'Humping' to sleep! Any one else? How to stop?

[AmIGoingMad]

My DS 2 1/2 'humps' his bed to go to sleep. He has done for a while now and I don't know what to do to get him to stop. He's making holes in his nappies some nights and has even made his bits sore.

Anyone else experienced this it know how to stop it please?!?! I'm at the end of my tether. Am going to contact HV on Monday to ask for her advice but was up all last night and am driving myself mad.

My DS used to do this too. He grew out of it.

A diversion tactic? Would it be possible to read a bedtime story till he goes to sleep?

I would just ignore it to be honest

It's perfectly normal. Many small children carry out repetitive behaviours ('humping', rocking, head banging) when settling to sleep and they grow out of it in time.

Thanks that's reassuring.

We always read two stories and hug until he's just about to go to sleep but then try to leave the room before he actually goes to sleep ( other sleep issues with previously freaking out if one of us wasn't there if he woke in the night). Then go to check on him every few minutes and he's always 'humping'.

He's been doing this for well over a year now and it seems to be getting worse not better.

I can see what you're saying about trying to ignore but he's actually chafing his willy until its sore now that's why we really need him to stop now.

Is there something else we could encourage to replace it?

Anyone?

Engage in as many rhythmic behaviours as you can during the day, banging drums that sort of thing. Can you leave him some music to listen to as he falls asleep? Especially something with a clear rhythm. A ticking clock might help too.

Could you get him to lie down on his back whilst stories read etc and just read, talk very soothingly until he falls over? Then over time move yourself out of the room?

My daughter has humped since She was little. We just said to her it was private and to be gone in her own bed. She's now 9 and I presume she's still does it but doesn't tell me lol. Just leave him be

Rub his foot against the bed for him while you read his stories.

He'll start rubbing his foot up and down against his sheet to fall asleep, instead of humping.

It may take a while before he fully 'takes' to the new activity, but it should work. He may need socks if he does it too hard, but feet are pretty hardy, so it's the recommended activity!

Thank you- I will definitely try that out.

I'd like to ' leave him be' but his willy is getting really sore so he can't go on like this.

Tonight we stayed with him til he was asleep but he still managed it by the time we came up to bed.