I’m willing to try anything!

Is she getting enough exercise and stimulation to wear herself out for naps and bedtime?

Well possibly not, but with the lockdown it’s hard. And I think she’s clearly used to so much more. We do try, I take her out for a walk in the morning and then out into the garden throughout the day etc. I think it probably isn’t as much as she is used to but it’s really hard x

It's really hard to wear them out at the moment, but that is likely to be the problem. Combination of that and the clocks changing.

Could you change your walk to a run? Put dance/kids activity videos on and join in/copy the actions? Make soft play in your living room/garden? Chase her round? Get her to chase a ball? Get a small trampoline?

Setting her tasks that she can do, but has to think about, good for mental stimulation. So maybe puzzles, threading, stacking blocks, posting things into a small hole, matching colours/shapes.

You could also make a treasure bag for her, fill with interesting/novel items.

If you can combine the two then you win . For example, you sit one end of living room/garden/hallway and DP the other end. Put in the middle a bucket of people/animals or teddies/books or balls/bricks or any two items. She has to bring all of one item to you and the other thing to DP. Encourage her to run between you and make it all very exciting!

@NuffSaidSam that is a fantastic idea and we will definitely try this tomorrow! I have managed to get her down tonight, but I know naps will be another story. Thanks so much x

I have a 19mth old and have been having the same problem. I think she is just not tired enough at bed time. I cut her nap yesterday from 2hrs to 1.5hr and she went down so much easier in the evening. Was hard as I need to work in her nap time but better than a 2hr bedtime!

@MainliningChocolate naps have been another story for us as I knew they would be (even as a tiny baby she hated daytime sleeping). Only managed 45 mins today but it’s progress x