Starting to feel like I’ll never sleep again

[Magicalwoodlands]

And of course I will and it’s just a phase but in all seriousness…

DS is nearly one. He’s not the worlds worst sleeper in a way - he wakes up once overnight. The problem is he won’t go back in his own bed once he’s woken. This has always been the case but once you could sneak him back in after an hour or two. Now forget it.

I am starting to think there’s something in the rod for your own back saying as he isn’t content to sleep with you, he has to sleep on you, so you are pinned down by him. He also has a not lovely habit of head butting. I think it’s a mark of affection but it hurts.

I’m so tired and run down. Am I stuck with him until he’s about 4 or is there a way of getting him back to his own bed?

If people find it frustrating they don’t have to reply. I spent many nights following so called sleep training last summer and I really regret it to be honest, it was awful for both parties. And it didn’t work!

So yes it’s great when people have suggestions but if these suggestions don’t work, or you’re not comfortable with it (I’m not leaving my child until he vomits) then that is not a personal slight on you and I do find it really odd you’d take it as such.

The first child I did this with I was in a terrible mess. She would only sleep on me holding a fistful of my hair! I was trapped from 7pm every night and if I had to go for a wee all hell broke loose. I actually had shoulder surgery a couple of years ago as I damaged it ",sleeping" in a stress position for so long. I almost killed us more than once from lack of sleep, the worst being turning the wrong way onto a road into fast moving traffic. I was broken, I made so many errors at work and was often sick through exhaustion.Tried gradual retreat and it was AWFUL at first, she was so angry with me and I sobbed on the stairs whilst DH did it. But on night 4 it got easier and by about night 10 she slept from 9pm to 5am! She was 10 months old. When my next child came along I didn't hesitate to do it again.

Just highlighting that I have been there and I know how hard it is but it will work in time.

Hi OP one thing I learned was that just because something doesn't work for your baby at that point doesn't mean it won't months or years later. Things change so quickly developmentally.

@Magicalwoodlands

If people find it frustrating they don’t have to reply. I spent many nights following so called sleep training last summer and I really regret it to be honest, it was awful for both parties. And it didn’t work!

So yes it’s great when people have suggestions but if these suggestions don’t work, or you’re not comfortable with it (I’m not leaving my child until he vomits) then that is not a personal slight on you and I do find it really odd you’d take it as such.

He would've been way too young at that point.

He was seven and a half months it may be something I think about in the upcoming weeks, right now it’s about survival I think!

I would second the just go for your survival approach having had the most awful sleeper myself. It ain't worth all the heart ache, tears, vomit etc in my opinion anyway.

Do you think you could ever gently slide him off you once asleep and then just co-sleep with him?

Either way, he isn't going to do it forever. X

I haven't slept through the night since DS was born - 8 years ago ! I feel your pain. I tried everything too. Nothing and I mean NOTHING worked. He is now about to receive his ASD and ADHD diagnosis so I'm happy that no matter whose advice I'd have taken, none of it would have made a difference 🤣