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2 under 2 chaos

1 reply

Nellybellyfrillytilly · 30/06/2022 07:47

Is anyone able to shed some light on what’s happening with our 2 year old (2 next month).

She has never been a great sleeper, had reflux as a baby and hated being on her back/led down, both DH and I spent ALOT of time walking up and down the living room while she slept in our arms at night.

Her sleep improved at about 9 months when she went in her own room (we blacked it out, white noise and I guess not having DH and I sleeping in the same room helped)

For about 6 months her sleep has not been right, we put it down to regression/teething and just had to ride the wave but then we had a baby 3 months ago and it’s got even worse since then.

She will sleep at the usual time but then wake a few hours later and that’s it for the night, she’s up and won’t go back to sleep without being on someone. We can’t get her back in the cot and end up sleeping in a chair in her room, with her on us, just so everyone can get some sleep.

My husband tried to cosleep but she just plays in the bed until it’s time to wake up. I’ve even tried getting in the cot with her but she finds it fun. We’ve tried encouragement, being strict, crying it out (it winds her up more and she will throw up).

The last 2 nights have been the worst, she was asleep by 8.30pm and then up at 11pm, she’s been awake until we napped her at 11am - awake at 1pm. What do we do?!

When she’s awake in the night we don’t encourage play, we will rock her in her chair, try leaving her in the cot, hold hands, Pat her back, try taking her in the spare room with my DH, she’s more than happy to sleep on us but not in a bed and won’t be transferred into her cot again.

We’ve altered her diet so she’s not snacking as much, or rather healthier snacks to fill her up rather than sweet biscuits. trying to get her to eat bigger meals and yoghurt before bed, as she wont drink cows milk.

Her approx times are below (not sure the last time she stuck to this)
Wake - 6-7am
Nap - 12-2pm
Bathtime - 6.30pm
Asleep by 8-8.30pm

Any ideas much appreciated, 2 very tired parents here 😩

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
MolliciousIntent · 30/06/2022 08:18

Honestly, I'd usually suggest cosleeping but if that isn't working I think you're just going to have to tough it out. In the cot, night night darling, out, door shut. Pop in every 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 minutes, comfort briefly, night night darling, out, door shut.

Prepare for the possibility that she might be sick - double sheet the bed and have spare PJs/duvet ready. Get her changed and cleaned, quick cuddle, in the cot, night night darling, out, door shut. Do not give up. Do not give in. Do not negotiate, chat, cuddle, rock, sing. Do not deviate. Make a plan, stick to it like it's law, be prepared for a fucking dreadful week and make sure she gets lots of good quality time in the day.

This sounds harsh, but you're in dire straits here and you need to take drastic action. This situation is unsustainable and you need to get to grips with it right now. Your daughter is not getting anywhere near enough sleep and that's really not good for her.

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