Overtired toddler -heeeelp!

[7dayslater]

DS was two on Saturday.

He doesn't nap everyday, but usually needs a long nap every 2/3 days or if he's woken early.

Today he needs to nap, he's exhausted & is throwing tantrums every 5 minutes. I've been trying for 45 minutes, every time I leave the room he climbs out of his cot & is playful/giggling. When I go back in and put him in his cot he screams & just climbs out again.

It's exhausting & happens frequently. Anybody have advice or experience?

If you put some books or toys in there does he just throw them out? If not you could try that and leave the room. He might get distracted enough to crash.

Can to lie down on the bed with him and talk to him quietly until he calls down?

We used to call this missing the ‘sleepy window’ and going into the ‘weird window’.

Maybe try popping him in car or buggy to try and get to sleep? Does he transfer ok?
Good luck!

Yeah, I would be tempted to go out for a powerwalk with him in the pushchair, with a sunshade to keep the light from stopping him dropping off.

Or put a video of cricket or golf on! That would get me off in two minutes.

Talking book?

Id abandon trying to get him to nap altogether and take him to a park or something.

He has to sleep at some point.....you will win this battle!

Sorry for a late reply! He didn't sleep in the end.

I've tried lying in his bed but he won't settle. I've also given him books to entertain himself until he (hopefully) sleeps, but he just climbs out anyway.

He's just gone to bed exhausted, he only had about 10 hours of sleep last night and it's just not enough for him - he's so full of energy & is an extremely active toddler so it's a tricky one.

Climbs out of his cot? Seriously needs to go into a bed or get side taken off his cot pronto that could be dangerous

Another vote for the car or pram.

The other thing I’d suggest is something pretty solid & carby before bed - may not be any good for naps. Also I sometimes find they need to have a proper screaming tanty to get it out of their system, then a big feel better cuddle will send them off.

Can you try an earlier bedtime if he’s missing out on day time sleep. Mine always goes to bed at half six on a no nap day. Seems to sleep better the earlier she goes to sleep

Thank you all.

DS has finally had a nap today! It's been 2 hours & counting I guess he just doesn't need regular naps anymore, or it's just a stubborn phase.

He'll be moved into a toddler bed soon. He sleeps through the night (usually) and goes to bed at 7pm happily.