Overtired toddler refusing to nap and I have a newborn too

[Newbietwo]

That, basically. Toddler usually a good sleeper. Needs a story, milk and a cuddle for his nap but settles himself and sleeps for 1 1/2 or so. Dh changed him into a bed a week ago.

First week at home with the newborn and toddler on my own. Aside from Monday, he’s got more boisterous during the nap routine and then runs around the house. He is pretty well behaved usually, so this is new.

Never had this before with him. I am pretty teary right now as he is tired and I can’t face getting them both ready to go out in the buggy so he has a sleep.

What do I do? I’ve put him back in his bed a few times and told him that he’s tired and he needs a sleep. I’m not engaging in play with him right now and will talk to him later.

He is shattered! I can’t face everyday doing this nap routine then having to walk him to sleep in the buggy anyway. I haven’t done that since he was really small!

I know there’s lots of change for him. He’s been really good with ds2 but is used to having mummy all to himself. Plus new bed etc. I would do anything to settle him as i will be much more fun to be around if I can have a rest too in the day.

How old is he?

22 months

Sounds tough. Can you rock him in the buggy in the house?
Will he watch the iPad? Could you all get into bed with it?

Could just be naps are coming to an end. Both mine had stopped by then - around 18 months ( one just as I discovered I was pg with DC2). They were really tired to start with, do we used to have a quiet time instead with stories.

Thanks both.

Maybe naps are phasing out. I’d thought- because he’s slept instantly and for ages in the buggy once I’ve left the house- that he still needed it.

I would say thats young to drop nap and be in a bed. all toddlers go through periods of nap refusal but it's much harder to insist if they're not in a cot. keep persevering. he's testing boundaries now your baby has arrived. just be consistent and patient - easier said than done.
it's a really tough time and you have a small age gap wvich makes it harder. it gets easier.

close the curtains put an afternoon film on with a drink of milk all get in the sofa within the first 30mins both mine used to be asleep.

Thanks again. Lots of ideas. Think I’m going to keep going with the nap routine for the next few days and be consistent, and try to feel more patient with him. Then I’ll try a quiet time idea if that doesn’t work!

I’d put him back in the cot! My DD is nearly 3 and still in it, she doesn’t always sleep in the day now, but at least she can’t escape if she needs to! On days she doesn’t nap and I’m at home with her and the newborn, I stick on s film so she at least has some down time.

I'd reintroduce the cot! I only put my DD into a bed at 2.5yrs and her naps stopped shortly after that - it was more effort keeping her in bed than it was worth.