Getting toddler to fall asleep

[sauchiehall]

I have 2 DDs, 2 years and 7 months old. At the moment both need someone with them to fall asleep which is fine if I’m not on my own with them but a bit more tricky if it’s just me! On the days when I’m on my own I usually bring them both into DD1s room and wait for her to fall asleep then settle DD2 but it’s getting harder to do as DD2 becomes more mobile!

I’ve currently been sitting in DD1s room for an hour and is she is refusing to nap even though I know she is tired...At night it can take up to an hour (sometimes more!) for her to fall asleep, and DH usually has to sit with her while I put DD2 to bed.

I’ve looked into different sleep training techniques. I don’t really want to have her crying, but I do want her to be able to fall asleep either on her own or at least a bit quicker than she is at the moment!

I guess I’m just wondering if anyone has any ideas that might help or can at least tell me I’m not alone! Thanks.

I can understand why you're finding it difficult.

For the daytime nap, could you put her into your bed and all have a lie down? You could always get up again once she's asleep if you really want to. Toddlers often nap better somewhere they don't sleep at night.

Alternatively, could you put her in the pushchair and walk till she's asleep?

If you want to give her some positive sleep associations, have you tried the No Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers?

@JiltedJohnsJulie I don't think lying in the bed would work unfortunately as whenever she comes into our room she just wants to play at "going back to bed" where she covers and uncovers herself and says "goodnight" and "good morning"!

I might try the double buggy - I think I would just need to walk for a while as DD2 tends to wake as soon as you stop moving if she's asleep in the buggy.

I think I did read that back when DD1 was a few months old but I might have another look and see if I can find anything. Thanks!

Just realised it was a different book I read when she was a baby so I'll have a look at the one you've suggested.

Most techniques your child will cry because you are changing the habit - if you want to change it you have to accept a little resistance

OnlyFools, yeah I guess there will be some resistance - I just meant in original post that I don't really want to do a technique where I leave her to cry for an extended period of time. Id imagine there may be a few tears along the way (maybe mine if nap time continues to be so difficult!!)