How/where do I start

[Rachaelc1981]

Hi, I’m after some advice on how to start sleep training my 2.5 year old. So our nightly rountine consists of him falling asleep in my arms with night light and white noise on, and I then transfer him into his bed. He sleeps there for a few hours then wakes up for no reason as in he’s not hungry or wet/dirty. I start putting him to bed at about 8.30pm. He falls asleep quite easily. So once he wakes up I have to settle him in my arms then transfer back into bed. This goes on until I just give up at about 2am and end up sleeping in the sofa with him. I know the issue is that he falls asleep in my arms, so what I’m asking is can anyone suggest how I can break this cycle and get him to sleep in his own bed? I am absolutely exhausted and I really need some decent sleep. Please don’t judge me and point out the obvious, I really need some help. Thank you I’m advance

How did you get into this mess? Did you ever consider putting him into his cot and closing the door? I know it sounds harsh but that’s what we used to do. If he is now in a bed it will be harder but you have to just tell him that he is going to bed and has to stay there. the first few nights will be hard but he will soon get the message.

Does he nap- wake up time? 8.30 is very late and be much be shattered.

My advice is cut any naps- wake up at 7.30- keep the day calm if you are dropping a nap. Bed at 7.30- white noise etc is fine, explain you are going and this is his room. When he wakes keep putting back in bed without engaging just “night night time” and walk out- ignore cries, go back every 5mins to reput in bed if needed. Stay strong

He’s still in a cot which would make it easier !

Thank you for your reply, I think that’s the part I will struggle with (staying strong), he sometimes naps during the day but not every day. He falls asleep fine but it’s the staying asleep which is the issue. Thank you for your advice, it’s definitely something to think about trying

Thing is habit it so hard to break, toddlers are so wilful but if they are safe and fed and watered you know the tears are just down to the change.