Hi! Thanks in advance for advice.
Son is almost 3. In a roomy cot, in a cool, dark room (blackout blinds). Has been same set-up since he was 1 and was always early to rise (5-6am) but over past 3 months it's been 4.20 almost every day. No new noises disturbing him at that time and room dark. Goes down to sleep awake and happy, so not scared of dark. Sleeps through night. Refuses a cuddly toy/blankie for bed. Eats well, is very happy during day. Is now dropping naps but this problem pre-dates that. No big changes to routine or development. He wakes at 4.20 every day crying and screaming for us. We tried soothing and returning him again and again for a week but he gets completely hysterical and screams so controlled crying techniques are out (please - no judgement). He just wants to go downstairs and won't stop screaming until that happens - we've tried cuddles and returning him for over an hour and it doesn't calm him. We've tried a nightlight and staying with him too. He's not cold or hot. We don't know what else to do other than make the transition to a toddler bed and gro clock where he can (hopefully!!) get up and play quietly till at least 5. But we are both exhausted - as is he, and can't face the (probably inevitable) broken nights just yet. Should we just bite the bullet or is there something else we could try? He's happy in his cot at bedtime and thru the night(we hear him wake then self settle back to sleep). Thanks all.