Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Sleep

Join our Sleep forum for tips on creating a sleep routine for your baby or toddler. Need more advice on your childs development? Sign up to our Ages and Stages newsletter here.

23mths - side off cot- now won't nap!

1 reply

blackcurrants · 08/06/2012 17:55

Title says it all, we took the side of about 3 weeks ago when he climbed out (and fell!). Bedtime takes about 30 minutes of putting him back in his cot and saying 'lie down!' firmly, but naptimes are a disaster. He still needs one and a half to two hours- (and gets it, at daycare, damn it!) but when I put him in his cot now, in a darkened room, and close the door - he either howls at the door for a bit, then gives up and plays - or just plays in his bedroom.

Let me add, I have nothing against him playing quietly in his bedroom, I think 10 minutes of roaming at bedtime seems to really chill him out and then he gets into his bed on his own initiative, and goes to sleep. It's just not working at naptime - he's rubbing his eyes all through lunch and then I put him in that room and he'll stay awake for two hours or more, faffing on.

DH once held him (sort of in a bear hug) on our bed at naptime - he screamed for ten minutes, flailing, then went to sleep and slept for 2 1/2 hours! I don't want to pin him down in his cot every day, but he needs to sleep and he's just not doing it. He's too fiddly and active. I can hear him chatting to himself in there now, and he's been in his room for 20 minutes.

Any thoughts on how to help him nap? I believe straightjackets aren't allowed. . . Grin

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Killergerbil · 08/06/2012 21:28

When my DS did this I kept returning him to his bed, telling him he must have a 'rest' and kept at it knowing like you that he did need to sleep. Persevere is all I can say, taking the screaming and letting it go over your head! He will get back into a routine as long as you stay consistent. Good luck!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page