I have just read a very interesting theory on Toddler Sleep

[callmeovercautious]

I am hoping for some constructive advice.

A friend gave me Gina Fords Contented baby and Toddler book - as she used it for potty training advice. I have not got that far in but having skipped the baby bit (as I did not hold with her theories on young Babies) I have actually found something interesting that seems to have worked.

There is a scenario she describes of an 18m old. Both Parents at work, therefore toddler goes to bed late a few nights a week (ie 8pm). She says that as they are so tired they go straight into a really deep sleep and this has the effect of LO waking early (ie 6am). This is exactly like my DD.

So last night we made sure she went to bed at 7pm. She slept no problem and woke at 7.15am - the time she always used to wake She was so late I was late for work

Has anyone else read this and found it works? Or was this a co-incidence? I have done the same tonight so I will report back.

It is odd because for weeks I have been hunting down noisy car drivers etc trying to work out why she is waking early It is something to do with the change to one long daytime nap - which is also true of our current situation. I must admit a part of me does not want it to be true but have I missed something by avoiding all the baby books?

hmm well it's often touted that overtiredness and/or lack of sleep will make them sleep less.
and that sleep breeds more sleep.

so I guess it's along the same wavelength.,
glad you've fixed your problem

Well I hope I have fixed it thisisyesterday

The problem is - as usual - DP gets home late, D wants to play with him - Bedtime is more like 8 than 7.

dd goes to be no earlier than 8pm and has always done so. she also wakes around 6 to 6.30 am. It means i let her have a longer nap in the day at nursery and will continue to do so as A. waking up earlier means that everyone gets out of the house on time and to work on time. B. it is important for she and dh to have time together. C. she is sleeping longer at nursery, so what. I'd rather she sleep longer at nursery so that we can have some time with her every evening.

yes, sleep does breed sleep, i find. somenights she goes to sleep earlier than 8pm because she is tired.

A good points Kiskiddee - I really don't mind getting up at 6am - Nursery only allow 2 hours for napping so she is in a foul mood in the evenings on the days she goes there.

7 - 7 suits our household better, DP will just have to get home earlier

It seemed to work again last night as well.