Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

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.

Toddle sleep issues

3 replies

clairebee2003 · 29/06/2017 20:17

Hoping someone can help. My daughter will be 3 in August and has never been a great sleeper but we got back from holiday about a month ago and she is a nightmare. She goes down ok ish - usually falls asleep while we read stories. But then she will wake around midnight screaming for me. I go in and settle her and sometime get away with 'im going to the toilet, be back in a minute' Even if that works she will wake up a few hours later screaming. The only thing that stops her is if me or my husband lie on the floor next to her cot. We are both so wrecked and frustrated from it. I'm wondering if taking the side of her cot might help in case she feels a bit trapped but I think it is mainly separation anxiety. Anyone been through this before!? help!

OP posts:
FATEdestiny · 29/06/2017 20:51

I think if you take the side off the cot instead of her waking and screaming for you, she'll get up and come into your room. Maybe that will be easier for you? Maybe being able to cuddle her while you lie on the floor in her room will help? But it won't actually resolve the problem.

This is behaviour issue and I would test it as such. It's unwelcome behaviour, she is behaving in a way you don't want her to. So for her own good you need to correct that behaviour, whether she likes it or not.

So I would stop reading until she's aslerp asleep at bedtime. And stop lying next to her in the night. Develop a mantra you say: "sleep time now, we lie down quietly at sleep time. Nan night" (or whatever) and repeat it every time.

Explain to her what will be happening. Give her plenty of forewarning and set clear expectations.

At bedtime read one story then into the cot fully awake. And let battle commence....

I'd go in and out of the room at times intervals. Repeat the mantra, don't expect to calm her down just repeat your expectations and leave. Over and over and over and over again.

Same in the middle of the night. Expect a tough week and a very tough 2 or 3 days initially. But be consistant.

Maybe she'll scream so much she's sick? It happens. Just clean it up, clean her up. And continue where you left off. Maybe she'll climb out the cot? Be cross with her - as you would with anything dangerous she might do. Tell her off. Then carry on as you were.

clairebee2003 · 30/06/2017 11:51

Thanks for your advice, we know we need to be more firm with her. Its so tough when I'm exhausted not to cave and just sleep on the floor but it's gone on too long now and doesn't show any sign of stopping by itself. Consistency is key and we need to have a plan for this battle. Thanks!

OP posts:
mellongoose · 06/07/2017 07:01

How is it going Claire?

What you have described is similar to my DD (3 in Sept). I wondered if you were seeing any success following FATE's brilliant advice.

Which, btw, I've now nicked and will try tonight!!!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page