What am I missing with regard to getting my baby to sleep in his cot?

[Iceandmist]

He’s never been the best sleeper but I’m barely functioning with lack of sleep now.

Goes to bed at 8, wakes between 10 and 11.

Then wakes between 1 and 2. Won’t go back in cot. Takes around 60-90 minutes until he gives in.

And he’s still having milk in the night which he shouldn’t need … (he is 12 months) don’t know what to do!

Have read Lucy Wolfe and Sarah ockwell smith and neither seem to work for us. Do I just have to wait until he’s older?

How do you normally get her to sleep? Where does she sleep now?

Normally falls to sleep at night relatively easily. I have managed drowsy but awake a handful of times - it takes longer - but makes no discernible difference to night sleep.

How do you mean where does he sleep now, sorry?

I think you want to make middle-of-the-night wakings as unrewarding as possible for him. So no milk, no interaction. Just gentle, soothing patting with no eye contact or cuddles. This worked (eventually) with DD. It did take a week or two though.