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Sleep training 23 month old is it possible?

7 replies

GreyPanther · 08/12/2020 00:30

My 23 month old DS’ sleep has gone from bad to worse. We’ve gone from early wake ups (4:30 -5) to waking up randomly at 3am and not going to sleep again until 6:30am to now waking up at 11pm screaming hysterically and not going back to sleep.

He’s recently moved from his cot to a bed as he was jumping out (even with a sleeping bag on). He used to fall asleep by himself but since being in the bed he needs one of us next to him to fall asleep.

He’s currently kicking off because I’m not in with him and I just can’t cope. I’m pregnant and when I’m with him he just flops all over me and kicks me in the stomach slaps me in the face (not intentionally, just part of his movement). He also demands things he actually doesn’t really want (like milk, going downstairs, toys etc).

I just can’t cope and I don’t know what to do. His room is pitch black and warm. He takes off his sleeping bag so just has a duvet. His naps are around 1.5hrs now from about 1:30pm (he won’t sleep before this). At the childminders he barely naps (today it was 30mins)

He’s averaging 9-10hrs sleep a day and honestly I can’t cope anymore. He’s so irritable and miserable.

The only thing I can’t think of is to seek help from a sleep consultant. Would this work or is it too late. It’s frustrating as he’s not in his cot anymore so we can’t just leave him to cry it out.

Sorry this is such a jumble. I’m at my wits end and it’s got to the point where whilst I love him, I don’t like how his poor sleep is making me feel so angry and resentful. I didn’t think it was possible for his sleep to get so bad. I really wish I had sleep trained at 6 months.

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GreyPanther · 08/12/2020 00:33

Ps he’s been up since 11pm tonight. We tried to put him to bed at 6:30pm because he was up so early (5am) and napped for such a short amount of time today but he didn’t fall asleep until 7:40pm. He was telling me at 5pm he was tired.

Still showing no signs of going to sleep. I wouldn’t mind staying in his room with him until he falls asleep but he ends up taking over an hour to fall asleep and he never used to do that before.

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GreyPanther · 08/12/2020 00:41

Also, when he’s hysterical at night I don’t tend to react other than to go “shhh” or maybe hum a gentle tune to see if it will distract him. If he hits me intentionally (as opposed to just flailing his arms about) I do tell him not to hit. I try to be as boring and non reactive as possible at night.

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Mummysarah12 · 11/12/2020 13:12

I totally sympathise - I just posted a similar post. My 20 month olds sleep has crumbled, taking forever to fall asleep & waking several times at night. I am also pregnant, working full-time & getting to my wits end.

So sorry no advice just lots of sympathy & understanding x

Nichola2310 · 11/12/2020 13:18

I used a sleep consultant when my son was 14 months and have never looked back, best money I ever spent.

My friend has finally given in and used the same consultant for her son who has just turned 2, and is seeing improvements already even though they have only implemented half the sleep plan so far.

I'd recommend doing it asap.

Mrsttc2020 · 15/12/2020 16:20

Can you recommend your sleep consultant please? Thanks

Slippingcareer · 15/12/2020 17:43

She’s based in Northern Ireland but all consultations are remote at the min anyway.

Sleep training 23 month old is it possible?
GreyPanther · 17/12/2020 07:13

Thank you everyone!

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