Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

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.

Toddler bedtime nightmares

6 replies

cvchap · 28/05/2013 20:50

Our 31 month old just went into his big bed one month ago.

It's been a nightmare since. First few nights were great. Then he got very ill and it all went wrong. He's now better, but every night is a battle. He first tried getting up a trillion times. We did rapid return consistently. Now he's not doing that so much, rather he's crying his eyes out in bed and pleading for me to come back in and comfort him.

His routine is bath, PJs, brush teeth, choose book, milk and book in bed, then three nursery rhymes. The idea is that he then goes to sleep... he's not doing this and is crying his eyes out for more songs once I leave the room.

His Dad and I are about to kill each other. Every night is hell on earth. I work very long days and I'm up at 5:30am to get ready for work. We cannot go on like this. Any tips greatly appreciated.

Rapid return isn't quite doing the trick...

OP posts:
peachypips · 28/05/2013 20:56

Can you put him back in a cot? I know I'll be flamed for that in a minute, but it may be better to start again later! DS1 was in a cot until 3.8 and DS2 is still in a cot at 2.8.

PoppyWearer · 28/05/2013 21:00

What if you lie down next to him until he goes to sleep? Just until he's used to it, then try gradually retreating.

When they get sick everything gets messed up. Sad. Am dealing with a bit of that myself with my DC2 at the moment.

peachypips · 28/05/2013 21:11

Getting sick does mess it all up. Maybe going back to cot is silly.
Will he respond to controlled crying?

SharkSkinThing · 29/05/2013 12:23

How about a little night light in his bed? I bought my DS a Peppa Pig one off amazon for a fiver, and he has it in bed. I do remember my DS, who is nearly 3, seeming to be afraid of his room suddenly, so this helped.

It takes them ages and ages to get used to the big bed. My DS went in to his 3 weeks ago and it's still fun and games.

omama · 30/05/2013 14:36

What time r u putting him to bed? Does he still nap & if so, when & how long for? Ime getting that worked up is usually a sign of not being tired enough. He might need a later bedtime, shorter nap or both.x

KatoPotato · 30/05/2013 14:38

How long is he crying for?

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread